UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED SEEK CANCER TREATMENT OPTIONS

Cancer patients who are struggling with finances because they’re recently unemployed, have no insurance benefits, and don’t qualify for public aid are having a hard time getting the treatment they need, says a recent CNN article. For example, seriously ill patients in states like Nevada, where budget deficits have resulted in the cutting of funds to the outpatient cancer center at the University Medical Center's oncology clinic, are being forced to find treatment on their own.

The U.S. healthcare crisis, notes the article by Thelma Gutierrez and Wayne Drash, has both doctors and patients scrambling for new and better ways to meet the health care needs of those who fall through the cracks. Clark County (Nevada) oncologist Nick Spirtos and his partners recently came to the rescue of some seriously ill cancer patients who are part of their practice by agreeing to do a little pro bono work, setting up a makeshift treatment room in a converted storage room in their office, designed to cater to patients who need but can’t afford treatment. There, individuals in all stages of cancer can receive the treatment they may otherwise need to forego, thanks to the generosity of the doctors, Clark County, and anonymous donors who throw loose change in some 400 donation boxes located in various places throughout the county.

The cost of cancer treatments like chemotherapy are exorbitant, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by uninsured cancer victims who are facing true healthcare dilemmas. The CNN article notes that one chemo treatment can cost upwards of $10,000. Multiply that amount by the number of necessary treatments for most patients and the sum is staggering. As a matter of fact, a recent analysis by Thomas Reuters notes that one in eight people turn down recommended cancer treatment because of the ever-rising costs. Others stop treatment mid-stream, greatly decreasing their chances for survival. Similarly, a report from the Center for Studying Health System Change notes that 20 percent of Americans indicate they have problems paying their medical bills in general.

“As costs rise, insurers are shifting a greater share to patients,” said Neal Meropol of Philadelphia's Fox-Chase Cancer Center in a USA Today article penned in October 2008. New cancer treatments, especially, come at a higher cost than ever. Chemo drugs like Alimta®, an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma, can empty the wallets of those struck with this asbestos-caused cancer, including many U.S. veterans that were exposed to the toxic mineral while serving their country.

Veteran healthcare, in general, has historically been lacking and mesothelioma treatment hasn’t always been part of the deal because it’s often difficult to prove the disease has developed due to exposure during military service. Because mesothelioma remains latent for up to 50 years, a direct link to military-related exposure is often argued. If a link is established, however, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may provide appropriate healthcare, including mesothelioma chemotherapy, and may also offer monetary compensation to victims and their families.

Thankfully, healthcare for veterans may see an improvement soon, thanks to funding that is being proposed by the Obama administration. The current budget requests the largest single-year increase in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs in 30 years, and will expand coverage significantly. Furthermore, the funding will extend coverage to about a half-million veterans who were previously excluded, providing the most comprehensive coverage since the formation of the VA in 1930.