After transplant, you may still have transplant costs that aren’t covered by your insurance, as well as ongoing costs of living. Once you leave the hospital, you may also have new costs, such as hotels, transportation, parking, and copays for doctor visits and medicines. It can be stressful to think about money, when you’re trying to recover from transplant, but here are some important things to keep in mind.
Paying for medicines
After transplant, it’s very important to take all of your medicines and to follow your doctor’s instructions so you can recover.
The medicines can be expensive, but don’t make any changes without talking to your transplant doctor. It’s very dangerous to stop taking any of your medicines, or to skip or lower the doses. If you have a hard time paying for your medicines, tell your
transplant team right away. They will find a way to help you continue taking the medicines you need. They may be able to find other, less expensive options or help you find the medicines for a lower cost.
There are also grants and prescription assistance programs that could help. Ask your pharmacist about financial assistance programs for prescription medicines.
Managing ongoing costs
It’s hard for a lot of patients to keep paying for things like mortgage and utilities or credit card debts when there are so many new bills to pay after transplant. If it’s hard to keep up with all your bills, you can try calling your creditors (the companies you owe money to) and explain your situation. Many will understand and work with you. Ask about getting lower, more manageable monthly payments. If you need help talking to creditors about lowering your payments, call a nonprofit consumer credit counseling service. These organizations can help you set a budget and they can also work with your creditors to come up with a payment plan. Call (800) 388-2227 or visit the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Know your insurance benefits
The case manager at your insurance company is there to help you. They can tell you what’s covered and how best to use your benefits. Many insurance companies offer reimbursement for some travel and relocation costs. Your insurance case manager can help
you figure out how to use those benefits.
Also, if you need a new procedure or medicine, you can call your case manager and ask if it’s covered and if there’s anything you need to know. For example, some insurance companies have specialty pharmacies
that you have to use in order to have your medicines paid for.
If you’re not sure who your case manager is, call your insurance company to find out.
Stay insured
If your work status has to change after transplant, you will need to find different insurance. It’s important to your health - and your financial health - to stay insured after transplant. If you need new insurance, you have some options.
Ask for help
Let a trusted family member or friend help you keep your finances organized, so you can focus on healing. Insurance and other companies will need your permission to speak with someone else about your accounts.
Also, talk to your transplant team
if you’re worried about how to pay for everything. They can help you figure out what your insurance will cover and let you know about grants or other resources that might help. You can also contact the Be The Match® Patient Support Center for help.
CONTACT THE PATIENT SUPPORT CENTER
CALL: 1 (888) 999-6743 or (763) 406-3410
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central Time
EMAIL: patientinfo@nmdp.org
All of our
programs and resources are free.
CONTACTE AL CENTRO DE APOYO AL PACIENTE
Llame al: 1 (888) 999-6743 or (763) 406-3410
De lunes a viernes, de 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. Horario central
CORREO ELECTRÓNICO: pacienteinfo@nmdp.org