As though the stress of dealing with cancer weren’t enough, mesothelioma patients and their families often face “sticker shock” when learning the cost of their medical care. Sometimes they struggle with paying their medical bills or in some cases, with insurance companies not approving for payment the treatments that their doctors recommend. Here are some resources to turn to for help:
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) www.patientadvocate.org, 1-800-532-5274. This national organization helps patients who are struggling with financial issues, particularly those whose health care providers or insurance companies deny needed care or benefits.
National Cancer Information Center, 1-800-227-2345. This national organization also helps patients with financial problems, and keeps a database of local and national resources that can assist with the costs of medical care and living expenses.