Mesothelioma Aid : Financial Plan For Mesothelioma Patients

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can impose a heavy financial burden on both the patient and their family. Few patients can afford to completely pay their own way when it comes to treatment, relying on medical insurance to cover at least a portion of the cost; individuals who are uninsured or under insured, generally need to seek financial assistance from other sources. Although there is no typical cost for cancer care, it is not unusual for medical bills to escalate quickly beyond six figures.

Having the knowledge that resources are available, is the first step in coping financially with a diagnosis of mesothelioma. There are organizations and programs on the local, state and federal levels that can help, and compensation is also available to those diagnosed with mesothelioma through the manufacturers of the products that caused their illness. Making sound financial decisions for the future of your family is important, and addressing these issues early on will give you the peace of mind to concentrate fully on your medical care.

Paying For Your Treatment

Part of dealing with mesothelioma realistically involves thinking through how you will pay for your treatment, and ultimately, how your family will be taken care of. Diagnosis, treatment and sometimes support services are expensive, and you may not be able to work full-time during this period, or you may be retired.

Without insurance it may be difficult to obtain the medical treatment of your choice, and even people who have medical insurance will need to do some finanical planning at this time. Resolving financial issues early on will lift the burden of worrying about your medical care and the well-being of your family.

If you are covered under an individual or group health plan, you should talk with your claims representative to find out exactly what your plan will cover. Plans can vary greatly on what types of treatment are covered, on the length of hospital stays and on the amount you must pay before your coverage begins. Some plans cover home care services, others do not.

If you are over the age of 65 or are disabled, the Medicare program may provide some health care benefits. Many people on Medicare have supplemental insurance policies to cover what Medicare does not. You can inquire about your eligibility for Medicare by contacting your local Social Security Office or the Medicare Hotline,1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Some people on Medicare are also eligible for Medicaid. You can find out about eligibility requirements for their services by contacting your state or local department of social services or through the federal government's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (formerly known as the Health Care Financing Administration) website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/

Financial compensation may also be available to mesothelioma patients and their families through claims against the manufacturers of products which contained asbestos. It is widely acknowledged that asbestos is the cause of mesothelioma. For more information on your legal rights, legal services and compensation for which you may be eligible, contact a mesothelioma lawyer.

to be continued...