Feb 7, 2025
After putting in decades of work, enjoying life's "golden years" as a retiree should be enjoyable, relaxing, and carefree. At least, that's what we all hope for.
But sometimes life throws us curveballs, like a major health issue. It's no fun to navigate treatment for cancer or other diseases at the best of times, but being retired without health insurance can take that stress — and its financial burden — to a whole new level.
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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.
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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.
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With a writing and editing career spanning over 13 years, Emma creates and refines content across a broad spectrum of industries, including personal finance, lifestyle, travel, health & wellness, real estate, beauty & fitness and B2B/SaaS/tech. Her versatility comes through contributions to high-profile clients like Moneywise, Healthline, Narcity and Bob Vila, producing content that informs and engages, along with helping book authors tell their stories.
