Key Takeaways
- Mesothelioma treatment is expensive — but multiple financial resources exist to help patients and families manage costs, including insurance, asbestos trust funds, disability benefits, workers’ compensation, and legal claims.
- Asbestos trust funds — created by companies that manufactured asbestos products — hold billions of dollars specifically for mesothelioma victims. An experienced attorney can help identify which funds apply to your case.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments to patients unable to work due to mesothelioma. Workers’ compensation may also be available if your diagnosis is linked to occupational exposure.
- Support organizations like the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, and CancerCare offer grants, financial counseling, and emotional support.
- Hospitals and pharmaceutical companies often offer financial assistance programs for underinsured patients or those facing high treatment costs. Ask your hospital’s billing department and your doctor about available options.
- A financial advisor specializing in cancer patients can help with budgeting, debt management, and navigating compensation and government aid programs.
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. We have 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does mesothelioma treatment cost?
Mesothelioma treatment costs vary significantly depending on the type and stage of cancer, the treatments used, and the duration of care. Costs can include hospital stays, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, prescription medications, travel to treatment centers, and at-home care. Without financial assistance, these costs can be overwhelming — which is why understanding all available resources is critical.
What are asbestos trust funds and how do I access them?
Asbestos trust funds were established by companies that manufactured asbestos products and later went bankrupt due to lawsuits. These funds were specifically created to compensate current and future mesothelioma victims. There are over 60 active trust funds with approximately $30 billion available. Filing a trust fund claim does not require going to court — an experienced mesothelioma attorney can identify which funds your case qualifies for and file claims on your behalf.
Can I get disability benefits for mesothelioma?
Yes. If mesothelioma prevents you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) — which provides monthly payments through the Social Security Administration. The SSA recognizes mesothelioma as a qualifying disability. Additionally, if your mesothelioma is linked to occupational asbestos exposure, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical costs and lost wages. Veterans may also qualify for VA disability benefits — mesothelioma is rated as 100% disability.
Which organizations offer financial help for mesothelioma patients?
Several organizations provide financial assistance, grants, and support services:
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) — research funding and patient support
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) — advocacy, education, and patient resources
- CancerCare — financial counseling, grants, and emotional support for cancer patients
These organizations can help with medical bills, travel expenses, and the emotional toll of managing a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Do hospitals offer financial assistance for mesothelioma patients?
Yes. Many hospitals and treatment centers have financial assistance programs designed for patients who are underinsured or facing high out-of-pocket costs. Contact your hospital’s billing department to ask about available programs. Additionally, some pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs that reduce the cost of expensive cancer medications. Your doctor or healthcare provider can help identify which programs apply to your treatment.
Should I hire a financial advisor after a mesothelioma diagnosis?
A financial advisor who specializes in helping cancer patients can be very valuable. They can assist with budgeting, managing medical debt, applying for government assistance, and understanding your compensation options. They can also work alongside your legal team to ensure that any settlements or trust fund payments are managed wisely for both current treatment needs and future financial security.
What should I do if I can’t afford mesothelioma treatment?
If treatment costs feel overwhelming, you have several options:
- Review your insurance coverage — understand what’s covered and contact your insurer about additional options
- Pursue legal compensation — asbestos trust fund claims, lawsuits, and VA benefits can provide significant financial relief
- Contact support organizations — MARF, ADAO, and CancerCare offer grants and financial counseling
- Ask your hospital about financial assistance programs for underinsured patients
- Consider crowdfunding — platforms like GoFundMe can rally community support for medical and living expenses
For legal help, call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
