For U.S. Residents Only

Money Matters

Lung cancer can create economic difficulties. Paying for medical care is a complicated process, so understanding the scope of your loved one's health insurance coverage, as well as its restrictions, is especially important. Being fully informed about health insurance and other economic issues associated with cancer care is necessary to avoid putting yourselves at financial risk.

People with lung cancer and their families can discuss concerns about healthcare costs with their doctor, social worker, or hospital business office. It may be valuable for you to know that many community and cancer organizations can provide assistance and help you cope with financial matters relating to your loved one's illness. You also will find helpful information on this topic in the Money Matters section of this site.

Sources of Information

There are many organizations that provide information and support for caregivers and families of people with cancer. You may contact them by phone, mail, or on the Internet.
  • Internal Revenue Service
    http://www.irs.ustreas.gov
    Provides assistance with determining tax-deductible medical costs, such as out-of-pocket treatment costs, prescription drugs or equipment, and mileage to and from medical appointments.

  • Medicaid
    http://www.cms.gov/medicaid/consumer.asp
    A jointly funded, federal-state health insurance program for people in need of financial assistance with medical expenses.

  • Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)
    700 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Suite 200
    Newport News, VA 23606
    1-800-532-5274
    http://www.patientadvocate.org
    National nonprofit organization that provides cancer patients and survivors with education, legal counseling, and referrals on a number of topics, including managed care, insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis matters.

Additional Resources

Knowing where to find credible and accurate information about caregiving is an important step toward making life better for yourself and your loved one. The following resources may help:

Be Prepared: The Complete Financial, Legal, and Practical Guide for Living With a Life-Challenging Condition
David S. Landay
St. Martin's Press
ISBN:0312253745, 480 pages
1998

Charting the Journey: An Almanac of Practical Resources for Cancer Survivors
Fitzhugh Mullan, MD, and Barbara Hoffman, JD
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
Consumer Reports Books
ASIN:0890433046, 225 pages
1990

Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy 4th Edition
Malin Dollinger, Ernest H. Rosenbaum, and Greg Cable
Andrews McMeel Publishing
ISBN:0740718568, 925 pages
2002