According to CDC, 4 in 10 US adults suffer from at least one chronic ailment, and 6 out of 10 suffer from two. These diseases include heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, cancer, AIDS, and Alzheimer’s disease, to name a few. These chronic diseases are also the leading causes of death in the US, claiming at least 1.7 million lives each year and accounting for $4.1 trillion in annual healthcare costs.
Being diagnosed with a terminal illness can be life-changing for the patient and their loved ones. In addition to the physical and emotional pain comes the financial burden of getting proper medical help on time. Treatment, tests, medication, and lifestyle changes can quickly burn a hole through one’s pocket. Sometimes, patients don’t get the help they need because they don’t have the financial resources to afford it.
But there’s always a solution. If you’re looking for tips to manage funding treatment for terminal illness, these tips might come in handy.
Get Legal Help
Some terminal illnesses earn you the right to seek compensation for treatment because the disease was caused by exposure to a toxic substance at your previous workplace. For example, mesothelioma – is a rare but highly fatal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. This form of cancer usually takes years to manifest as a full-blown disease, after which patients typically have 12-24 months to live. But timely diagnosis can extend this period and make treatment more manageable.
If an ex-employer put you at risk by not following proper safety protocols, you can seek legal help to claim damages to your health. Speaking to an asbestos attorney can help you file a mesothelioma cancer lawsuit and secure the funds you need for treating the illness. Be sure to check the lawyer’s track record. It would also help to read up on what to expect in such legal cases to prepare you for what is to come ahead.
Use online funding platforms
In today’s digital age, crowdfunding has become one of the quickest ways to secure finances to support a project or cause. Websites like Gofundme, Indiegogo, and Patreon are some popular crowdfunding websites people use. You can use these websites to raise awareness and generate funds for your medical treatment.
However, you must share your story in a compelling way to convince people to donate. Content is king, and the more unique your content, the more likely you will get people to empathize with you. You can also integrate these platforms with social media to expand your reach and get more people to pitch in. Remember to thank everyone who contributes.
Seek out charities
Several charities offer financial aid to people suffering from specific illnesses such as STDs, chronic mental health disorders, and rare forms of cancer. Some also help underprivileged people cover medical expenses under varying programs.
However, these charities typically have stringent criteria to ensure help is provided to the most deserving. If you plan on approaching an organization, look up an organization that provides the medical coverage you desire. Have all your paperwork sorted out to speed up the process.
Look for government grants and aid
Many government resources are there to help people living with a terminal illness. However, these come with more strict approval requirements than charities.
The Administration for Community Living supports several chronic disease self-management programs across the country. You can look up Benefitscheckup to connect with medical assistance programs in your neighborhood. You may also qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits if you’ve been unemployed for at least one year because of your illness.
Join research and clinical trials
Becoming a part of clinical trials can earn you about $4000 per year. These are common for cancer treatment and a number of drugs and procedures under testing. You can also add more purpose to your life during the final stages by joining clinical trials rather than resorting to self-resignation.
However, it is vital to show all your medical results in case the trial could exacerbate your symptoms. Be sure to talk to your doctor before opting to join.
Get health insurance
Purchasing a comprehensive health insurance plan can be quite beneficial in managing and cutting down your costs. A good plan should be able to help you cover expenses such as diagnostics, doctors’ appointments, treatment, and medication. Moreover, working with healthcare professionals and services on your insurance provider’s network can help slash some costs. This can save you a pretty penny while paying a mountain of medical bills and expenses.
If you haven’t bought health insurance, be sure to ask your healthcare provider, employer, or friends and family for recommendations. Carefully read the fine print before signing up for any policy.
Seek help from chronic illness support groups
Dealing with a chronic illness can also take an emotional toll on one’s health. This is why joining a support group is a good idea. You get to share your experiences with others who empathize. Moreover, these support groups can also help you access financial resources to help you fund treatment and make life more manageable as symptoms worsen.
Conclusion
Living with a terminal illness can be a struggle, especially if you don’t have the means to manage pain. Therefore, exploring different options to secure funds to treat your illness can improve the quality of life you have left. So if you don’t want to burn a hole through your savings and leave your next loved ones without any money to spare, consider the fund-raising options mentioned above.