
If you're a survivor of a traumatic event, you're likely facing a mountain of medical bills. In most cases, the hospital or medical facility will send you a bill directly, but the question remains: does the survivor pay for medical bills?
You may be surprised to learn that many medical facilities offer financial assistance programs to help with medical bills. For example, according to the article, some hospitals have programs that can reduce or even waive medical bills for patients who have experienced a traumatic event.
However, these programs vary widely and are often dependent on the specific circumstances of the case. In some cases, the survivor may still be responsible for paying a portion of the medical bills, even if they qualify for financial assistance.
Intriguing read: Financial Assistance for Medical Bills in Washington State
What Survivor Covers
Survivor covers a wide range of medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, and doctor visits.
The Survivor Benefits Plan pays 100% of medical expenses up to the maximum annual benefit amount, currently $150,000.
Survivor also covers prescription medication, including brand-name and generic options, with no copays or deductibles.
In addition to medical expenses, Survivor also covers funeral and burial expenses, up to $3,000.
Financial Barriers and Assistance
Carla's experience with mesothelioma highlights the significant financial burden associated with this disease. Medical expenses can be overwhelming, but there are options available.
Traveling for treatment can add up quickly, with Carla mentioning that her family had to travel almost 100 miles for care. You have to eat, get gas, and deal with vehicle wear and tear on top of medical costs.
Depending on the case, a mesothelioma lawsuit can take a couple of years or more to complete. Gaining financial compensation can improve quality of life, allowing individuals to focus on enjoying life rather than worrying about expenses.
Carla emphasizes the importance of exploring options, noting that expenses don't disappear, even for those facing a terminal diagnosis. She encourages fellow mesothelioma survivors to seek financial assistance through the legal process.
Explore further: Financial Assistance for Medical Bills in Virginia
Key Information and Findings
Majorities of cancer patients and survivors are unprepared for the costs of their care, with 73% concerned about their ability to pay current or future costs and 70% worried about incurring medical debt.
The financial burden of cancer care is significant, with 51% of patients and survivors reporting medical debt as a result of their treatment. This debt often lingers for years, with 53% facing collections and 46% seeing their credit score negatively impacted.
Medical debt can have far-reaching consequences, including delayed or avoided medical care for serious issues (45%) and minor issues (62%). It can also lead to seeking the least expensive treatment options due to financial constraints.
African Americans are disproportionately affected, with higher rates of medical debt and collections. Similarly, residents of states that have not expanded Medicaid are more likely to report medical debt and feel unprepared for the costs of their cancer care.
Here are some key statistics on the impact of medical debt on cancer patients and survivors:
- 51% report incurring medical debt as a result of their cancer care
- 53% face collections due to medical debt
- 46% see their credit score negatively impacted
- 45% delay or avoid medical care for serious issues due to medical debt
- 62% delay or avoid medical care for minor issues due to medical debt
Medical and Insurance
You may be eligible for reimbursement of medical expenses related to a crime, including hospital, doctor, and ambulance bills. These expenses may also cover tasks you can no longer complete yourself, such as cleaning, cooking, and childcare.
The Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) covers a range of expenses, including medical supplies and equipment, and transportation costs to go for medical care. You can submit additional crime-related bills to the program at any time, and it's okay if you've already filed a claim for some of these expenses.
In fact, 51% of cancer patients and survivors report incurring medical debt as a result of the costs of their cancer care. This debt can be carried for years, with significant impacts on your credit score and overall financial well-being.
Here are some common medical expenses that may be covered by the program:
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Transportation costs to go for medical care
- Tasks you can no longer complete yourself, such as cleaning and cooking
- Crime-related hospital, doctor, and dentist bills
- Ambulance and physical therapy bills
- Medications and medical equipment
It's worth noting that medical debt can have a significant impact on your ability to pay for future medical expenses. In fact, 73% of cancer patients and survivors are concerned about their ability to pay current or future costs of their care.
Sources
- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/energy/regs/compliance/progbenefits
- https://www.pa.gov/services/pcv/apply-for-victims-compensation.html
- https://www.fightcancer.org/policy-resources/survivor-views-cancer-medical-debt
- https://ovs.ny.gov/victim-compensation
- https://www.asbestos.com/blog/2024/09/04/survivor-discusses-healthcare-costs/
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