For the latest information on the costs of chemotherapy and current news on other colon cancer topics, please accept a free weekly subscription to the CCR Newsletter.

Cost of Chemotherapy

When the high cost of chemotherapy and other cancer costs cause you to miss needed treatment

One in eight people turn down life saving medication because the cost of chemotherapy and other cancer costs are too expensive for them. Even worse, 25% of patients in advanced stages of the disease refuse treatment because they earn less that $40,000 and cannot afford the drugs (USA Today, October 13, 2008).

Statistics

The article also says:

12% of late-stage colon cancer patients personally spend more than $25,000 for cancer treatment costs
20% of all cancer survivors delay or miss needed care because of the cost of chemotherapy and medical charges

Other Options

You don't have to suffer this way; there are other options if you don't have cancer insurance or if the cost of chemotherapy is too high for you.

Medicare/ Medicaid

The Medicare program is available for people over 65 and for disabled persons. Some Medicare recipients can also get Medicaid. Ask about Medicare by calling your local Social Security office or by logging onto www.socialsecurity.gov.

You are also eligible for Medicaid in some states, if you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). And you may qualify for Medicaid under the "medically needy" category, even if you don't get SSI. You have to pay a certain amount yourself for treatment first, but this is sometimes exactly the help needed by someone struggling to pay. You can request an individual hearing to have your case evaluated to receive Medicaid benefits.

Hill-Burton Program

The Hill-Burton program requires some hospitals, nursing homes and other health facilities to treat needy patients. You might be eligible for these benefits if you cannot pay your medical bills. Call the Hill Burton Hotline at 1-800-638-0742, or visit them online at www.hrsa.gov/hillburton.

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is an advocate for cancer patients. It can also provide you with information on how to cope with the financial problems from cancer. Other voluntary health organizations provide small amounts of money directly to cancer patients. These include: the Leukemia Society of America and Cancer Care, Inc. in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut area. Other sources are your local department of social services, the Cancer Information Service and Cancer Care (in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut area).

Additional Alternatives

Don't hesitate to discuss your money problems with your care givers; many people are in the same situation, they understand and want to help. Discuss your finances and payment options with your doctor or with the social services and financial departments of your hospital. Doctors and hospitals will sometimes reduce costs. Or they can arrange flexible payment plans for you.

There is the Veterans' Administration if you have served in the Armed Services.

And of course look into clinical trials. These are always free and usually pay some travel costs and all laboratory fees. Insurance companies do not usually cover any extra fees, but the medical team will know the answers and they want to help.

Lastly, most pharmaceutical companies provide some patients with free or almost free drugs. You can call or email the companies that provide the drugs you already use. Then request to receive those drugs through the indigent patient program.

Written by Steve Goldner - 3/9/09

Facts on Colon Cancer - Knowing the facts on colon cancer can save your life.
Colon Cancer Stages - Colon Cancer Stages describes the stages of colon cancer from zero to four. With each stage, it explains the degree of seriousness and the relative ease or difficulty of cure depending on the stage. The page also describes the anatomy of the colon and explains what a polyp is and how it can cause...
What is Cancer? - What is Cancer provides concrete information on what cancer actually is. It continues to explain what happens to cancer cells and how the cells can create a ‘mass’ called a tumor ,or even push its way through a...
What Causes Colon Cancer? - What Causes Colon Cancer discusses the various causes of colon cancer, such as how cancer cells come about and what they are. In addition it also explores various possible origins of cancer. Within each cause it goes into brief detail of what this specific issue can do to harm your body and the risk factor...
Best Cancer Hospitals - 10 Best Cancer Hospitals gives a list of 10 well respected hospitals in the U.S that specialize in treating cancer. Furthermore it gives advice on how to seek a doctor fit for you and your treatment. You are provided with valuable information on how to make your decision on which doctor will be a best fit for your particular cancer, also advising you to always get a second...
Hospital Insurance - Hospital insurance issues discusses common insurance concerns. You are encouraged to ask your health insurance provider specific questions which are listed on this page. In addition the page gives guidance on how to...
Women Colon Cancer Patients - Women Colon Cancer Patients discusses how most people automatically assume that male colon cancer patients outnumber women, but in actuality there are slightly more women diagnosed with colon cancer. The page continues to explain the benefits of a colonoscopy and encourages you to...
Types of Polyps - Types of Polyps lists the most common polyps. It goes on to describe each polyp and how dangerous the polyp could be to your body. Being aware of the different polyps is vital for cancer prevention and to...
Colonoscopy Risks - Colonoscopy risks are rare but significant. This page explains how the benefits outweigh the risks, and goes on to express how the risks should not prevent anyone from getting screened. A colonoscopy is a crucial procedure for anyone over the age of 50 or if...
Small Intestine Cancer - Women Colon Cancer Patients discusses how most people automatically assume that male colon cancer patients outnumber women, but in actuality there are slightly more women diagnosed with colon cancer. The page continues to explain the benefits of a colonoscopy and encourages you to...
Sigmoid Colon - This page describes the anatomy of the sigmoid colon. It explains the colon’s main function, which is to absorb water and minerals and make and eliminate feces. Sigmoid cancer starts in the inner layer of tissue in the wall of the colon and rectum. Some important prevention methods are to maintain a healthy diet and...
Famous People With Colon Cancer - This page illustrates the fact that famous people get cancer too! A long list of famous people with colon cancer is provided. The page briefly talks about Katie Couric and her bold attempt to raise colon cancer awareness by...
Famous People With Cancer - Famous people with Cancer answers a question we’ve all been dying to know which is, how do famous people with cancer get special medical care? The page gives us Mr. Josephs story and how he took action against the big fight called cancer. He was not famous but...
Cancer Costs - This page gives advice on how to deal with high cancer costs. It explains how essential it is to find out exactly how much your treatments will cost you and what your insurance provider intends to cover. You are encouraged to talk to your employer or explore other options if needed such as...
Cost of Chemotherapy - The High Cost of Chemotherapy page gives guidance for alternative options in support of patients who cannot afford the cost of their treatment. Statistics show that 12% of colon cancer patients spend over 25,000 dollars out of pocket and...
Gardner Syndrome - - Gardner Syndrome is a genetic disease that causes a person to have extra growths called polyps. Usually polyps are not cancerous but with this disease the polyps are 100% cancerous. If Gardner Syndrome runs in your family it is critical that you get screened as early as 10 to 12 years of age. Gardner Syndrome can also be originated from...
History of Colon Cancer - This page discusses how vital it is for one to know about the history of colon cancer, especially if you have a family history of colon cancer. If any of your direct ancestors have had colon cancer then you are at high risk. The page also talks about the history of colon cancer treatment and provides a list of alternative therapies. Alternative therapies have been effective for some but...
Types of Colon Polyps - There are 4 primary types of colon polyps. The two most common types are adenomatous and hyperplastic polyps. Polyps are not always be cancerous, and if detected early they can be easily removed. Getting a colonoscopy is the best way to prevent polyps from becoming cancerous. Polyps occur in about 30 to...
Colonoscopy Sedation - Colonoscopy sedation is effective with various drugs and sometimes hypnosis. Two common colonoscopy sedation drugs are Versed and Propofol. Versed is commonly used as an anti-anxiety drug, it causes you to go into a state of deep relaxation or sleep and also causes amnesia. Propofol is a more powerful drug and is mainly used with patients who take narcotics for pain, unfortunately not all...
Colon Cancer Prognosis - Colon cancer prognosis can vary for each stage of colon cancer. The prognosis at this point is typically a five year survival rate of less than 5 %. But keep in mind that...
Lynch Syndrome - Lynch syndrome is an inherited disease that increases the chances of getting cancer. If you have this disease it is imporatant that you get screened regularly. Some of the symptoms can include...
Health Insurance for Cancer - Health insurance for cancer is an insurance personally tailored to your situation and is usually some combination of major medical and supplemental cancer insurance. Since major medical insurance isn't always enough it's...
Polyps in Colon - This article talks about colon polyps, benign lesions on the colon that may or may not lead to cancer of the colon. Most polyps on the colon need to be removed on the chance that they could lead to cancer. Some families have members with multiple polyps on their colons. These families need careful follow-up and treatment of their polyps.
Top Cancer Hospitals - If you’ve been recently diagnosed with cancer, you have a lot of decisions to make. You want to go to the very best place available to you for your cancer treatment. A top cancer hospital has specialists that are the best in their field of cancer care. If you have colon cancer...
Colon Surgery - Colon surgery can be done to remove benign or cancerous lesions of the colon. Doctors can do laparoscopic surgery or open surgery, depending on the type of lesion to be removed.
List of Hospitals - If you have cancer, you are probably scared and want a list of hospitals that might help you. This article will help you find that list of hospitals you need to make the right choices in your care.

	Colon Cancer Resource Helping you find a cure
	For the latest information on the costs of chemotherapy and current news on other colon cancer topics, please accept a free weekly subscription to the CCR Newsletter. Cost of Chemotherapy When the high cost of chemotherapy and other cancer costs cause you to miss needed treatment One in eight people turn down life saving medication because the cost of chemotherapy and other cancer costs are too expensive for them. Even worse, 25% of patients in advanced stages of the disease refuse treatment because they earn less that $40,000 and cannot afford the drugs (USA Today, October 13, 2008). Statistics The article also says: 12% of late-stage colon cancer patients personally spend more than $25,000 for cancer treatment costs 20% of all cancer survivors delay or miss needed care because of the cost of chemotherapy and medical charges Other Options You don't have to suffer this way; there are other options if you don't have cancer insurance or if the cost of chemotherapy is too high for you. Medicare/ Medicaid The Medicare program is available for people over 65 and for disabled persons. Some Medicare recipients can also get Medicaid. Ask about Medicare by calling your local Social Security office or by logging onto www.socialsecurity.gov. You are also eligible for Medicaid in some states, if you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). And you may qualify for Medicaid under the "medically needy" category, even if you don't get SSI. You have to pay a certain amount yourself for treatment first, but this is sometimes exactly the help needed by someone struggling to pay. You can request an individual hearing to have your case evaluated to receive Medicaid benefits. Hill-Burton Program The Hill-Burton program requires some hospitals, nursing homes and other health facilities to treat needy patients. You might be eligible for these benefits if you cannot pay your medical bills. Call the Hill Burton Hotline at 1-800-638-0742, or visit them online at www.hrsa.gov/hillburton. American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society is an advocate for cancer patients. It can also provide you with information on how to cope with the financial problems from cancer. Other voluntary health organizations provide small amounts of money directly to cancer patients. These include: the Leukemia Society of America and Cancer Care, Inc. in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut area. Other sources are your local department of social services, the Cancer Information Service and Cancer Care (in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut area). Additional Alternatives Don't hesitate to discuss your money problems with your care givers; many people are in the same situation, they understand and want to help. Discuss your finances and payment options with your doctor or with the social services and financial departments of your hospital. Doctors and hospitals will sometimes reduce costs. Or they can arrange flexible payment plans for you. There is the Veterans' Administration if you have served in the Armed Services. And of course look into clinical trials. These are always free and usually pay some travel costs and all laboratory fees. Insurance companies do not usually cover any extra fees, but the medical team will know the answers and they want to help. Lastly, most pharmaceutical companies provide some patients with free or almost free drugs. You can call or email the companies that provide the drugs you already use. Then request to receive those drugs through the indigent patient program. Written by Steve Goldner - 3/9/09 Related pages: Facts on Colon Cancer - Knowing the facts on colon cancer can save your life. Colon Cancer Stages - Colon Cancer Stages describes the stages of colon cancer from zero to four. With each stage, it explains the degree of seriousness and the relative ease or difficulty of cure depending on the stage. The page also describes the anatomy of the colon and explains what a polyp is and how it can cause... What is Cancer? - What is Cancer provides concrete information on what cancer actually is. It continues to explain what happens to cancer cells and how the cells can create a ‘mass’ called a tumor ,or even push its way through a... What Causes Colon Cancer? - What Causes Colon Cancer discusses the various causes of colon cancer, such as how cancer cells come about and what they are. In addition it also explores various possible origins of cancer. Within each cause it goes into brief detail of what this specific issue can do to harm your body and the risk factor... Best Cancer Hospitals - 10 Best Cancer Hospitals gives a list of 10 well respected hospitals in the U.S that specialize in treating cancer. Furthermore it gives advice on how to seek a doctor fit for you and your treatment. You are provided with valuable information on how to make your decision on which doctor will be a best fit for your particular cancer, also advising you to always get a second... Hospital Insurance - Hospital insurance issues discusses common insurance concerns. You are encouraged to ask your health insurance provider specific questions which are listed on this page. In addition the page gives guidance on how to... Women Colon Cancer Patients - Women Colon Cancer Patients discusses how most people automatically assume that male colon cancer patients outnumber women, but in actuality there are slightly more women diagnosed with colon cancer. The page continues to explain the benefits of a colonoscopy and encourages you to... Types of Polyps - Types of Polyps lists the most common polyps. It goes on to describe each polyp and how dangerous the polyp could be to your body. Being aware of the different polyps is vital for cancer prevention and to... Colonoscopy Risks - Colonoscopy risks are rare but significant. This page explains how the benefits outweigh the risks, and goes on to express how the risks should not prevent anyone from getting screened. A colonoscopy is a crucial procedure for anyone over the age of 50 or if... Small Intestine Cancer - Women Colon Cancer Patients discusses how most people automatically assume that male colon cancer patients outnumber women, but in actuality there are slightly more women diagnosed with colon cancer. The page continues to explain the benefits of a colonoscopy and encourages you to... Sigmoid Colon - This page describes the anatomy of the sigmoid colon. It explains the colon’s main function, which is to absorb water and minerals and make and eliminate feces. Sigmoid cancer starts in the inner layer of tissue in the wall of the colon and rectum. Some important prevention methods are to maintain a healthy diet and... Famous People With Colon Cancer - This page illustrates the fact that famous people get cancer too! A long list of famous people with colon cancer is provided. The page briefly talks about Katie Couric and her bold attempt to raise colon cancer awareness by... Famous People With Cancer - Famous people with Cancer answers a question we’ve all been dying to know which is, how do famous people with cancer get special medical care? The page gives us Mr. Josephs story and how he took action against the big fight called cancer. He was not famous but... Cancer Costs - This page gives advice on how to deal with high cancer costs. It explains how essential it is to find out exactly how much your treatments will cost you and what your insurance provider intends to cover. You are encouraged to talk to your employer or explore other options if needed such as... Cost of Chemotherapy - The High Cost of Chemotherapy page gives guidance for alternative options in support of patients who cannot afford the cost of their treatment. Statistics show that 12% of colon cancer patients spend over 25,000 dollars out of pocket and... Gardner Syndrome - - Gardner Syndrome is a genetic disease that causes a person to have extra growths called polyps. Usually polyps are not cancerous but with this disease the polyps are 100% cancerous. If Gardner Syndrome runs in your family it is critical that you get screened as early as 10 to 12 years of age. Gardner Syndrome can also be originated from... History of Colon Cancer - This page discusses how vital it is for one to know about the history of colon cancer, especially if you have a family history of colon cancer. If any of your direct ancestors have had colon cancer then you are at high risk. The page also talks about the history of colon cancer treatment and provides a list of alternative therapies. Alternative therapies have been effective for some but... Types of Colon Polyps - There are 4 primary types of colon polyps. The two most common types are adenomatous and hyperplastic polyps. Polyps are not always be cancerous, and if detected early they can be easily removed. Getting a colonoscopy is the best way to prevent polyps from becoming cancerous. Polyps occur in about 30 to... Colonoscopy Sedation - Colonoscopy sedation is effective with various drugs and sometimes hypnosis. Two common colonoscopy sedation drugs are Versed and Propofol. Versed is commonly used as an anti-anxiety drug, it causes you to go into a state of deep relaxation or sleep and also causes amnesia. Propofol is a more powerful drug and is mainly used with patients who take narcotics for pain, unfortunately not all... Colon Cancer Prognosis - Colon cancer prognosis can vary for each stage of colon cancer. The prognosis at this point is typically a five year survival rate of less than 5 %. But keep in mind that... Lynch Syndrome - Lynch syndrome is an inherited disease that increases the chances of getting cancer. If you have this disease it is imporatant that you get screened regularly. Some of the symptoms can include... Health Insurance for Cancer - Health insurance for cancer is an insurance personally tailored to your situation and is usually some combination of major medical and supplemental cancer insurance. Since major medical insurance isn't always enough it's... Polyps in Colon - This article talks about colon polyps, benign lesions on the colon that may or may not lead to cancer of the colon. Most polyps on the colon need to be removed on the chance that they could lead to cancer. Some families have members with multiple polyps on their colons. These families need careful follow-up and treatment of their polyps. Top Cancer Hospitals - If you’ve been recently diagnosed with cancer, you have a lot of decisions to make. You want to go to the very best place available to you for your cancer treatment. A top cancer hospital has specialists that are the best in their field of cancer care. If you have colon cancer... Colon Surgery - Colon surgery can be done to remove benign or cancerous lesions of the colon. Doctors can do laparoscopic surgery or open surgery, depending on the type of lesion to be removed. List of Hospitals - If you have cancer, you are probably scared and want a list of hospitals that might help you. This article will help you find that list of hospitals you need to make the right choices in your care. Back to top	Search CCR This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Free Subscription First Name Email Get the latest news on colon cancer delivered to your inbox each week! Click here to read our Privacy Policy.
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