Keep in mind, though, that while physicians and hospitals exist to treat patients, they need your payments to keep operating and will bill you for fees the insurance doesn't cover, says Diane Blum, executive director of Cancer Care , a cancer advocacy and assistance program. Hospitals will set up payment schedules, if necessary, and may also have some funds available if money gets tight. The Cancer Care Web site offers a chart of nationwide financial resources for adults with cancer. Such resources can help with money for things your insurer is almost certain not to pay for, including child care, home health aides, and transportation to and from the doctor and hospital. If you are denied coverage for care, and work for a small company, it is worth your while to check with your state insurance commissioner to find out what the law is in your state.
Some states require companies to insure patients for certain cancer tests and treatments.
For information on selecting an insurance plan, where to go to get answers to Medicare questions, and an organization you can call for possible legal counseling if you are a cancer patient, see the Health Insurance Resources . All rights reserved.