Health Care Finance Resources

Every family has access to a team of experts that can help navigate the health care system. Understanding each member of the team and their role makes it easier to solve issues.

Private Insurance Customer Service
Health insurance may be paid for by an employer or individually. Private insurance often pays for a significant portion of cancer care costs. The insurance plan has specific rules about the types of treatments, providers, and hospitals it covers. A member of the health insurance customer service team is the first contact point.

Public Insurance Customer Service
Health insurance may be provided by government programs, including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs have specific rules about types of covered treatments, providers, and hospitals. A member of the customer service team can help answer questions.

Care Team
Members of your child’s care team will provide detailed care plans for tests and treatment.

Friends and Family
Friends and family may assist in fundraising, interacting directly with the insurer as a proxy, or by helping pay for out-of-pocket costs.

Employer Human Resources Departments
Many employers have dedicated staff to help employees interact with health insurance companies.

Hospital Staff
Some hospitals have designated staff to assist families with understanding and identifying ways to help cover costs. A few hospitals have financial navigators who help families understand their options, access resources, and solve problems.

Community and Philanthropic Organizations
Nonprofit organizations may help families pay for expenses, including treatments, insurance premiums, housing and transportation.

Communicating with Your Resources

Paying for cancer care is complex. Good communication between the family, care team, insurer, and finance resources is important.

• Be honest and open.
• Ask questions.
• Keep track of pending questions.
• Take notes and keep good records including tests, treatments, medicines, and appointments.
• Write down the names of the finance team members, what they do, and how to reach them.