Health Insurance For Cancer Patient: Why You Should Have It If You're A Cancer Patient
Cancer is a dreaded disease in which you must fight a two-pronged battle, the first to regain your health and the second to cover costs with your health insurance plan.
The cost of medical care in the United States has never gone down and keeps escalating into stratospheric levels. As a result, health insurance is an important asset as millions of Americans have no health care coverage. Some people are not able to afford health insurance. Even some that can afford medical insurance are rejected by health insurance companies due to preexisting conditions as varied as cancer to asthma.
If you have just been diagnosed with cancer and you have no health insurance, there are still some alternatives to get health insurance. The first step is to contact the social services department of the hospital or treatment facility that diagnosed your cancer. You should honest about your lack of insurance and ask for advice on how to proceed.
Cancer and its treatment may temporarily or permanently affect a survivor's ability to work at the same job or for as many hours as before their diagnosis. During such a time, some survivors may be eligible for medical and/or financial benefits through Federal or State benefit programs.
For individuals and families with low income, there is Medicaid, if you financially qualify. Medicaid is an entitlement program that is not solely funded at the federal level. Medicaid is a needs-based social welfare or social protection program rather than a social insurance program. Eligibility is determined by income. States provide up to half of the funding for the Medicaid program. In some states, counties also contribute funds. The main criterion for Medicaid eligibility is limited income and financial resources. Medicaid covers a wider range of health care services.
Even if your income level is over the Medicaid limit, you may still qualify for Medicaid by using a spend down equation (usually the amount of income you receive over and above their income guidelines). To become eligible for Medicaid your allowable medical expenses must be more than your spend down amount. Expenses for medical care that may be considered in this equation include care from hospitals, doctors, clinics, dentists, drugs, medical supplies and equipment, health insurance premiums, transportation to get medical care, personal assistance services, and adult home help services that are related to your medical care.
Another alternative may be Medicare if you are considered to be terminally ill or unable to be gainfully employed for a long period of time. Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and people of all ages with end stage renal disease. The Medicare Program provides a Medicare part A which covers hospital bills, Medicare Part B which covers medical insurance coverage, and Medicare Part D which covers prescription drugs.
You should apply for Social Security disability benefits as soon as possible. You may qualify for Medicare benefits only after being permanently disabled and receiving Social Security disability for more than 29 months or reaching the age of 65. When you do qualify for Medicare benefits, it is wise to pay for the additional Part B cost. Part B helps to pay for diagnostic studies, doctor's services, and ambulance transportation. Some states have programs that will assist you with the cost of Part B, if you have a financial need.
Some individuals are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare (also known as Medicare dual eligibles). In 2001, about 6.5 million Americans were enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.