Healthcare costs are a key concern for most people with blood cancer. Many patients don't have health insurance, and for others, coverage is limited. If you have health insurance, it's essential that you know what your plan covers and how to maintain your benefits. 

Where to Start

You and your family will need to decide how to pay for treatment while managing household finances. You probably also need to consider additional indirect costs, such as lost time from work, childcare and travel expenses.

Many excellent guides and tools are available to help you work through these challenges and explore available resources. Start by taking the following steps to manage your finances before, during and after treatment:

• Speak with your doctor and ask for a treatment timeline.
• Become familiar with your insurance plan's oncology benefits, mail-order pharmacy benefits, pre-authorization, referral and claims appeal rules.
• Assess your anticipated medical expenses and whether your income might be reduced.
• Reduce unnecessary expenses.
• Speak with creditors early if you anticipate difficulty making payments.
• Keep and organize copies of medical records, bills, receipts, and other important documents.
• Review disability and time off benefits from your employer. 
• Check to see whether you have home mortgage or car payment insurance to help cover expenses during your illness.
• Take advantage of disability plans if needed during your treatment and recovery.
• Seek access to programs that help insured patients meet their pharmaceutical co-payment expenses.

 Use these worksheets to help you stay organized: Click Here

Financial Support

For information about financial support, click here.

We're Here to Help

Call an Information Specialist at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) at (800) 955-4572 for guidance about health insurance, government programs, disability benefits, financial assistance programs and health advocacy. Your LLS chapter can help you connect with local LLS programs and community resources. Financial assistance may also be available through the LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program. For additional financial assistance resources, click here. 

Related Links

• Financial Support
• Insurance Coverage
• Managing Insurance and Expenses During Illness
• Public Programs
• The Affordable Care Act
• Download or order The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s free booklet, Cancer and Your Finances.