Managing Financial Hardship When You Have Mesothelioma

Dana NolanLicensed Mental Health Counselor

Association of Oncology Social Workers (AOSW) Study

A 2009 AOSW survey about financial stress caused by cancer showed:

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30% of cancer patients delay getting prescriptions filled because of financial hardship.

22% skip doses of prescribed medications because they can’t afford refills.

40% report depleting their savings because of copays, deductibles or household bills. 66% of those having cancer-related financial problems suffer from depression or anxiety.

What Causes Financial Hardship?

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Decreased income of patient, caregiver or both because of illness and inability to work.

Delays in getting disability benefits from VA or Social Security.

Employers’ lack of short-term disability.

What Causes Financial Hardship?(con’t)

Increased medical and personal costs:

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Copays and deductible payments for doctor visits, medications, diagnostics and treatment.

Transportation costs to and from treatment and hospital parking (airfare and hotel if traveling to see a mesothelioma specialist).

Hiring help for maintenance around house or yard.

Types of Financial Assistance Available

Help may be available for:

CopaysTransportation costsBabysittingMedications Household expenses Medical supplies, including wigs or

prosthetics

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Federal and State Financial Assistance

Federal Level: Social Security Disability (not income- or asset-based), Supplemental Security Income and VA benefits.

State Level: Food assistance programs, Temporary Cash Assistance and Medicaid. Each state varies greatly in its level of assistance. States that pay more income or property taxes generally have more financial resources available to those in a medical crisis.

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Local Financial Assistance

County or Municipal level: Some counties or cities have programs for residents

in crises. Visit your city or county website for financial assistance available.

You should apply for assistance at these resource levels.

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Financial Support from Private and Nonprofit Sector

Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (http://www.cancerfac.org/) connects cancer patients to many financial resources and services.

Search by diagnosis, location and type of support needed.

Hint: Don’t limit your search to just “mesothelioma” resources. Select resources for “all diagnoses.”

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Organizations Offering Assistance

CancerCare (cancercare.org)

American Cancer Society (cancer.org)

Angel Flight (angelflight.com)

Joe’s House (joeshouse.org)

Copay Relief (copays.org)

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Local Hospital Resources

Hospital or oncology clinic social workers: Are knowledgeable about local, community resources only available to patients in your community. Can help navigate complicated social service and government agencies to expedite benefits. Some hospitals have their own transportation, accommodation and other resources for their patients.

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Prescription Assistance

Most pharmaceutical companies offer free or reduced-priced medications to patients without prescription coverage.

Need to apply directly through the pharmaceutical company.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (pparx.org) connects patients with potential sources of prescription assistance.

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Tips for Finding Financial and Practical Support

Be exhaustive and repetitive in your search (some organizations get grants to fund programs annually for different diagnoses).

When friends or family members ask if they can help, let them research and apply for assistance on your behalf.

Talk to your hospital or oncology clinic social worker for local resources not available on national databases.

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Take Home Messages

Many mesothelioma patients experience financial problems.

There are financial and practical resources (transportation, accommodation, supplies) available to mesothelioma patients.

Resources available can vary greatly at state and local levels.

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Contact Information

1-800-615-2270

(800) 615-2270