Breast cancer often brings unforeseeable expenses. Even those with reliable health insurance can have bills that add up. This causes financial stress that can worsen with a change in your work situation during or after treatment.
There are a few ways that you can prepare for or manage these financial challenges including:
You may turn to another source of income if you cannot return to work. These include long-term disability, life insurance and retirement plans. You may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. Call 800.772.1213 or visit socialsecurity.gov/disability to learn more about these federal programs.
Open and organize your bills into categories. Categories include medical, household, credit card, etc. Prioritize rent or mortgage, utilities, taxes and medical bills for payment first.
You have the right to ask your insurance company to conduct a full and fair review of a denied claim. If the insurance company still denies your claim after appeal, the Affordable Care Act allows you to have an independent review organization decide whether the plan’s decision should be upheld or overturned.
If your insurance company only covers part of a medical bill, but you can’t pay the balance, ask your health care provider to consider it paid in full. This is option is often more successful than you may expect.
Most companies would prefer receiving small payments over nothing at all. Try calling and explaining your situation to your creditors or a credit-counseling agency. Ask them to communicate with you in writing. This will give you a record to refer to if there are problems.
A friend or trusted family member may be able to help you manage your bills or finances if you find them overwhelming. You can also speak with a member of your UPMC Pinnacle Breast Care Center team. We can connect you with a financial assistance program or other sources of financial aid.
If none of these are options for you, contact an organization that offers help for cancer survivors facing financial challenges. There are local and national organizations that offer financial information advice and support for cancer survivors. Your UPMC Pinnacle Breast Care Center team can also help you access these resources.
Phone: 717-545-5000
PinnacleHealth Breast Care Center
Located at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at the Rocco and Nancy Ortenzio Cancer Pavilion
2035 Technology Parkway
Suite 200
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone: 717-988-1450
Fax: 717-221-5544
PinnacleHealth Breast Care Center
Located at Medical Sciences Pavilion
4300 Londonderry Road
Suite 202
Harrisburg, PA 17109
Phone: 717-545-5000
Fax: 717-545-5002
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