Dealing with financial issues faced by the cancer patient

A diagnosis of lung cancer can represent a tremendous financial burden for you the cancer patient, as well as for your family, even if you are well insured. If you are uninsured or underinsured, the burden can be even more significant. The financial strain lung cancer can bring may not end with your hospital and doctor bills. The medical treatments you undergo can often result in other expenses not covered by insurance, including transportation, extra home-care costs, or child care fees. Lost wages may compound the situation. If bills start piling up, consider taking the following actions:

Speaking to a financial counselor
Communicating with creditors
Contact a social worker
Find organizations that can provide free services to cancer patients
Learn about age-related benefits
Use the yellow pages of the phone directory