For many individuals suffering from Mesothelioma, the cost of treatments and medications can be overwhelming. Asbestos exposure leads to mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer. It is a serious illness and can cause a range of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. While it may seem overwhelming, several options are available to help mesothelioma patients and their families manage the financial burden of this condition. 
Financial Assistance For Mesothelioma PatientsType #1: Hospital Discounts And Copays
If you’re a patient with Mesothelioma, you can get help with hospital costs through discounts or a copay relief program. Many hospitals offer financial assistance programs for patients struggling to pay their medical bills.
You can contact the financial assistance office where you’re receiving medical treatment to see if you qualify for discounts or copay assistance. When you apply for financial assistance, be sure to bring proof of income, like tax returns or pay stubs.
Financial Assistance For Mesothelioma Patients Type #2: Your Life Insurance Policy Pays You (through a Viatical Settlement)
There are two ways to sell your life insurance policy. One is a life settlement in which a 75-year-old or older senior sells their policy. However, with a viatical settlement, the insured can be any age. However, they must have a serious illness such as cancer. When someone goes through cancer therapy, they may be responsible for significant out-of-pocket expenses even if there are government-administered programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Here’s how it works:
- If you have a life insurance policy and have been diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer, you can sell your life insurance policy through a viatical settlement.
- You can sell your policy to a third party, such as a viatical settlement company. In return, you receive a lump sum cash payment for your policy.
- The company becomes the new owner of the policy and assumes all premium payments. When the insured patient passes, the viatical settlement company receives the death benefit.
Upon completing our simple application form, American Life Fund will assist you with getting an immediate cash offer for your life insurance policy.
Financial Assistance For Mesothelioma Patients Type #3: Mesothelioma Specific Financial Grants
Mesothelioma patients and their families may be eligible for financial assistance through mesothelioma-specific grants. Groups that offer mesothelioma financial assistance include:
- American Cancer Society
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- CanCare
- Cancer and Careers
- Cancer Care
- Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition
- Cancer Research Institute
- Cancer Support Community
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
- National Cancer Institute
- Pacific Mesothelioma Center
To discover if you’re eligible for mesothelioma financial aid from various organizations, connect with a medical social worker who can tell you about local groups that offer this type of assistance.
Financial Assistance For Mesothelioma Patients Type #4: Utility Assistance
When juggling finances to pay for cancer care, every little bit helps. Utility assistance is payment provided to help cover the utilities within a home, including payment for home energy costs, bills, and any necessary energy repairs. Utility assistance helps mesothelioma patients by taking some financial burdens off their shoulders and allowing them to focus more on investing in their treatment.
The LIHEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) offers utility assistance to low-income households and those experiencing crises. The contact information for this resource differs from state to state, so be sure to check the website.
Family Reach and Stomp the Monster also provide emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and home repairs. Cleaning for a Reason offers two free home cleanings to Mesothelioma patients. You can also call “211” to locate additional local utility assistance programs for mesothelioma patients in need.
Financial Assistance For Mesothelioma Patients Type #5: Prescription Assistance
With the cost of cancer medications rising, many patients feel concerned about how to afford treatment. Thankfully, programs like PPA (Partnerships for Prescription Assistance) and Rx Outreach can help by providing free money to Mesothelioma patients through free or reduced-cost prescriptions.
Another resource offering financial assistance for Mesothelioma patients is Needy Meds. Their easy-to-use online websites list multiple prescription assistance programs you may qualify for as a Mesothelioma patient. Needy Meds offers a free Drug Discount Card, which provides savings of up to 80% on prescription medications.
If your insurance does not cover a medication or has a high deductible, fear not, you can use your Drug Discount Card to help pay for prescriptions. Also, the Medicine Assistance Tool can help Mesothelioma patients locate additional prescription assistance resources.
Financial Assistance For Mesothelioma Patients Type #6: Fundraising
Fundraising is a quick and simple technique to add to the financial help available for people with Mesothelioma. Fundraising may be a powerful instrument for raising money. Here are just a few alternatives:
- Create a GoFundMe campaign and appeal to the public for help. The bad news is that you’ll only receive a portion of the donations.
- Another alternative is a personal campaign, in which you’ll keep all the profits. For a comprehensive list of fundraising options, check out MedGift Advocacy Services!
Don’t be scared to aim for a better quality of life. Whether you are financially secure or not, you are entitled to it. For additional information on how we help individuals with Mesothelioma acquire a higher standard of living, contact American Life Fund!
What Mesothelioma Patients Can Expect Financially
A Mesothelioma cancer diagnosis can be emotionally and financially difficult. To ease the latter stressor, it is important to understand treatment costs.
When you’re fighting Mesothelioma, some of your highest expenses come from places like seeing the doctor, getting treatment, purchasing medication, and traveling.
Doctor Visit Costs: If you’re insured, you’ll likely only have to pay a copay per visit to your doctor; the copay is usually a small fraction of the total overall cost for a visit. If you’re uninsured, you’ll pay more.
Treatment Costs: Surgery to remove the cancerous tissue is the primary treatment method for patients with Mesothelioma. If cancer has progressed further, radiation and chemotherapy are the likely treatment methods. For this reason, the duration of your treatment will directly impact the financial costs incurred–in other words, the more treatment needed, the more it is likely to cost you.
Medication Costs: While being treated for Mesothelioma, there are certain medications you’ll need to take. Also, if you’re actively undergoing chemotherapy, that’s another crucial cost you’ll need to consider when opting for financial assistance for treatment.
Transportation/Travel Costs: If you’re being treated for Mesothelioma at a facility that is not near your home, you’ll be faced with the added financial stress of paying for gas and/or the costs of public transportation to get to and from your appointments.
If this seems like a lot, don’t worry. Help is always available, and you deserve it, no matter your financial circumstances. To learn more about how we can help with Mesothelioma patients’ finances, contact us today at American Life Fund!
Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Assistance For Mesothelioma Patients
How Can I Get Financial Assistance For Treatment?
Several methods are available to get assistance, such as support from charity organizations, crowdfunding sites, and government-run programs. Additionally, many insurance plans cover some treatment costs.
Are There Any Grants Available For Mesothelioma Patients?
Yes, some organizations offer grants to Mesothelioma patients. The American Cancer Society and the Meso Foundation all have programs in which they provide financial assistance.
Are There Any Other Ways I Can Save Money During Treatment?
Yes! You can save money on medications by using coupons and discounts and exploring generic options or mail-order pharmacies. Additionally, many hospitals have sliding-scale payment plans available for those who qualify.
American Life Fund is here for you and your loved ones during this tough time. We want to ensure that money doesn’t get in the way of fighting Mesothelioma. Let us help you acquire the financial help you need through your life insurance policy. Give us a call today for a free estimate for your policy!
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