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A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lagrange, GA

I've 2nodules,10mm and 7mm. So far I just had 5 zaps of SBRT. Waiting till March for PET scan. At some time th DRs will probably recommend chemo, I don't see how I could possibly afford it. I live on SS and have plain Medicare a& b

February 8, 2023
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone worried about affording lung cancer treatment on Social Security and basic Medicare, sharing a wealth of... Read more

Members rallied around someone worried about affording lung cancer treatment on Social Security and basic Medicare, sharing a wealth of practical financial resources including hospital patient assistance programs that cover what insurance doesn't, pharmaceutical company copay assistance programs for specific drugs like Keytruda, and applying for Medicaid based on high treatment costs. Several members described their own success stories with financial aid applications requiring only basic paperwork and bank statements, clinical trial enrollment as a cost-saving option, and the importance of working with oncology social workers who know about available grants and assistance programs that doctors may not mention. A recurring theme was persistence and self-advocacy, with members emphasizing that certified hospitals are required to offer assistance programs, Medicare Advantage plans vary widely in coverage, and no one should face bankruptcy or skip treatment due to cost when help exists.

A MyLungCancerTeam Member

You should get Part B Supplemental, as Part B only covers 80% of a Doctors visit. You need to find out what drug is being used too, as oral drugs are covered under Part D. My brother had chemo and radiation, he didn’t complain about the costs, but he got his treatments at a University. Some drug companies had programs for poor people. I got a (Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators) drug for $5000, was on Medicare. Discuss this with your Doctor. One of the good things about Medicare is that you can change it annually.
Mickeyfin

February 8, 2023
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I will give you a heads up that most oncology places won’t tell you. We have learned with my father and his cancer. There are grants available to people who may otherwise not be able to afford it. Also the pharmaceutical company has financial assistance for people also with the different chemotherapy meds. Say if you were prescribed Keytruda, go under their site and look for the financial assistance. Always find out from the social worker with your oncologist about grants.

April 1, 2023
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Linda636:
I tried financial assistance from the hospital, but I took out too much money from my IRA in 2021, and it made my income too high. Ironically, I took the money out to pay medical bills!! What a Catch-22!!
I'm going to try again as soon as I do my taxes for 2022.
Good luck with your attempt

February 9, 2023
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Keytruda is over 15k a treatment

April 19, 2023 (edited)
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

i've had sbrt 2 times killing that cancer but it's back now all i got is chemo i graduated to vietnam thank god they take very good care of me talk to your oncologists nurse as the nurses are better aware of how to get free help god bless jerry that sbrt killed my cancer twice good stuff i hope you luck.my friend chemo sucks i'm getting carb plax chemo and have 7 left i think have had 5 alreadynot sure if the pain is worth it eather chemo is going to cure my cancer or kill me tring

April 19, 2023

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