Will my insurance pay for my treatment? How much will I have to pay?
There is no one simple answer to this question. In order to figure this out, you must understand what kind of insurance you have. If you have an HMO that covers everything, you may have little to pay out-of-pocket except for whatever co-pays are required. Even then, co-pays can add up.
If you have more traditional insurance, which covers 80% and you pay 20%, you need to know how much you have to pay before the company will start paying 100%, which they usually do. However, there is also a maximum they will pay over your lifetime, which you also need to know.
If you have Medicare, it is generally 80% and 20%, unless you have also bought a Medicare supplement policy which may cover more.
You also need to know what your coverage is for medication.
There are all sorts of permutations in the way insurance covers any illness, including mesothelioma. Beyond the basics are the specifics – do they cover what is called “durable medical equipment” which can mean anything from portable oxygen tanks to wheelchairs?
If you do not understand all the ins and outs of your insurance, which most people don’t, try and find an insurance representative to speak with you. There may be someone on your healthcare team that can help you. Or there may be a person at your work (or your spouse’s – depending on where you get your insurance) who can explain your benefits.
You need to do everything you can to make sure your insurance does not lapse. If you cannot work anymore and are not returning to your job, your employer must let you know about your COBRA eligibility. This allows you to keep your insurance for a period of time that varies with the exact situation. You have to pay for it, but if you have no other options, you should try and keep your coverage.
If you are enrolled in a clinical trial, at least some portion of your medical care may be paid for by whoever is sponsoring the trial.