The Kaiser Center reports that one-third of Americans aged 18-64 years are put into debt because of cancer. The debt is caused as a direct or indirect result of high medical costs, an inability to work and loss of income. More than half of those incurred debts of at least $10,000. The risk of debt or bankruptcy is further exacerbated among younger patients and those with lower incomes. The National Cancer Institute estimates that there are 454.8 new cancer cases per 100,000 men and women each year. Now, more than ever, financial preparedness is a key strategy to battle the disease. Financial healthcare empowerment is going to play a significant role in the fight against cancer. If survival rates are going to improve, it is imperative that everyone is prepared from day one to deal with a shocking news that will affect all fronts of your life from physical and mental to psychological and financial implications.

Preparing for the High Cost of Care

Healthcare, in general, is a costly affair especially if you don’t have a good insurance. In this regard, it is important to squirrel money away even if it is only a small amount. If you are not familiar with the 50-30-20 (regular expenses, wants and savings) rule, you might need to think about it and adopt this strategy to maximize savings that you could put away. Even simple lifestyle changes (strict budgeting and ditching credit cards) already bring you a step closer towards financial independence.

Coping with Financial Stress

Unfortunately, while you are steadily creating your personal wealth, the devastating news of cancer can quickly knock you a few notches down. Resiliency to financial stress is key in getting through the illness. This means smarter management of assets and finding ways to get help for your treatments.Seeking the services of a financial counselor or social worker upon diagnosis is imperative to check out what resources are available to you.

Better Cancer Treatment Options but Rising Healthcare Costs

The good news is that treatment options for cancer are getting better as the years passed. The bad news is that these therapies are pricey and are likely to eat up the budgets of cancer patients. Although it might be difficult to come to terms with your diagnosis, it is important that you start researching treatment options immediately. Your healthcare insurance might not be enough to pay for treatment.

Dealing with Healthcare Finances, Loss of Income and Even Bankruptcy

There are several state and federal programs that offer financial support to individuals and families. Known as entitlements, they are directed at low-income groups, the elderly and disabled persons. Pharmaceutical patient assistance programs also exist to help with reimbursements, referrals for co-pay relief programs and discounted/free medications. You can also participate in paid clinical trials to help defray costs of treatments. Cancer organizations and general organizations can support treatment plans for patients.

Cancer is a devastating disease that has serious financial repercussions. It can cause physical and emotional stress as treatments and therapies can literally cost a fortune that in turn may in debt you or at worse, lead to bankruptcy. Being prepared financially for any disaster can mitigate these negative effects and taking charge of money matters is empowering.