2a. Estimating the Cost of Cancer Treatment
One of the first questions cancer patients ask their care team is “How much will my treatment cost?” As a member of the cancer care team, the social worker is available to help answer financial questions and provide guidance from diagnosis to survivorship. The steps below will help answer the question of how much treatment will cost:
Step One
The patient works with the cancer care team to understand treatment options.
Step Two
The patient selects a treatment plan.
Step Three
The cancer care team shares details about the treatment plan with the patient, including information such as chemotherapy appointments, radiation treatment, and medications.
Step Four
The patient calls the insurer/insurance company for information on copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance.
Step Five
The patient calls the Essentia Health Financial Counselor or billing department to discuss treatment costs.
Step Six
The social worker can help the patient understand the out of pocket costs not covered by insurance.