Financial Issues

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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

Organizations offer free services and goods for patients with cancer.

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.

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

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

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

Charitable organizations offer help to patients who are struggling.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Even cancer patients with insurance face difficulties with financial toxicity.

“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.

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