 Getting
Emotional Help
Dealing
With Financial Issues
Facing
Limited Funds or No Health Insurance
GETTING
EMOTIONAL HELP
A diagnosis of cancer
is stressful enough to cause a wide range of feelings: fear,
sadness, despair, and anger. Everyone experiences these feelings
at some point. However, just because these feelings are to
be expected does not mean that you should deal with them by
yourself. People who face these feelings rather than deny
them appear to cope better with their cancer treatment.Your doctor, hospital social worker, or oncology
nurse can direct you to general counseling, where a therapist
can help you work through important psychological or family
issues, including feelings of confusion, fear, anger, denial,
or depression. Support
groups may be useful as well. Groups
of patients who have had similar experiences provide opportunities
for patients to talk with one another. Support groups are
also available for your family and friends. In addition,
spiritual guidance and support are of great benefit to many
patients
and their families.
DEALING
WITH FINANCIAL ISSUES
Talk with your doctor,
the doctor’s office manager, or a hospital financial
representative about your insurance coverage. They are
experienced in dealing with insurance issues and know how
to ask the right questions about your coverage. Ask them
to speak to your insurance company or HMO for you. Read
your insurance policy carefully to verify your coverages
and limits. Nevertheless, remember, this is complicated
and contains medical and legal jargon that you may not
understand. Never assume that you are not entitled to some
form of service. Always talk to a doctor or hospital advisor
about whether you qualify. Talk to your employer about possible
disability insurance payments for income maintenance.
FACING
LIMITED FUNDS OR NO HEALTH INSURANCE
Be sure to consider
the following if you have financial difficulties or no health
insurance.
  |
Most hospitals and cancer centers have social workers who can help determine eligibility for financial assistance and fill out the necessary forms. |
|
You may automatically
be eligible for MediCal if you are eligible for Supplemental
Security Income (SSI). |
|
You may qualify
for MediCal under the “medically needy” category. |
|
You may qualify
for Veterans’ administration care. |
|
Contact the
1-800-4CANCER telephone service. |
Continue
to “End of Life Issues” |
