Cost of Mesothelioma Treatment

How Much Does Each Treatment Cost?

The cost of mesothelioma treatment depends on the patient’s plan, providers and insurance. Some treatments may cost less than others.

An April 2021 study reported on the safety and effectiveness of continuous infusion low-dose Gemcitabine plus cisplatin (CIGC). This chemo combination may be cheaper for patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma.

The amounts below are for lung cancer treatment, equal to mesothelioma treatment.

• Chemotherapy: A 2013 study found that Alimta (pemetrexed) plus cisplatin cost $40,102 for first-line mesothelioma treatment. The cost varies depending on the exact drugs used, how many rounds are given and other factors specific to each patient.
• Surgery: Pleural mesothelioma surgery is similar to lung cancer surgery. A stage 1 lung cancer patient could pay more than $26,000 in monthly surgery costs. But surgery costs depend on the treatment center and techniques used.
• Radiation Therapy: A 2015 study of Medicare cancer patients found a course of radiation for lung cancer costs a median of $9,000.
• Immunotherapy: In 2017, Reuters report showed checkpoint inhibitors cost about $150,000 annually. Yervoy and Opdivo can cost $256,000 per year.

For most patients, health insurance covers most cancer treatment costs. But they still face high out-of-pocket bills. A 2021 study found three main causes of financial hardship: Cost of cancer treatment, more options and longer treatments.

The study noted that changes in health insurance have raised patients’ out-of-pocket costs for care. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), more than 40 million Americans have medical debt hurting their credit score.

The study noted that the changing landscape of health insurance has led to patients paying more out-of-pocket costs for medical care. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), more than 40 million Americans have medical debt hurting their credit score.

What Are the Hidden Costs of Mesothelioma Treatment?

Medical bills are only part of the cost of having mesothelioma. Lost income, caregiving costs and travel and lodging expenses for out-of-town treatments also play a role.

Insurance companies have shifted costs to patients. They’ve done this by raising copays, coinsurance and deductibles. Cancer patients on Medicare also face high out-of-pocket costs.

Inherited medical expenses can also be a hidden cost. Some states have laws that can hold spouses or adult children responsible for a family member’s unpaid medical bills. These are laws on community property and filial responsibility. A loan or credit card co-signer can be liable for medical debt.

Medical debt can cause financial toxicity that can impact the quality of life and access to essential care. Good financial planning and aid can protect mesothelioma patients and their families.

How to Pay for Mesothelioma Treatment

To help pay for mesothelioma treatment and related costs, patients should explore funding options. They can check government programs, charities, clinical trials and legal claims.

The Affordable Care Act limits the costs of diseases like cancer. Insurance companies cannot limit coverage or deny it to cancer patients. If your health insurance claim is denied, one of our Patient Advocates can work with patients to help them get approved.

Government Assistance

If you are under retirement age but cannot work, you may get monthly income from Social Security Disability Insurance. If you are over retirement age and have a low income, apply for Supplemental Security Income.

U.S. veterans may be eligible for low-cost cancer treatment through the VA. If your mesothelioma is from military asbestos exposure, you can file for VA benefits. They include disability pay and free healthcare.

Charities

Many hospitals, companies and nonprofits offer financial help. It lowers treatment costs or provides free travel and lodging for patients who must go to a distant hospital. A hospital social worker or a mesothelioma advocate can help you find these resources.

Clinical Trials

Patients can get free treatment by joining clinical trials of experimental therapies. Not every mesothelioma patient qualifies for clinical trials, but it is always worth researching which trials are recruiting.

Legal Compensation

Mesothelioma is almost entirely preventable. Most cases trace back to asbestos exposure because of a company’s negligence, making it unfair for patients to bear the cost of cancer treatment.

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you assess your options for legal compensation. Money secured from a mesothelioma lawsuit settlement can be used to help pay for treatment. If you file a legal claim, keep track of all your insurance claims and out-of-pocket expenses. These records can help you build your case later.

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