Survivor Shares Experiences Seeking Help With Healthcare Costs
Stories from Survivors
Written by Travis Rodgers | Edited By Amy Edel
Carla Fasolo was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2021 and found medical expenses were a considerable source of stress. She encourages other survivors to seek financial help to cover healthcare expenses.
Leading up to her diagnosis, a biopsy and CT scan showed a large tumor growing on the right side of her chest. Following her diagnosis, Carla underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments which shrank the tumor. These tests and expensive mesothelioma treatments were only a part of the financial challenges she says mesothelioma patients face.
With a mesothelioma diagnosis comes an almost certain financial burden. Loss of income, and the cost of travel are just a few potential financial challenges associated with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
“I was concerned about whether my medical insurance was going to cover what I was having done with my chemotherapy, my visits and my travel,” Carla tells us. “Just the thought of it can be overwhelming. It’s not an inexpensive thing.”
Financial assistance is available to people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their loved ones. Carla says, “I was happy to learn that you can get financial assistance from companies that have asbestos in their products.”
Initial Hesitancy Seeking Financial Assistance
Carla admits she was initially hesitant about seeking financial help through the legal process. However, she says given the expenses she was facing while coping with a diagnosis, she felt it was the best option for her family.
In addition to the medical expenses themselves, Carla tells us there are other costs related to healthcare. She recounts, “We traveled almost 100 miles for treatment. You have to eat. You have to get gas. There’s the wear and tear on your vehicle.”
Once the legal process seeking financial compensation began, she says it was much easier than she thought. She urges others with mesothelioma to consider this option as well.
“They’ve made it a lot easier than it could have been,” Carla shares. “I think the most uncomfortable thing I went through was the deposition. Other than that, they ask you the same question over and over again.”
Carla adds that while depending on the details of the case, a mesothelioma lawsuit can take a couple of years or more to complete, gaining financial compensation can improve quality of life. “You don’t know when it’s the end of your time. You might as well be able to enjoy things in life rather than be preoccupied with how you’re going to pay for something,” she points out.
Ultimately she says, she would encourage fellow mesothelioma survivors to explore their options. “No matter what, you still have your expenses that you have to pay for,” Carla notes.
Holding Companies Responsible for Asbestos Exposure
In addition to gaining financial compensation, Carla says taking legal action is a way for survivors and their loved ones to make asbestos companies accountable for asbestos exposure. Inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers is the primary cause of mesothelioma.
“We believe these companies should be held accountable,” says Danielle DiPietro, financial advocate, board-certified Patient Advocate and VA-accredited claims agent. “Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by negligence.”
She adds, “No patient should have to struggle financially. Being diagnosed with cancer can be a huge financial burden for most patients.”
As a board-certified Patient Advocate specializing in financial aid, Danielle says, “I’m able to guide patients with different resources to assist with costs that are incurred. These avenues include grants, veteran benefits, social security benefits and guidance with filing a compensation claim.”
She adds, “Having a rare cancer like mesothelioma not only comes with expenses such as medical bills and travel. There can be additional expenses including home care and at-home medical supplies.”
