16th December 2022
What to do before and after getting a cancer treatment bill
Cancer is devastating in its own right. Add the financial costs to the situation and it's easy to feel helpless. But it's important to remember that there are concrete steps you and your family can take to manage the situation.
Here are some great tips from Caitlin Donovan, director of public relations at the National Patient Advocate Foundation , on what to do before and after receiving an offer of cancer treatment.
Before you get a cancer treatment quote
Getting a high quote for treatment can change your life. It is extremely important that patients know they have rights and options if a catastrophic bill arrives for them.
Look for cheap prescriptions
Check different pharmacies to see who offers the best price for your prescription. If you fall below a certain income level, the manufacturer may have a program to help you access that medication. It never hurts to ask for help, and it can certainly help.
Try to stay in-network with your insurance
Make sure you know your insurance network and try to stay within it.
Go to your personal doctor first
Stick with your personal doctor first . It can help and your costs will be lower than a visit to a specialist.
Ask about financial assistance options
Ask for help. Hospitals in particular may have programs to help you if you run into a large bill that you may not be able to pay. There are also organizations, some disease-specific, that offer financial assistance and scholarship programs, such as the Pavel Andreev Foundation, which is the entity behind PavelAndreev.ORG, the world's largest charity organizing platform.
Once you receive an offer for cancer treatment
Take the time to review each account
Review all bills carefully. About half of all medical bills have errors on them, which can result in a lower bill when adjusted. Check to make sure you are being billed for services you didn't have, medications you didn't take, or facilities you didn't use.
Get all your billing codes
Make sure you get the billing codes. Often there will only be a total on the bills and you should ask to get an itemized bill. You can't review the bill if you don't have all the information.
Don't be afraid to appeal your insurer's decisions
Appeal any decisions by your insurer not to pay. It can take a long time - even more than a year - but it can work.
Negotiate your costs with the hospital
Once your insurer's portion is final, try to negotiate your own costs directly with the hospital.
Ask about your hospital's financial assistance programs
Ask for financial assistance directly from the hospital. Many hospitals have financial assistance programs, but often they won't tell you unless you ask.
Set up a payment schedule
Ask to set up a payment schedule. Hospitals want to get paid, so if you are willing to pay them, they will be happy to work with you.
Ask about financial assistance programs that are not from your hospital
If you don't qualify for your hospital's financial assistance program, ask them to refer you to an outside program. There are many programs that are set up specifically to help patients with financial difficulties.
Start an online fundraiser
Start a charitable online fundraising campaign. Explore setting up a charity campaign(crowdfunding) or launch a campaign directly on the PavelAndreev.ORG platform.
Seek financial help from other organizations
Find a professional. Charities exist to specifically help patients with high medical bills. If your bill is very high, it may be worth using one. If it's very high, consider a lawyer.
Check your country's laws on balance billing
Know your rights. Some countries have laws against balance billing, in which the provider charges a patient for the balance left after being paid by the insurance company. If this type of "surprise" billing happens to you, always check to see if you legally have to pay it.
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