CANCER COSTS

Average annual out-of-pocket spending for cancer patients is about $1,000, according to an analysis of data from 2011 to 2016 by the American Cancer Society, CDC and the National Cancer Institute. Consider making an appointment to talk with your medical team’s billing office before you start treatment to get your financial questions answered.

Questions to ask:

• Will my insurance cover my treatment and/or surgeries?

• Does my health insurance company need to approve the treatment plan before

I begin treatment?

• How much will my out-of-pocket cost be?

• What if I can’t afford the out-of-pocket cost?

• Are my medications on my health insurance plan’s preferred drug list?

• What is my prescription co-pay for each medication?

• Will I be billed separately for laboratory tests, such as blood tests? Are they

covered under my health insurance?

• Do you offer any payment plans or know of other financial resources?

Get organized:

To reduce your stress, have someone help organize your financial information and make sure a family member or trusted friend has access to this information if needed. Make a list of your monthly bills and note.

How each bill is paid – online or by mail – and the credit card number and/or debit card and PIN number used for payment

Each bill’s due date

Contact information for the billing person for each bill

The last four digits of your Social Security number and your birthdate, as these are often required when you contact billing departments

List any public or private financial help you are getting, along with contact names and phone numbers

Local Financial support

Pharmacy assistance: St. Vincent Hospital Foundation will assist with pharmacy costs of up to $1,500 per year for qualifying cancer patients. Contact Christus St. Vincent Care Coordination at 505-913-4256 for information on how to apply.

Cancer Foundation for New Mexico: Provides financial assistance to Northern New Mexicans who are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment in Santa Fe. For more information, visit cffnm.org. or call 505-955-7931. Assistance is provided in the following categories:

1. Mileage reimbursement: Patients who travel to Santa Fe for their treatment may qualify for mileage reimbursement between their home and the treatment center.

2. Lodging: Hotel rooms in Santa Fe are provided to qualified patients receiving treatment and family members who live at least an hour away from the treatment center.

3. Nutrition: Grocery cards can be used at participating stores to ensure

nutritious meals for patients during treatment.

4. Spanish-speaking translator: can be arranged to help during exams and

treatments