Be Informed

“You have cancer.”

The doctor’s words set off a cascade of emotions, questions and worries for patient and family.

Yet whatever the prognosis, whatever the treatment prescribed, it’s important to remember that while cancer has taken over part of the body, you are still in control of your life.

Yes, treatment may be quite costly, especially if you are no longer able to work. But you may have more resources than you realize. The sooner you take charge of meeting the financial challenges of cancer, the sooner you’ll be able to concentrate on what’s really important – your life and your family.

Answering the following 15 questions will help you and your family get started:

Do you have the answers you need? Are you or your spouse a member of an HMO or have medical insurance?  Tell me more. Do you or your spouse have a Medical Savings Account (MSA) at work?  Tell me more. Do you have disability insurance, on your own or through your job? Tell me more. Do you have life insurance, on your own or through your job?  Tell me more. What other benefits may be available to you or your spouse through your employers?  Tell me more. Could you be eligible for Social Security benefits?  Tell me more. Are you covered under Medicare or Medicaid?  Tell me more. Do you own your home or other real estate?  Tell me more. Do family members with whom you are close live nearby?  Tell me more. Will treatment result in travel expenses?  Tell me more. Is there available credit on credit cards?  Tell me more. If you become overwhelmed financially, would you consider filing for bankruptcy?  Tell me more. Is there a will and a durable power of attorney?  Tell me more. Is there a living will and a power of attorney for medical care?  Tell me more Does your family know how to find all important papers?  Tell me more.

Special Series Reports :  Statins Cut Key Indicator of Prostate Cancer Cancer Survivor T-Shirts – Be Proud, Shout It Loud Medicare Cost Increases for 2001 Announced Pitching In For Low-Income Patients - Patient Assistance Programs ''Poem Of Life'' is a Fraud Cancer Insurance: Is It Right For You? Help Yourself, Help Your Family: Getting It All Together Using a Financial Planner for the Money Side of Your Battle With Cancer Estate Planning: Taking Control By Making Key Decisions In Advance Need To Travel For Treatment? Help Is Available Hospice Care: An Introduction Money for Medical Care: You Might Be Living In It Credit & Bankruptcy: Managing Your Finances In Crisis Medicare and Medicaid: When Uncle Sam Picks Up The Tab Meeting the Cost of Cancer Care: What About Social Security? Easing The Financial Burden - One Community's Resource Help When You Need It Most: Disability Income and Life Insurance Know Your Coverage: A Health Insurance Primer Cancer Care -- Paying The Price The Financial Impact of Cancer: A Personal Story Hospice: When Illness Advances. The authors: Sally Esteb Cureton Dave Cureton