I'm recently retired — and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. My doctor wants to start chemo ASAP but I no longer have health insurance. What should I do?

This is especially true for those needing chemotherapy or other treatment immediately but not getting the necessary coverage approval in a timely manner.

The good news is there are options.

The financial burden of cancer care

This type of financial burden is so prevalent that a 2022 study found 75% of those being treated for colorectal cancer experienced "serious financial hardship" during their first year of diagnosis.

Interestingly, almost all 380 participants had health insurance — meaning coverage doesn't necessarily shield patients from financial hardship and isn't always the path to quicker or better treatment, as lead study investigator, Veena Shankaran, M.D., M.S., of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, attested.

What's more, a survey from the Association of Oncology Social Work showed cancer treatment costs negatively impact the ability to focus on recovery for 87% of patients with major financial burdens from their treatment. Of them, 75% constantly worry about financial issues because of treatment costs.

Different ways to get health insurance

If your spouse has health insurance, start there to see what you're covered for under their plan. If not, or it simply isn't enough, you might qualify for Medicaid, Medicare or Marketplace (Obamacare) insurance.

Medicaid

Medicaid is funded by states and the federal government, offering free or low-cost coverage to those with low incomes or disabilities. Eligibility varies by state and is determined by things like age, household income, assets, family size and disability.

Medicare

Medicare is a federal insurance program for those aged 65 and up.

Patients of any age are covered through Medicaid if they've received SSDI for at least two years or if they have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or end-stage renal disease. Financial assistance may be available through ongoing programs like Extra Help/Part D Low-Income Subsidy and Medicare Savings.

HealthCare.gov (Obamacare) plans

Under the Affordable Care Act, private insurance plans are available from HealthCare.gov. There are specific enrollment periods with exceptions, like for those with household income under 150% of the federal poverty level.

Financial assistance may be available through cost-sharing and premium tax credit deductions.

Other ways to lower treatment costs

For alternatives to insurance plans, here are other ways to lower your medical costs.

Patient Advocate Foundation

The [Patient Advocate Foundation(https://www.lls.org/partner/patient-advocate-foundation-paf) provides case management and mediation services, sometimes with the help of doctors and healthcare lawyers. They also offer financial assistance through a scholarship program and a co-pay relief program.

Financial assistance departments

Most American hospitals have a financial assistance department. Reach out to yours to explain your situation and see what advice, support or suggestions they can offer.

Oncology social workers

By assessing your condition and financial situation, oncology social workers can make referrals to community agencies offering medical financial support, including to organizations with sliding scale fees.

American Cancer Society resources

The American Cancer Society keeps a list of resources to help cover cancer treatment and care expenses, which can include everything from transportation, meals and lodging, to day-to-day living costs like mortgage and childcare fees.

Clinical trials

If available, explore the viability of participating in a relevant clinical trial. A study of cancer patients enrolled in clinical trials found a near-$6,000 savings per patient compared to those who were not, so it could be a good option.