A mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, not only because of health challenges but also figuring out how to financially manage mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer usually caused by asbestos exposure, and its treatment can be expensive. In addition to medical bills, patients and their families may face other costs, such as lost wages, caregiving expenses, and travel costs for treatment.
1.Understand Your Insurance Coverage
One of the first steps in managing financial stress after a mesothelioma diagnosis is to review your health insurance coverage. It’s important to understand what treatments, medications, and procedures are covered by your insurance and what you will need to pay out-of-pocket. Some key areas to review include:
- Hospital stays: Check if inpatient hospital costs are covered.
- Chemotherapy and treatments: Make sure your insurance covers the types of treatments your doctor recommends.
- Prescription drugs: Understand how prescription medications are covered, including pain management drugs that are often needed for mesothelioma patients.
If you find that some costs are not covered, speak to your insurance company about possible options for financial assistance. You can also look into medication assistance programs that help with the cost of expensive drugs.
2. Look Into Asbestos Trust Funds
Since mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, many companies that produced asbestos products set up trust funds to compensate victims. These trust funds were created as part of settlements in lawsuits and can provide financial compensation to those diagnosed with mesothelioma.
You may be eligible to receive compensation from an asbestos trust fund if you were exposed to asbestos while working in a job that used the material. Working with an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma cases can help you navigate the legal process to claim compensation from these funds.
3. Disability Benefits and Workers’ Compensation
If you are unable to work due to your mesothelioma diagnosis, you may qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments to individuals who are unable to work because of a disability, including cancer-related illnesses like mesothelioma.
In addition to SSDI, some states and employers offer workers’ compensation benefits for individuals who were exposed to asbestos while working. If your mesothelioma diagnosis is linked to your job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation to cover medical costs and lost wages.
4. Seek Help from Support Organizations
There are many mesothelioma and cancer support organizations that provide financial assistance to patients. These organizations often offer grants, financial counseling, and support services to help reduce the financial burden of the disease. Some of these organizations include:
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF)
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
- CancerCare
These groups not only help with financial support but also offer emotional support and connect you with resources to manage the emotional toll of mesothelioma.
5. Set Up a Fundraiser or Crowdfunding Campaign
If the medical and treatment costs are overwhelming, some families find it helpful to set up a crowdfunding campaign on platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter. These platforms allow friends, family, and even strangers to contribute to your medical bills and living expenses. It’s important to share your story and explain how people’s donations will help cover costs like:
- Treatment and medical bills
- Travel expenses for treatment centers
- Caregiver costs and home care needs
Crowdfunding can be an effective way to rally community support and alleviate some of the financial pressures of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
6. Consider Financial Assistance Programs
Many hospitals and treatment centers offer financial assistance programs to help patients financially manage mesothelioma. These programs are designed to assist people who are underinsured or facing high medical costs. Contact the hospital’s billing department to inquire about any programs that may be available to you.
Additionally, some pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs for expensive cancer treatments and medications. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider about available options.
7. Speak with a Financial Advisor
Financially managing mesothelioma can be complicated. A financial advisor who specializes in helping cancer patients can provide valuable guidance on budgeting, managing debts, and finding other ways to reduce costs. They can also help you understand your legal rights and assist in applying for compensation or government aid programs.
Get Legal Help for Asbestos Exposure
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The Halpern Law Firm has over 35 years of experience helping victims of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma. Our team can guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve. For more information, call (800) 505-6000, fill out our contact form, or chat with a representative on our website.
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