Managing Non-Chemo-Related Cancer Costs
While a doctor may have talked with you about how to prepare for chemotherapy, chances are you’re worried about factors beyond the side effects and effectiveness of your cancer treatment.
The cost of chemotherapy itself has increased significantly in recent years, but there are also nonmedical expenses to consider.
Your oncology team may be able to refer you to resources to help offset the costs. You can also consider the following resources to help you cover non-treatment-related cancer care costs.
Payment plans for travel
Many people need to travel for their cancer treatment, whether to a different city or another state.
The costs of airfare, gas for your vehicle, and public or private transportation can certainly add up. On top of that, some hospitals and outpatient cancer treatment centers charge for parking.
You can ask your oncology team about private or government assistance that may be available to help with transportation costs. Possibilities include Medicaid, the American Cancer Society (ACS) Road to Recovery program, and discounts through individual airlines and transit authorities.
Mercy Medical is another organization that offers free transportation to eligible families via bus, air, and train. Learn more about the program.
If you need to stay multiple days away from home, lodging is yet another expense that can add up. The possible expenses of travel can add pressure to an already stressful situation. Resources such as those below may be available to offset some of these costs.
ACS Hope Lodge Communities
The ACS runs more than 30 lodges in the continental United States and Puerto Rico. Each year, these facilities offer free lodging to more than 29,000 people with cancer and their caregivers.
Learn more about the program and available locations.
ACS and Extended Stay America
Aside from the Hope Lodge locations, the ACS has partnered with the hotel chain Extended Stay America to provide reduced-cost lodging to people who are undergoing cancer treatments and their families. Pet-friendly rooms are available to offer additional peace of mind.
Learn more and check availability here.
Ronald McDonald House
This program offsets lodging costs for families who have children receiving treatment for chronic health conditions and cancer. Parents with children under 21 years old may be eligible to receive reduced-cost or no-cost housing. They must arrange this through the hospital.
Learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Other options
It’s important to talk with social services at the hospital to find out about other free or reduced-cost lodging options they may know of. The Healthcare Hospitality Network is one such option that healthcare professionals can access for their patients.
Individual hotel companies may also offer discounted rates for families who are traveling for cancer treatment.
Meal trains
Meal preparation and cooking can be difficult when you or a loved one is undergoing chemotherapy. A meal train can make this task easier by providing your family with a steady stream of meals for a specified period of time rather than a lot of food at once.
If you’re looking to set up a meal train for yourself or a loved one, consider checking out the Meal Train website, where you can organize the process and specify any nutritional preferences or allergies.
You can also set up a meal train without the use of a website by asking friends, relatives, and neighbors to bring food one day per week. Ideas for meals include:
More importantly, ask your loved one what sounds good to them during their cancer treatment and try to accommodate their needs if they’re dealing with possible side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
Also, if you and your family are having difficulty managing the cost of food due to chemotherapy expenses, you can consider talking with your care team about food assistance programs. Available options include:
Child care
You might have friends and relatives who can help with child care. But if you need long-term or around-the-clock services during cancer treatment, you can consider reaching out to the following organizations:
Nankind
Formerly known as the Nanny Angel Network, this organization was founded specifically to support children in order to help parents who are undergoing cancer treatment.
Learn more about the program and how to request help.
Pet Assistance and Wellness (PAW) Program
If you’re in need of help for your fur babies, too, you can look into financial assistance from Cancer Care’s PAW program. It’s designed to help with the costs of pet care, walking, vet visits, and more.
Learn more about the PAW Program and see eligibility requirements.
Individual cancer treatment centers
If you need child care only during your treatments, you can ask the treatment center about possible onsite availability. Although one study found that only 1 out of every 64 National Cancer Institute-designated centers offered free child care services, it’s worth asking the hospital or outpatient treatment center in advance.
Care.com
As one of the leading referral sites for home services, Care.com was founded for parents seeking child care. All providers go through a background check, and you can search for potential candidates based on ratings and cost.
Wigs
Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy. If you want to wear wigs while your hair grows back but you’re unable to take on yet another cancer-related expense, there are nonprofit organizations that can help on this end too.
Consider contacting the following groups:
It’s also possible that health insurance may cover the cost of a wig for chemotherapy treatment. If you have insurance, consider calling the insurance company to find out whether your plan covers cranial prosthesis for chemotherapy treatment. If so, a doctor can write a prescription for your wig, thereby reducing the cost.
The takeaway
Nonmedical expenses related to transportation, child care, and other needs can quickly add up during chemotherapy treatments. There are several organizations that may cover some or all of these costs. Consider talking with your cancer care team to find out about options in your area.
What are non-chemo-related cancer costs?
Non-chemo-related cancer costs refer to the expenses associated with cancer treatment that do not involve chemotherapy. These may include surgery, radiation therapy, medication, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, follow-up care, and supportive therapies such as physical therapy or counseling.
Why is it important to understand non-chemo-related cancer costs?
Understanding non-chemo-related cancer costs is crucial for effective financial planning. Patients can better manage their out-of-pocket expenses, seek appropriate financial assistance, and avoid unexpected financial burdens during and after their cancer treatment.
How can cancer patients manage non-chemo-related costs?
Cancer patients can manage non-chemo-related costs by exploring health insurance options, seeking financial aid from non-profit organizations, and discussing payment plans with healthcare providers. It is also helpful to review and understand the billing details and use health savings accounts (HSAs) if available.
### Are there organizations that help with non-chemo-related cancer costs?
Yes, there are numerous non-profit organizations that provide financial assistance or grants to cancer patients for non-chemo-related costs. These organizations may offer resources to cover transportation, lodging, medical bills, and other supportive care services.
What role does insurance play in covering non-chemo-related cancer costs?
Insurance can play a significant role in covering many non-chemo-related cancer costs, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and hospital stays. However, coverage varies and patients should review their plans to understand what is included and what out-of-pocket expenses they might encounter.
Can non-chemo-related cancer costs be tax-deductible?
In some cases, non-chemo-related cancer costs may be tax-deductible if they exceed a certain percentage of the patient’s adjusted gross income. It’s important for patients to consult with a tax advisor to understand the specific deductions they may qualify for based on their unique financial situation.
What strategies can be employed to reduce non-chemo-related cancer expenses?
Patients can reduce non-chemo-related cancer expenses by negotiating with healthcare providers, using generic medications when possible, leveraging community resources, and seeking treatment at facilities offering financial assistance or sliding scale fees.
How can patients keep track of their non-chemo-related cancer costs?
Patients can keep track of their non-chemo-related cancer costs by maintaining detailed records of all medical expenses, including bills, receipts, and insurance statements. Using budgeting tools or apps can also help monitor expenses and identify areas where savings can be made.
