What to look for in a MAPD plan with cancer?

[Packerland]

Adding on - when you looking up chemo costs (eg B ones) be aware that 10% of chemo can still be astronomical so they are likely going to max out their out of pocket likely in the first chemo visit.

Check what ER coverage it as well (eg do they limit the number of times you can go and how hard is it to get an exception after the fact). People undergoing chemo often have multiple ER visits.

Good points, but regardless 10% or 20% they are going to hit their MOOP.

 

[annon123]

Good points, but regardless 10% or 20% they are going to hit their MOOP.

If they can't afford that all in one bill they need to find out what the facility's policy and time frame is on sending someone to collection. Many places cut off care if you end up in collection which is the last thing that person needs. If they can't they need to be proactive about setting up a payment plan they can handle.

Also (if the person/family is 400-600% of the poverty line for their family size there are foundations/non-profits that offer grants, typically $4000-5000 that can be used for copays on drugs and treatment and on premiums. In the case of the original poster, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has some (each disease they cover opens around 4 times a year and once it is open they need to drop everything to apply as many of them close quickly). There are other foundations out there that cover cancer (and other expensive diseases). I listed some of them in another thread.