Financial & Insurance Help

It’s not uncommon for those fighting colorectal cancer to face financial toxicity. Financial toxicity occurs when you have a hard time paying for your medical care.

This can apply to direct costs like hospital bills, lab work, and prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Many people also struggle covering the costs related to receiving the treatment, like transportation to/from appointments, traveling out of town for treatment or paying for rent, food, and household bills.

You may struggle with financial toxicity especially if your cancer is advanced, recurrent, or if you have a poor prognosis. Young adults are also at greater risk of financial toxicity compared to older patients, as are people in disadvantaged communities.

Financial toxicity isn’t just a problem when it comes to dollars and cents. It may also lead to a poorer quality of life for a patient and their family. Financial toxicity is also tied to increased symptoms, pain, and mental distress.

Health insurance can help cover the cost of care. The Affordable Care Act made health insurance available to all Americans, regardless of pre-existing conditions. Medicare and Medicaid are social programs that extend coverage to those 65 and older, or those who are low-income or meet qualifying conditions. Many others have health insurance benefits through their employers (or a family member’s employer).

Despite the several options for health coverage, many Americans continue to face growing costs, even with insurance. Annual premiums are higher, as are co-pays, deductibles, coinsurance rates, and prescription drug costs.

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Some patients continue working after a cancer diagnosis, and others need to pause or find a different role that accommodates their health needs. Several studies have shown that people with cancer may experience:

• Job loss
• Pay deductions
• Change in job status (part-time vs. Full-time, or taking leave)
• Challenges when returning to work and loss of productivity

The decision to work or not work is up to you, and there are certain employee rights and programs that may help protect you as a cancer patient.

Going on disability can be a tough decision and one that sometimes comes with stigma of its own. But it’s been helpful to many patients who need it. And just like any other aspect of fighting colorectal cancer, if you’re considering applying for disability, you’re not alone.

There are several benefit programs for people who are unable to work due to physical and/ or mental illnesses and disabilities. Disability benefits are for people who have a qualifying disability/disability that keep them from earning wages. If you can’t work due to a cancer diagnosis, or treatment or surgery side effects, you may be eligible for financial support from these programs.

In general, any stage IV cancer or terminal cancer will qualify a person to receive disability benefits.

If you’re struggling with financial toxicity, you’re not alone. And there are foundations, nonprofits, programs, and funds set up to support you.

If you’re struggling, here’s what NOT to do, if possible:

• Skip your life-saving appointments or procedures due to cost.
• Skip taking your medications to save money, or taking less drug so you don’t need to refill it.
• Take out high-interest debt to pay off medical debt (which is typically 0% interest). Consult a financial navigator who can help you identify options of what/how to pay down debt.
• Avoid paying any bills, sending you to collections and hurting your credit.

Scholarships and Grants

We do not offer direct financial support for household expenses, however Fight CRC offers a handful of scholarship programs and a grant through the Kimberly Fund.

It’s an unfortunate reality many patients and caregivers have faced. But, you’re not alone. Before you declare bankruptcy, please reach out to our partners at Triage Cancer to ensure you’ve exhausted all of the resources available to you.

Legal Issues and Colorectal Cancer

A cancer diagnosis raises legal and financial issues too. Monica Bryant, Esq., COO of Triage Cancer, shared essential rights and resources to help you navigate these challenges with confidence.

Financial Barriers and Practical Issues After Cancer

Amy Niles, Executive Vice President of the Patient Access Network Foundation; Joanna Morales, CEO of Triage Cancer; and Karen Wehling, a nine-year Stage IV CRC survivor and Research Advocate, joined together for a panel discussion on one of the most critical needs in our community: understanding the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis and the resources available to help cover care and services.

Financial Toxicity and Cancer

Fight Colorectal Cancer partnered with Triage Cancer to offer a webinar on navigating the financial challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Triage Cancer Staff Attorney Laura Beilke shared strategies, tools, and resources—including their financial navigation program—to help you better manage your financial health.