Many insurance companies offer health insurance which can provide you with a massive benefit payment if you are diagnosed with qualifying types of cancer. The amount of money you receive upon diagnosis varies based on the terms of your chosen plan. If you feel at risk of developing cancer, it would be good to consider getting insured.
Many people affected by cancer are not in a position where they are able to pay for essential healthcare services. Luckily, there is a variety of healthcare assistance programs that offer help to those who have a financial need. Depending on your area, you can find a suitable healthcare assistance program to help secure the treatment you need.
What is Cancer Insurance?
Most health insurance plans don’t offer full coverage for cancer-related treatments and medical procedures. In general, cancer insurance was designed to complement a traditional health insurance plan. Nevertheless, cancer insurance is great for people who don’t have significant savings available to pay for unexpected health emergencies
Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment is usually made of various services such as chemotherapy, surgery, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and genetic therapy. A cancer treatment plan is a highly individualized plan that differs from person to person depending on the type and stage of cancer a person is diagnosed with.
In case you have a health insurance plan it is wise to check which services your insurer covers. On the other hand, if you are in need of financial help, you can get some by finding an appropriate healthcare assistance program in your area, Texas included.
How to find the right healthcare assistance program in your area?
To find the right healthcare assistance program in your area you can take these next steps:
- Search online using keywords and the name of your community. For example, search for “low-income health care, Texas”
- Contact a nearby nonprofit cancer organization or hospital and ask for a patient services representative.
- Check listings in the government or business sections of your local telephone directory.
- Talk with a professional, such as a social worker or a representative from the Department of Health and Human Services in your area.
- Call the United Way 2-1-1 telephone helpline which is available in many areas.
- Ask family members and friends.
Common healthcare assistance programs available
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Social Security Benefits
- Health insurance programs for children
- Hospital care assistance programs
- Financial aid for medical treatments
- Clinical trials, and many others
Other resources and important contacts
Case managers, oncology social workers, oncology doctors, and nurses are eligible to help or provide you with the necessary information concerning financial resources, financial support, and services.
Additionally, there are several national and local service organizations and centers that help people with cancer who are facing financial challenges. Contact these healthcare service organizations directly and learn more about the specific programs and services available for you or someone else you know who needs help.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has named four cancer centers in Texas as leaders in cancer research which are:
- The Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center
Hospitals and physicians in your area may also treat low-income or uninsured patients. You would need to contact them directly for more information. For more information, make sure to read our blog about Why everyone should buy a cancer plan.
