Mesothelioma Treatment Costs
Mesothelioma treatment incurs substantial costs that vary depending on factors like the chosen treatment plan, disease stage, healthcare provider, and insurance coverage. To comprehend the financial landscape associated with mesothelioma, we’ll explore key aspects, diagnostic expenses, treatment costs, and strategies to manage the financial burden.
Affordability varies, with clinical trials potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs due to insurance coverage. Navigating these expenses can be overwhelming, but strategic financial planning, insurance, government support, and potential legal compensation can alleviate the financial strain.
Mesothelioma Diagnostic Costs
Diagnosing mesothelioma poses challenges due to its rarity and vague symptoms. Diagnostic expenses depend on specific tests:
- Imaging Tests: Costs vary, with an average chest CT scan for lung cancer patients at $184.
- Blood Tests: These screen for mesothelioma biomarkers, but pricing varies due to recent development.
- Biopsies: The average biopsy cost for lung cancer patients was $14,634.
These tests confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, with biopsies serving as the gold standard, while imaging and blood tests are initial steps.
Cost of Mesothelioma Treatment
The total cost depends on the treatment plan, often involving several courses. Common treatments and costs include:
- Surgery: Procedures like extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy and decortication (P/D) range from $53,993 to $62,408.
- Chemotherapy: A regimen like Alimta® (pemetrexed) and cisplatin costs around $38,779 for an average-sized male patient.
- Multimodal Treatments: Combining therapies, e.g., cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), varies greatly at $20,509.
- Immunotherapy: Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) may list at $10,268.72 per dose, with potential insurance coverage.
- Radiation Therapy: Costs fluctuate, with an average monthly cost of around $4,000.
- Emerging Treatments: Costs vary for experimental therapies, but clinical trial participation offers potentially more affordable options.
Additional procedures addressing specific symptoms may contribute to treatment costs.
Other Related Costs
Patients may incur various additional costs, including travel, lodging, cancer coaching, home care, hospice care, lost wages, mental health support, side-effect management, special diets, and nutrition. These costs, combined with potential fluctuations in medical expenses, create a complex financial landscape for patients and caregivers.
How to Pay for Treatment
Managing mesothelioma treatment costs requires careful consideration:
- Health Insurance: Understanding coverage details, copays, deductibles, and network providers is crucial. Health insurance can significantly offset treatment expenses.
- Government Programs and Assistance: Eligibility for assistance through Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and VA benefits (for veterans) can help cover costs.
- Legal Compensation: Asbestos exposure victims may seek compensation through trust funds, lawsuits, and settlements. Detailed records of medical bills and costs are essential when pursuing compensation.