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Health insurance or some kind of health coverage is a key work
benefit. Having it eases part of the worry that comes with a major
medical problem. Everyone knows that hospitalization, surgery,
radiation therapy, chemotherapy, medicines, state-of-the-art equipment
and procedures, and a medical professional's time are all costly. But
no health plan has benefits that cover all the costs of treatment. Very
few families know exactly what their insurance or managed care plans
provide. Many are surprised to find that, even for a major illness, not
everything that is ordered or prescribed will be approved or reimbursed
by the health insurance plan.
In the effort to control medical costs, there are rules and
guidelines that require admissions, tests, treatment, and specialized
care be approved ahead of time. And since health insurance is becoming
more and more expensive for employers, they often limit benefits and
pass along some of the extra costs to their employees. Families must be
ready to deal with many phone calls, lots of paperwork, ongoing
follow-up, and careful record keeping. This is a lot to add to your
schedule. And they are even harder to do when you are worried about
your sick child and all the other problems the illness can cause.
There are other new expenses that come with illness
Transportation, a place to stay during treatment, food, and child care
for the other children in your family are not part of your health plan.
A parent may have to take unpaid time off work or give up a job because
of treatment schedules. (See Family and Medical Leave Act
for more about taking time off but still keeping your job. You can
visit our web site or call us to get a copy.) Missed time at work for
one or both parents may mean a serious loss of income.
Parents who do not have health insurance are even more
concerned with how this might affect their child's treatment. Whether
families have insurance or other sources of payment, most families
become concerned about the out-of-pocket costs they will face and how
family income may be affected by their child's illness.
Back to Children Diagnosed with Cancer:
Financial and Insurance Issues
Last Medical Review: 04/01/2009
Last Revised: 04/01/2009
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