1. Financial Options when living with Cancer
Anissa Johnsen MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Ashley Lutz, CSW

2. The Cost of Living with Cancer
Cancer care costs are rising at two to three times the rate of other health care costs
New cancer therapies can cost more than $60,000 per month
Average monthly cost per drug is $10,000
Insurance companies have shifted cost to patient by increasing premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other out of pocket expenses
At least 30% of cancer survivors report financial hardship
Bankruptcy rates are 2.5 times higher than those without a history of cancer

3. Patient Perspective
“If I thought cancer was stressful, this financial situation is worse.”
“How can I pay my mortgage, utilities, car payment while missing work?”
“This is the stuff that keeps me up at night.”
“I don’t think there’s anything out there to help me.”
“I might just stop treatment because I need to work.”
“How do people manage?”

5. Social Work & Financial Navigator Perspective
You have rights as an employee
You may have income options at the employer, county or government level
You may not be optimizing your current insurance benefits
You may have alternative or additional options for insurance

6. Role of Social Workers
What we provide: Clinical assessments, Advocacy, Resource coordination, Education.
Where we are: county/government agencies, medical clinics/hospitals, schools, mental health facilities, etc.
How an Oncology Social Worker can help: Advance Directives, financial options, community resources and referrals, establish a support team, crisis management.

7. Financial Navigation role Hospital based assistance programs
Financial Navigation: Assist with understanding current insurance, comparing insurance options, and educating on the different types of insurances available example: Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid, Cobra, etc.
Hospital based Financial Assistance Programs: Offered at most Hospital systems however guidelines will differ.

8. Community Foundation Grants
Foundations grants are disease and treatment specific.
Foundation grants open and close based on funding and therefore should be applied for as soon as possible
Grants may cover treatment only or premiums depending on the Foundation used.
Timeframe for grants is normally one year from the date approved or until funds are exhausted.
You are able to reapply for the same grant after the year is over as long as it is open at the time of renewal.

9. Financial Resources Patient Access Network 866-316-7261
PAN Fund Finder
Patient Advocate Foundation
Health Well Foundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Pharmaceutical Assistance