This list of resources does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to be a substitute for a consultation with your legal counsel or local third-party payer, including Medicare and Medicaid. The laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to coverage and reimbursement, as well as the interpretation of those laws, regulations, and policies, are subject to change.
Support from AstraZeneca in paying for breast cancer treatments
When you're going through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, it can be difficult to pay attention to concerns that may arise for you and your family. Yet attending to these matters is vital to obtaining the care you need.
One of the first things you can do is contact the AstraZeneca Cancer Support Network (AZ CSN). This free service is staffed by health care professionals, including pharmacists and nurses. AZ CSN can help you access the information you need about health care coverage, treatment, and resources for help and advice. Call 1-866-992-9276 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, excluding holidays, or visit www.AZCSN.net.
Whatever your insurance situation, here are some additional practical steps that may assist you in finding ways to help pay for treatment.
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Review your health insurance benefits
It's important to make sure you have enough health insurance to cover your medical expenses.
- Read your policy carefully. To fully understand what's covered, obtain a copy of the "Master Policy" from either your employer or your insurance company
- Submit bills promptly. Check to see if there is a time limit for submitting claims. Get into the habit of submitting bills as soon as you receive them, even if you are not sure an expense is covered
- Set up a system for keeping track of your claims. Keep a copy of every bill. This is essential for obtaining reimbursement and pursuing appeals if coverage is denied
- Pay your premiums on time. Do not risk having your policy lapse because of a late or partial payment
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Obtain health insurance after your breast cancer diagnosis
If you do not have health insurance coverage at the time you are diagnosed, you may still be able to obtain it by exploring one of these options:
- Group insurance. You may be able to purchase group insurance through a professional association, union, or fraternal organization, but enrollment restrictions may apply
- Open-enrollment periods. Some states require insurance companies to provide an annual open-enrollment period for people with preexisting conditions
- Risk pools. Many states offer coverage to residents with serious medical conditions who cannot find an affordable insurance plan
Contact your state insurance department for details on any of these programs.
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Maintain health insurance coverage
If you lose your health insurance after being diagnosed with breast cancer, state and federal laws may help you keep or renew your coverage.
- COBRA laws entitle you to continue health insurance coverage for up to 18 months if you leave or change jobs, or if you become separated or divorced from a covered employee. Coverage is extended if you become disabled immediately after leaving a job. You are responsible for paying the premiums to maintain coverage, which can be expensive
- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guarantees that if you change jobs after you are diagnosed, and are offered health insurance by your new employer, you may qualify for a waiver of the plan's preexisting condition exclusion, if you can show that you had continuous coverage at your previous job
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Seek out possible assistance for cancer care
If you are worried about meeting your financial obligations, here are some steps you can take:
- Try to work out a payment plan with the facility where you are being treated
- Talk to your social worker, case manager, or discharge planner about obtaining financial assistance to cover the cost of cancer care and related services
- Explore services and possible financial aid provided by local chapters of cancer organizations. For example, the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization offers free wigs and prostheses for women with limited resources
- Investigate possible financial assistance at community agencies and religious, fraternal, or civic groups, such as the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Service, and Rotary and Lions' Clubs
- Ask if you are eligible for government-sponsored programs for people with disabilities, people with low incomes, people who are uninsured, or people who are medically underserved
- Explore our list of additional resources
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