Mesothelioma Financial Assistance

How to Get Financial Assistance

Mesothelioma survivors and their families can receive mesothelioma financial support with the help of patient advocates. To obtain financial assistance for health care costs, you can explore various options. Here are some avenues to consider:

• Communicate With Health Care Professionals: Discuss your cost concerns with your physician or patient advocate. They can guide you to available resources and programs tailored to your needs.
• Legal Representation: Negligent corporations are the cause of most asbestos-related illnesses. A mesothelioma lawyer can guide you through options for seeking compensation from those responsible. 
• Medicare and Medicaid: Medicare provides coverage for seniors and disabled individuals. The Medicaid program covers health care costs for eligible low-income individuals and families. 

Receiving mesothelioma financial assistance is easier when you understand what you might need. Essential first steps include learning about eligibility requirements, knowing the steps to access funds and finding the best family resources. You can better prepare for medical care costs by understanding your options and developing a plan.

What Are the Financial Burdens Associated With Mesothelioma?

The cost of mesothelioma treatment involves medical care, at-home equipment, nursing, medications and more. Mesothelioma often imposes significant financial burdens on patients and their families.

Lifetime expenses for mesothelioma care can reach over $150,000. In a survey by The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com, 20% of cancer patients said they spent more than $20,000 yearly in out-of-pocket costs.

From my family’s experience with the financial struggles associated with mesothelioma, I can tell you the battle isn’t easy. The same worries that burdened my family are on the minds of so many others.

Melanie Ball, whose father was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

For patients with low incomes, cancer can be even more stressful. Based on 2021 U.S. census data, more than one in 10 people live in poverty. Without adequate finances, cancer costs quickly become overwhelming. Asbestos-related lung cancer can cost between $55,000 and $80,000 within the first six months after diagnosis.  

With several avenues of mesothelioma financial help available, it is crucial to seek accurate information. Government programs, hospital charities and emotional support resources can help. Consult patient advocates or legal professionals to determine your eligibility. 

Types of Mesothelioma Financial Assistance Options

For patients faced with a mesothelioma diagnosis, the financial burden can be overwhelming. Several financial assistance options are available to help alleviate some of the strain: 

• Asbestos Trust Funds
• Lawsuits
• Travel Grants
• VA Benefits

Federal programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security as well as local government  assistance may provide financial relief. Many treatment centers and charitable organizations also offer financial assistance for patients with limited incomes. Knowing the best mesothelioma financial planning tips can provide a roadmap for planning your expenses during this challenging time.

Asbestos Trust Funds

A mesothelioma trust fund is an account established by companies that have filed for bankruptcy due to asbestos-related lawsuits. These funds aim to compensate patients with mesothelioma and provide them with financial support. Companies have allocated more than $30 billion to these trust funds, and affected individuals are eligible to receive a portion of this money if they qualify.

These funds can be complex, requiring extensive knowledge of the legal and financial aspects involved. A mesothelioma lawyer has experience in asbestos litigation and understands the intricacies of trust fund claims. They can guide you through the process by gathering the necessary documentation and evaluating your eligibility for the best compensation possible. 

Lawsuits

Lawsuits can provide financial assistance for mesothelioma patients. The most common outcome of a mesothelioma lawsuit is settling out of court for around $1-1.4 million. Working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can simplify the process and ensure effective navigation of the legal system.

Pursuing lawsuits can provide compensation for asbestos patients that allows for affordable cancer care. Consulting a qualified mesothelioma lawyer and exploring other available resources for financial aid is crucial for making informed decisions about your health care journey.

Travel Grants

Travel grants are mesothelioma financial assistance programs that support individuals or groups traveling to access cancer care. They can cover transportation, accommodation, meals and associated costs. Health care organizations and nonprofit institutions offer travel grants to offset the expense of traveling for treatment. 

Essential aspects of travel grants include benefits, eligibility criteria, the application process, grant types and funding sources. Eligibility criteria vary but may involve your current treatment or cancer center. The Patient Advocates at The Mesothelioma Center can help you complete and submit applications for travel grants. 

VA Benefits for Mesothelioma

VA benefits are available for mesothelioma patients who are veterans. To access these benefits, veterans must provide medical documentation in a VA claim proving that asbestos exposure caused their cancer. Noncancerous asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis can also qualify for disability ratings ranging from 10% to 100%.

These benefits include:

• Aid and Attendance Benefits: Veterans who require aid and attendance due to disability can apply for monthly compensation ranging from $250 to $650.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Surviving spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected disability can receive a monthly DIC benefit starting at around $1,562.
• Disability Compensation: Mesothelioma is considered 100% disabling, giving eligible veterans the maximum monthly benefit. Age and income do not affect eligibility.
• Health Care Services: Specialized treatment centers in cities such as Boston, Los Angeles, Miami and Houston provide low-cost treatment for mesothelioma patients.

In addition to VA benefits, veterans can explore compensation from asbestos trust funds or file lawsuits against negligent companies. Our Veteran Outreach program includes VA-accredited claims agents who can provide further options for VA aid.

Additional Mesothelioma Resources & Support

Mesothelioma patients and their families can access further resources and support options to assist them in their journey. Our team of Patient Advocates is available to guide you through the choices best suited to your situation. 

Our Family Resources for Mesothelioma include comprehensive information on multiple topics, including:

• Available compensation sources
• Caregiver guides
• Coping strategies
• Mental health resources
• Support groups
• Webinars

Within the resources provided by The Mesothelioma Center, you can also find helpful tips on cancer diets, emergency planning and communication strategies. Information on leading cancer organizations can help you find the latest clinical research trials that cover treatment costs. 

Consider joining a support group for those with mesothelioma, their family members and caregivers. Each month you can connect virtually with others who have experienced similar hardships and setbacks. These groups share stories and insights on what helped them overcome the obstacles in their journeys. 

By utilizing these resources and support options, individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma can access the necessary assistance throughout their journey. Mesothelioma communities, emotional support and caregiver resources are essential to healing and coping with this serious illness. 

Who Is Eligible for Mesothelioma Financial Assistance?

Mesothelioma financial assistance is available to individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma, their caregivers and their surviving family members. Eligibility for financial aid can vary depending on the organization or program. 

• Individuals with an asbestos-related diagnosis. Patients with asbestos exposure can access financial assistance through cancer organizations, government programs, legal representation and charities.
• Mesothelioma caregivers. Financial aid is available for caregivers of patients with mesothelioma. These funds include caregiver respite and assistance from organizations such as the National Family Caregiver Support Program. 
• Surviving family members of patients with asbestos-related cancers. Immediate family members of those who have died from mesothelioma can file a wrongful death claim. A mesothelioma lawyer can help navigate the legal process to secure compensation for the estate. 
• Veterans with an asbestos-related disease. The VA Health Care System provides financial help to eligible veterans. To access these benefits, you must demonstrate that your asbestos exposure occurred during your military service, leading to mesothelioma later in life.

Lawyers experienced with mesothelioma cases can facilitate seeking financial aid for cancer care. Dedicated firms handle the legal work of filing claims and ensuring fair compensation. Leading cancer organizations offer grants and financial aid programs to assist mesothelioma patients. You may be eligible for mesothelioma clinical trials at leading cancer centers. These trials often have sponsors that pay for your treatment during the trial. 

Researching and consulting with professionals experienced in mesothelioma cases is crucial to determining eligibility and exploring available options. Financial assistance can alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with the diagnosis and provide economic security for you and your family.

Common Questions About Mesothelioma Financial Assistance

How much does mesothelioma treatment cost?

The lifetime costs of mesothelioma care can exceed $150,000. Treating mesothelioma includes costs such as hospital care, medications, equipment and nursing. Some cancer patients report spending more than $20,000 per year on out-of-pocket expenses. The expected fees are similar to asbestos-related lung cancer, which can cost between $55,000 to $80,000 within the first six months.

What are the hidden costs associated with mesothelioma treatment?

Hidden mesothelioma treatment costs include out-of-pocket expenses, travel and lodging, lost wages, at-home care services and funeral expenses. Planning, researching and exploring available resources are crucial for effectively managing these costs. Financial assistance is available through insurance coverage, veterans benefits, asbestos trust funds and lawsuits against asbestos companies.

What legal options exist for seeking financial compensation?

Legal options for seeking financial compensation for mesothelioma include lawsuits, trust funds and VA benefits. Surviving family members of those who have died from mesothelioma can file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. A mesothelioma lawyer can be the best resource for discovering your legal options for financial compensation.

How do I find a mesothelioma attorney to help with my financial compensation claim?

You can find a qualified and experienced mesothelioma attorney by speaking with a patient advocate and working with a national law firm. A national firm generally has the resources to evaluate your case, gather evidence, file the necessary paperwork and guide you through your case. They can be the best way to increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.