Financial Issues | News

Cancer in a Country With Socialized Medicine

March 26th 2018

By Shira Zwebner

When you're fighting for your life, you shouldn't have to worry about going into debt because of cancer-related costs

Love Over Fear

March 22nd 2018

By Kristie L. Kahl

In this episode, we’ll talk with founder Donna Deegan herself about the foundation and its efforts, as well as the foundation’s executive director Amanda Napolitano on how much they have raised so far, and we’ll hear from one very inspiring participant Hollis Youngner.

Changing Our Health Care Values

February 21st 2018

By Andrew Smith

Within a complex and expensive health system, there are ways to cut both individual and societal costs without harming the quality of care.

Tips for Managing the Cost of Cancer and Related Procedures

February 19th 2018

By Tamera Anderson-Hanna

There is no doubt that cancer can be costly, but there are some things you can do to help lessen the financial impact of the disease.

Efficacy Offsets High Costs for Immunotherapy in US, But Not Overseas

February 14th 2018

By Brielle Benyon

Researchers from Israel, the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of Keytruda for the second-line treatment of patients with advanced bladder cancer. Drug costs were compared between the US, UK, Canada and Australia.

Patients Concerned as Humana Takes Herceptin Off Preferred Drug List in South Florida

January 30th 2018

By Brielle Benyon

Until recently, Herceptin, which is used to treat patients with metastatic breast cancer, was fully covered under Humana’s South Florida Medicare Advantage plans. But, after taking it off the preferred drug list, patients will now be responsible for 20 percent of the drug’s cost, better aligning South Florida’s plans with Humana’s other Medicare Advantage plans.

Returning to Work After Cancer Treatment

January 30th 2018

By Victoria Puzo, LCSW

For many cancer survivors, returning to work can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing. Knowing your rights and making a plan can help ensure a smooth transition.

Money: The Dark Side of Cancer

January 29th 2018

By Kim Johnson

No matter how expensive treatment was, we didn’t want to put a price tag on my sister’s life.

When the Patient Is the Loser

January 19th 2018

By Martha Carlson

A major insurer takes a 20-year, first-line standard treatment off its preferred list in one market. But where will it end?

Company Increased the Price of a Cancer Drug by 1,400 Percent

January 5th 2018

By Brielle Benyon

NextSource Pharma, a small pharmaceutical company based in Florida, acquired the drug lomustine from Bristol-Myers Squibb, changed its brand name to Gleostine, and changed the price – by about 1,400 percent.

Are Cancer Policies a Wise Investment?

January 3rd 2018

By Bonnie Annis

Most Americans have insurance. We find comfort in knowing our future is secure in the event of a health crisis. But how do we know how much insurance is enough? Is it wise to take our specialized policies?

Foundation Aims For Virtual Trial Registry to Help Patients With Brain Cancer Get Drugs Sooner

December 28th 2017

By Katie Kosko

Musella’s plan for the Brain Tumor Virtual Trial Registry is to get patients access to more drugs at a faster pace, while collecting treatment and efficacy information that can later be used by oncologists across the country to treat others.

Paid Leave Improves Patients' Ability to Complete Treatment

December 25th 2017

By Brielle Benyon

Not all employees with cancer get paid leave, but those who did saw better health and financial outcomes.

The 'Golden Key' to Financial Assistance

December 21st 2017

By Debu Tripathy, M.D.

FINANCIAL TOXICITY IS AN increasingly used term that describes the multiple negative consequences of medical care costs on the patient, whether it be for cancer or another serious illness.

Expanding Expanded Access

December 18th 2017

By Dellann Elliott Mydland

An easier application process could make experimental drugs more accessible to patients in need — outside the realm of clinical trials.

Help Doesn't Cost a Thing

December 6th 2017

By Don Vaughan

Organizations offer free services and goods for patients with cancer.

From War to an Even Bigger Battle

December 3rd 2017

By Mark Cantrell

During his career doing humanitarian work in the Middle East and central Asia, Len Rodgers has been no stranger to adversity. In 1967, he and his family were evacuated from Lebanon during the Six-Day War. “I’ve seen just about every Middle East war since,” Rodgers says. But in 2003, he faced his biggest battle yet.

A Home Away From Home

December 2nd 2017

By Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Hotel Keys of Hope offers patients discounted or free hotel rooms to ease travel for cancer care.

Finding Help After Nearly Losing Hope

December 2nd 2017

By CURE staff

A Chest of Charity

December 1st 2017

By Andrew Smith

Many pharmaceutical companies provide assistance for medications that patients desperately need.

Lending a Hand

November 30th 2017

By Katherine Malmo

Adolescents and young adults need not face cancer’s financial burden alone.

Financial Lifelines

November 30th 2017

By Mark Cantrell

Charitable organizations offer help to patients who are struggling.

Patients May Pay the Price for Cutting Cancer Costs

November 21st 2017

By Brielle Benyon

Overall, about a fourth of people have taken measures to decrease the cost of their or their loved one’s treatment — even if that means a negative impact on its effectiveness.

Weighing Costs and Consequences of Cancer Care Settings

November 17th 2017

By Katie Kosko

A recent study found that the cost to patients with breast, lung and colorectal cancers treated in the hospital outpatient setting was nearly $8,000 more than those treated in the community setting.

Tips for Staying Sane While Dealing With Insurance

November 14th 2017

By Kelly Irvin

People with cancer have to gear up for the emotional and mental workout of dealing with insurance. Here are some tips for coping.

Understanding Cancer's Financial Landscape

October 30th 2017

By Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson, patient wellness navigator at Charleston Hematology and Oncology Associates, discusses how important it is for the whole health care team to better understand insurance and how patients pay for their cancer treatment.

New CAR T-Cell Therapy Comes With a Hefty Price Tag

August 31st 2017

By Tony Hagen

The newly approved CAR T-cell therapy, Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel), is being put on the market with a price tag of $475,000 for a single infusion, which is within the range that oncologists predicted.

Money Is a Major Stressor for Patients With Cancer

August 25th 2017

By Kathy LaTour

Even cancer patients with insurance face difficulties with financial toxicity.

What’s Next for Drug Price Reforms in Oncology?

July 19th 2017

By Tony Hagen

“If you locked everybody in a room for a week, I think we could come up with something that everybody would be comfortable with,” said Blase Polite, M.D., a co-author of the statement, and immediate past chair of ASCO’s government relations committee.

Senate Health Plan Quacks Like a Duck

June 24th 2017

By Kathy LaTour

Just because Senate leaders say it's a good health care plan, is it really?