Mesothelioma treatment costs are high; there is no denying that. Estimates range from $150,000 to over $1,000,000. But there is also no denying the importance of making sure to get the treatments you need in order to achieve the best quality of life you can during this time. In addition to major treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, mesothelioma requires many tests and checkups to ensure the best life expectancy possible.
Sources of Mesothelioma Treatment Costs
- Diagnostic Tests
- Lab Tests
- Drug Costs
- Check-ups
- Surgery
- Chemo and Radiation
- Caregiver Costs
- Transportation Costs
Cost of Drugs for Mesothelioma
The most widely used anti-cancer drugs for mesothelioma treatment are Alimta and Cisplatin. The combined cost of these drugs for one treatment cycle is approximately $4,100. Be aware that several treatment cycles may be needed and optimal for you.
Mesothelioma Surgery Costs
A typical hospital admission for mesothelioma surgery costs $150,000 or more. And that’s when it goes well without any complications that extend the hospital stay or require additional operations. We have seen total bills of around $1,000,000 in some cases. Also keep in mind that surgery for mesothelioma is often a controversial subject among mesothelioma medical experts and there are complex issues when weighing benefits versus risks. Be sure to discuss this option very thoroughly with your surgeon, oncologist and other members of your medical team, and ask for their frank opinion.
Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Treatment Costs
Mesothelioma treatment costs for chemotherapy can vary, with some costing as much as $30,000 over an eight-week period. The average cost for an initial mesothelioma treatment is approximately $7,000. Actual costs will vary with individuals depending on the drugs they are taking, their stage of mesothelioma and other factors for each patient.
Mesothelioma Radiation Treatment Costs
Radiation treatment for mesothelioma can be expensive because of the high priced high-tech equipment required. The total expense will depend on how many treatments, the type of radiation you receive and your health coverage. Some estimates suggest that the patient cost for radiation therapy is about $2,000 a month. Analysis of data on costs to insurance companies and Medicare show the cost per patient ranges from $10,000 and $50,000.
Paying For Mesothelioma Treatment Costs
Some mesothelioma treatment costs may be covered by health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Financial assistance to help pay for the rest may sometimes be obtained through the social services units of hospitals, the Cancer Information Network, the American Cancer Society and the Veteran’s Administration, if you are a vet.
How a Health Care Lien on Your Settlement Can Help
One of the main reasons for bringing a mesothelioma lawsuit is to obtain funds to cover the best possible medical treatment, even when your insurance isn’t as good as you’d like. Almost all insurance plans stipulate that you have to reimburse them from your lawsuit recovery for treatments provided. It is important that your mesothelioma lawyer have the experience, skill and willingness to thoroughly review all claims and bills to eliminate inappropriate or excessive charges, and negotiate the lowest possible reimbursement amount for you. This can help you can keep as much of your settlement money as possible. We do that routinely for our clients, and never charge for these services.
Your health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or the Veteran’s Administration if you are a vet, will likely help pay for your mesothelioma treatment costs. However when you receive a settlement from your mesothelioma lawsuit, the insurer or agency that paid your bill will expect to be reimbursed.
A healthcare provider – such as a doctor or hospital where you were treated – may also put a lien on your settlement if your medical bills haven’t been paid. Those liens will be for the specific costs of the treatment you received, and may help resolve any pending payment issues you may have for your mesothelioma treatments.