A childhood cancer diagnosis causes a lot of stress and worry for both parents and family members. These emotions increase with financial concerns. The financial burden of such a diagnosis cannot be anticipated. Parents of children with cancer might experience a sudden decrease or loss of income, expenses such as personal and medical along with food and travel dramatically increase, and inadequate insurance coverage or no insurance coverage that can create a significant financial strain.
Reports show that even families with full health insurance will spend 25 percent or more of their income on co-payments. Families without insurance or insufficient insurance may face severe difficulties that can potentially exhaust their savings and even put them at risk of losing their home. However, local and national organizations have made themselves available to help with a variety of resources so that extreme hardships can be avoided.
Financial hardships associated with a childhood cancer diagnosis can be hard to acknowledge . Some families may feel uncomfortable accepting assistance, but during this time of extreme crisis most families need extra support. Most people want to know what they can do to help, but need guidance on how to give support. Letting others know what is needed benefits everyone. Financial assistance for kids with cancer can make a difference by covering gas, meals or a few nights’ lodging. Embracing the financial burden can lower overall stress on the family, while providing opportunities for others to help in an otherwise helpless situation.
Cancer can cause heavy economic burdens on both patients and their families. Government-sponsored programs as well as services supported by nonprofit, national organizations are available for people who do not have health insurance and for those who have insurance but need more financial assistance to cover health care costs. Child cancer patients and their families need to discuss any concerns about health care costs with their doctor, medical social worker, or the business office of their hospital or clinic.
Programs providing general assistance like food, housing, and other services may also be available from the county or city Department of Social Services
For more childhood cancer financial assistance information visit Children’s Cancer Fund of America, Inc.