The unexpected Cost of Cancer

The  unexpected Cost of #Cancer

Things just don't feel right so you decide to go see the doctor for a checkup.  To your horror, you find out you have cancer.  You have medical insurance right?  So there is nothing to be concerned about right?  WRONG!  

The cost of #co-pays and #deductibles alone can be stressful financially and emotionally.  "Patients with the greatest financial stress spent about 31 percent of their household income on health-related costs, not including insurance premiums." For many, they soon come to feel "underinsured".

Personal expenses depend on several factors.  Among them: The type of cancer treatment you receive. The length of treatment. The location of treatment. Your health insurance coverage. Whether you have supplemental insurance.  In addition, there are many unexpected costs.  These include Transportation and travel expenses like Gas, Tolls, Parking, Taxis, Bus or train fares, Airplane fares. Family living expenses include Childcare, Eldercare, Support for household tasks like cleaning, and Counseling. 

You may need care at the home or away from home. Consider the cost of hiring a person to prepare meals or provide transportation to appointments, Staying at a specialized facility for extended nursing care, or Hiring a home health aid. 

Finally, do you think you will be able to work during this time? What about legal issues that may occur if your employer terminates your employment.  How about financial issues like filing taxes? 

If you don't already have cancer, now then is the time to consider the cost.  While the exact amount may not be completely calculatable, any income replacement plans would be beneficial.