The financial impact of a cancer diagnosis
A cancer diagnosis can cause significant financial hardship and stress, but workplace oncology nurse navigators can help manage these burdens. Here are some facts about the cost of cancer care, the financial impact, and how the nurse navigators can help!
Cost of Cancer Care
- Cancer care costs are rising at two to three times the rate of other health care costs
- New cancer therapies can cost more than $60,000 per month
- Average monthly cost per drug is $10,000
- Insurance companies have shifted cost to patient by increasing premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other out of pocket expenses
Financial Impact
- 30% of cancer survivors report financial hardship
- Bankruptcy rates are 2.5 times higher than those without a history of cancer
Unique Challenges to Working-Age Survivors
- The ability to work full time may be affected
- Disabilities from cancer may limit ability to perform work related tasks
- High copays may cause patients to delay or forego their care and have a negative effect on health outcomes
Workplace Oncology Nurse Navigators Can Help:
- Identify sources of financial assistance
- Provide financial counseling
- Provide guidance to copay and medication assistance programs
Learn more about the Johns Hopkins Managing Cancer at Work, a workplace oncology management program that can help your employees prevent cancer, recognize the early warning signs of the disease, and understand and manage cancer treatment for themselves or their loved ones.