Managing the hidden costs of breast cancer
The physical and emotional toll of breast cancer is well known. However, the financial impact of the diagnosis is often overlooked. Breast cancer treatment has higher financial toxicity than other cancers, which is associated with worse patient outcomes, including higher mortality. Living Beyond Breast Cancer shared resources that can help you or a loved one find stability in uncertain times.
Excerpts below appeared in a recent digital edition as 'Managing the hidden costs of breast cancer'
Medical Review by Aimee Hoch, MSW, LSW, OSW-C, FACCC
The financial impact of breast cancer doesn’t end with medical bills. You may spend more time away from work and in doctors’ offices. Paying for living expenses in addition to medical bills can be tough. Many people find their living expenses — for food, mortgage or rent, and utilities — must compete with their healthcare costs.
Thinking about these “hidden” costs ahead of time can help you avoid some of the fear and frustration that financial uncertainty can cause.
Help is out there, though it may take some work and time to find it. Nonprofit- and faith-based organizations may have financial assistance programs for people who need help. Ask questions and do research.
How to get help managing finances
A hospital social worker or financial navigator can help you understand your health insurance policy and recommend local organizations and resources available to you.
A health insurance case manager can tell you what information your doctors should submit to get your medicines and treatments covered.
United Way’s 2-1-1 or 211.org service offers a list of local agencies that can help with things like rent, mortgage, and utilities.
An accountant or financial advisor (who is likely to charge a fee) can show you how to manage your money most effectively.
Help with managing your bills
Paying your bills on time may be hard, but creditors may be more helpful than you expect. It’s always a good idea to make a payment, even if it is small, to show your creditors that you’re trying to pay. “Good faith” payments can be the basis of working out a better agreement.
Here are some other things you can do if you need help:
Ask creditors if you can work out a payment plan. For help negotiating with creditors or making a debt management plan, contact an accredited, nonprofit credit counseling service like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Ask if you can get a disability waiver for some debts, such as your mortgage or car loan.
Call utility companies and let them know about your hardship. They may lower your monthly fees or offer other assistance.
Check your state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help with utilities.
Find out if your health insurance covers any indirect costs of treatment, like at-home care, special foods, nutritional supplements, or special equipment and items like lymphedema sleeves and wigs.
Use a local food bank to help reduce grocery bills. Find out if you are eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.
If you have a car payment, talk to your bank to see if skipping a payment is an option. Some banks will let you miss one payment per year and pay only the interest.
The Living Beyond Breast Cancer Fund is one resource that provides grants for daily expenses for people with breast cancer. For information about the Fund and a list of other financial programs and resources, visit LBBC’s Financial help and resources page.
For additional resources, read the entire article.
If you are undergoing treatment for breast cancer and struggling financially due to your diagnosis, please visit our Assistance webpage to learn about our eligibility criteria, application process, and how Shades of Pink Foundation can help with everyday living expenses.
