A new study of anti-cancer drug treatments reveals that out-of-pocket costs for oral drugs are higher than costs for drugs delivered intravenously.
While oral anti-cancer drugs are often more convenient for patients than intravenous drugs, they require many different procedures from doctors such as the management of side effects. However, because these services are not reimbursed by Medicare or other payers, out-of-pocket costs can be as much as 25-50% of the total cost. This can add up to thousands of dollars a year – and sometimes even thousands of dollars per month.
One place patients can turn to for help with chemotherapy and targeted treatment copayments is the CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation. The foundation provides financial help to patients in treatment for:
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Glioblastoma
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Renal cell cancer
Qualified individuals may receive up to $10,000 per year to assist with insurance co-payments. Visit the Foundation’s website to learn how to apply.
