Caregiving can be complex and difficult for many people, particularly those who have other family and work obligations that have to be factored into a schedule. Additionally, paying for the costs of treatment and caregiving is also a factor that must be considered in making caregiving decisions.

Below is some basic information and resources information to help you manage these issues.

Important information to have on hand throughout caregiving:

• Health care insurance information, including policies, contact numbers, etc.

• Other insurance information, such as long-term care insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, automobile insurance, and property/homeowners insurance.

• Telephone list of important contacts: physicians currently providing care, other key health care team members such as oncology nurses, and physical therapists, for example.

• Location of important documents like advance directives and wills.

• Basic facts about the person with cancer: date and place of birth, Social Security number, and Medicare or Medicaid numbers (if applicable).

• Names and doses of all of the patient's prescribed medications.

• Information about all household bills, centralized in one place.

• Complete listing of all household bank accounts, investment accounts and other related information.

Coping with Insurance and Medical Bills. At the beginning of your loved one's illness, it's important to take the time to learn about your health insurance. Read your policy carefully to gain an understanding about what will and will not be covered, how to get all the benefits to which you are entitled, and how to work within the insurer's systems to manage bills you receive. Not all insurers send out complete policies to their clients. If you do not have a complete policy, contact your insurer and ask for it; you have a legal right to the complete document. You'll want to pay particular attention to obtaining the forms you will need to use if you will be seeking reimbursement.

Medical bills can be very complex. Take some time to read each bill, determining what it was for, and to be sure that your loved one received the services described. If you believe something is not correct, contact the care provider (doctor, hospital, home health agency, etc.) who sent the bill and have it reviewed and, if necessary, corrected.

Sometimes patients are sent enormous bills by providers that reflect the cost before the patient's insurer has paid the bill. Remember, you will not need to pay anything until the insurer has paid. Don't hesitate to contact the provider's billing office to determine what is happening in regard to the insurance claim, and to make sure that the provider has billed your insurer. In some instances, your health care provider may require you to submit claims for reimbursement, rather than the provider. If so, be sure to obtain the proper claims forms from your insurer, and submit a claim for each bill as you receive it. For your own protection and peace of mind, make copies of your completed form and all backup information from the care provider that you are submitting with the bill.

If a claim is denied, and you have reason to believe the claim should be covered, contact your insurer and ask for a detailed written response. Take notes during any phone conversations — the insurance company representative's name, title, phone and comments, as well as time of day and date. If need be, seek additional information to support your claim, such as letter from a physician explaining the need for the treatment, and re-submit the claim. If the claim continues to be denied, it may be wise to ask your attorney to explore the matter with the insurer. Additionally, the Patient Advocate Foundation may be able to assist you if your insurer is repeatedly denying claims or causing other difficulties. This organization is a national nonprofit group that serves as an active liaison between patients and their insurers. Also, your state insurance regulator may be of assistance. For a listing of state insurance regulators provided by the Federal Citizen Information Center, go to the Consumer Action Website.

For a comprehensive discussion of the financial issues surrounding cancer and cancer care, go to Financial Help on this site. Topics include sources of financial assistance and support, credit counseling, means of receiving free or discounted medicines, taxes, and more.

Resources