Lowering Costs for Breast Cancer Treatment

Released: Friday, July 24, 2009

By Jennifer Spina

Throughout the past few months that I have been employed with the United Breast Cancer Foundation (UBCF), I have noticed a pattern with my clients for financial assistance.  Many of my clients are burdened with high cost medical bills.  These medical bills are usually exorbitant and for all different exams, treatments, hospital stays etc...  These patients who receive these services begin paying their bills, but soon find out that they cannot afford them or that they cannot afford other household bills, such as their mortgage/rent, utilities, food, gas etc. Through research found on the internet at www.breastcancer.org, I found minimal solutions to help with these high cost medical bills before they may get out of hand.  A breast cancer patient has a few options on how they may lower treatment costs and manage their health insurance to prevent high costs. 

Listed below are some options:

• Start with your Physician

a.  Ask about a payment plan

b.  Ask about alternative treatments

c.  Ask for referrals to non-for-profit organizations, such as UBCF, to help pay some of these bills

d.  Ask if you may participate in any clinical trials

e.  Ask your Dr. for any drug samples, you are prescribed

• Reducing the cost of your treatment and other expenses throughout your treatment may be as follows:

a.  Managing your Health Insurance

b.  Clinical trials may help lower treatment costs

c.  Non-for-profit organizations may help pay for living expenses

d.  Tax deductions for treatments