What should I know about health insurance?
ACS Answer
Health insurance helps cover the cost of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In the past, most people in the US had private fee-for-service (indemnity) insurance. This meant that a person could go to any doctor or hospital and the insurance and the patient would each pay part of the bill. Today, however, more than half of Americans who have health insurance are enrolled in some type of managed care plan, which is an organized way of both providing services and paying for them.
For those who are 65 or older, coverage may be offered through Medicare, a federal insurance program. People with Medicare now are offered either managed care or indemnity plans. Medicaid, a joint federal-state health insurance program that is run by the states, covers some low-income people (especially women and children) and disabled people. Each state decides the type of health plan that is available for these people. Veterans may receive benefits through a VA program.
Whatever the type of insurance you have, you will want to get the most that you can from your plan. You will get the best care if you stay informed and know about the benefits, coverage, and limits of your plan. Take charge of your care by asking questions and being involved in making decisions about your care, and keep track of the care you receive.
What to do
- Get a copy of your insurance policy and find out what the coverage includes, especially related to your cancer and treatment.
- Keep careful records of all your health care expenses and claims. If your health insurance requires claims, send in claims for all covered costs.
- Get help in filing a claim if you need it.
- Follow up with your insurance company with questions about filed claims.
- If a claim is denied, submit it again.
- Keep complete and accurate records of claims submitted, pending, and paid.
- Keep your insurance needs in mind when changing or considering changing jobs.
- Consider filing an insurance complaint if you feel you have been treated unfairly. Work with your doctor to get the most coverage available to you.
- Look for other options for getting insurance after cancer treatment, such as joining your state's "high risk" health insurance pool for people who cannot get regular health coverage; using Medicare or Medicaid; obtaining dependent coverage under your spouse's insurance plan; joining your current company plan; getting coverage through an independent broker; or getting group insurance through an organization you've joined.
Do not
Leave a job with insurance benefits until you have a new job with the coverage you needAllow your insurance to expire
Related Resources
Get more information about health insurance.
Recommended Consultation
You should consider discussing this topic with your employer's human resources and benefits department or a patient representative at your hospital.
