• All About INTRON® A
  • What Is INTRON® A?
  • Why INTRON® A?
  • Getting Started
  • Treatment with INTRON® A
  • Managing Side Effects
• Understanding Your Condition
  • Malignant Melanoma
  • Skin Basics
  • What Is Cancer?
  • Types of Skin Cancer
  • Focus on Melanoma
• Give and Get Support
  • For People Living with Melanoma
  • For People Who Care
• Professional Resources
  • Indications
  • Why INTRON® A
  • Managing Therapy
  • Patient Support
  • Professional Resources
  • Contact Information

Planning Your Finances

Think ahead, be prepared

Facing cancer can also mean dealing with changes in income and expenses that you did not expect. For example:

• You may not be able to work, or work as much, during treatment.
• Someone else in the house may need to work more, or may miss work while caring for you.
• Insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid may cover only part of your costs.
• You may need to pay someone else for childcare, household chores, or transportation to doctor's appointments.

There are programs available to help people with cancer and their families. They may be sponsored by the U.S. or state and local government agencies or nonprofit organizations. These groups can help with problems that involve:

• medical bills
• insurance coverage
• reimbursement for your expenses

Another place to turn is a hospital financial counselor in the business office. This person can help set up a payment plan so you can keep up with hospital expenses.

You may also want to think about talking with a financial planner or lawyer about the future. If this is not possible, you might find useful insights by attending a support group with people who are already experienced at facing cancer's challenges.

Read about places to turn for help with financial aspects of dealing with cancer.