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Children Diagnosed with Cancer: Financial and Insurance Issues

If your child has been diagnosed with cancer, the last thing you want to think about is money. But families are usually forced to think about this issue sooner rather than later.

We will try to answer common questions about insurance and financial concerns, with information about:

  • private health insurance or health plans
  • government-funded insurance plans
  • options if your child is uninsured
  • financial issues and possible sources of help
  • states with health risk insurance pools
  • other resources you can look into

This information is not meant as expert professional advice for any person, family, or insurance situation. Please seek expert opinions for your own situation from a financial professional.

Insurance Can Be Complicated
Health insurance or some kind of health coverage is a key work benefit.
Private Health Plans
Health insurance coverage and health care plans help with the medical costs of diagnosis and treatment of a child's illness.
Where Can Families Get Answers to Questions about Insurance?
Questions about insurance coverage often come up when families are making decisions about their child's care.
What Records Should Be Kept for Insurance and Medical Costs?
It can be overwhelming for a family to keep track of the bills, letters, claim forms, and other papers that begin flowing into a household after a child is diagnosed with cancer.
What Can Be Done if an Insurer Denies a Claim or Refuses to Cover a Prescribed Service?
It is not unusual for insurers to deny some claims or to say they will not cover a test, procedure, or service that doctors order.
Federal Laws that Let You Keep Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Coverage when You Leave Your Job
There are federal laws which give people the chance to continue employer-sponsored medical insurance coverage (including for their children) when a person experiences a qualifying event.
What if My Child's Medical Care Is Covered by More than One Insurance Company?
Children who are covered under both parents' group health insurance plans have one plan considered primary insurance, while the other insurance is considered secondary.
Government-Funded Health Plans
Medicaid is a government program that covers the cost of medical care for eligible people who meet certain criteria.
Who Regulates Insurance Plans?
The private group plans (or fully insured plans) purchased from insurance carriers by employers as a benefit for employees are overseen by the commission or department of insurance in each state.
Options for Uninsured Children
Sometimes even if a parent has group insurance coverage through an employer, family members are not covered because the premiums would cost too much.
State Coverage and Health Insurance Options for the Hard-to-Insure
Most states offer some type of low-cost health insurance for eligible children.
What Sources Are Available to Help with Treatment Costs if neither Insurance nor Public Assistance Is Available?
No child will be denied treatment in a non-profit hospital if a family is unable to pay.
Financial Issues: Getting Help with Living Expenses
Families also face many indirect costs or out-of-pocket expenses when a child has cancer.
States that Have Health Insurance Risk Pools
This is a list of the states that currently offer risk pools.
Additional Resources
Find more information on financial and insurance issues for children diagnosed with cancer.
References
Detailed Guide
Also in this area
Children Diagnosed With Cancer: Dealing With Diagnosis  
Children Diagnosed with Cancer: Dealing with Diagnosis  
Children Diagnosed with Cancer: Financial and Insurance Issues  
Children and Cancer  
Nutrition for Children with Cancer  
Helping Children When A Family Member Has Cancer: Understanding Psychosocial Support Services  
Children Diagnosed With Cancer: Understanding the Healthcare System  
Pediatric Cancer Centers  
Resources for Parents Who Have Lost a Child to Cancer  
Terminal Illness in Childhood  
Childhood Cancer: Late Effects of Cancer Treatment  
Children Diagnosed With Cancer: Returning to School  
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