Being diagnosed with cancer on its own is already stressful, but when you add in the additional stress of managing healthcare bills, things can get overwhelming quickly. Many people aren’t sure where to turn when they need to pay for medical bills, which can add extra confusion during an already difficult time. If you don’t have an extensive insurance plan, you find yourself wondering whether to pay for uncovered expenses on your own, or to look for another solution. In this article, we’ll discuss tips for managing the expenses of cancer, so you won’t need to pay entirely out-of-pocket for important treatments.

Talk to your doctor

Your doctor can actually be a great resource if you’re struggling to pay your medical bills. They will be aware of key money-saving programs that you can use to save money on your treatment. If your doctors are aware of your financial situation, they can also adjust their treatment plan accordingly to give you the most affordable options that will work for your condition. Addressing financial concerns from the get-go can prevent serious debt issues later on in life.

Look for studies

If you don’t have much money to put towards your cancer treatment, and your insurance doesn’t provide you with coverage, you may also be able to get treatment through medical research studies. Talk to your doctor and look online to see if there are any respected medical institutions that are conducting studies on your specific condition. If you are willing to try new treatments, you may be able to get treatment for free, or even receive compensation for the study. Medical studies are heavily supervised for the safety of their patients. However, keep in mind that these are new treatments, so they may come with some unique risks that are different from traditional treatments.

Work out a payment plan

Most medical providers are happy to set up a payment plan for individuals who can’t pay their cancer bills. While this won’t necessarily get you a discount, it will give you more time to pay down your largest bills. With a payment plan, you can avoid your bills being marked late and having late payments negatively affect your credit score. You can work with your medical provider to determine what the most appropriate payment plan is for your needs, so you can still pay for your living expenses like rent, food, and other bills while also paying down debt.

Look for other insurance options

If your current company doesn’t offer the coverage you need for your cancer treatment, you may want to look for another insurance plan, particularly if your state has a strong exchange program. This is a particularly important step if you have just been diagnosed and the cancer is still in the early stages – switching plans as soon as you can could save you lots of money in the long run. Keep in mind that you may have to wait until the enrollment period to switch plans. If your state or employer doesn’t offer a comprehensive insurance exchange, you may even consider moving to another state that does. It’s a bold move, but it could save you money in the long run.

Apply for grants

There are many programs that offer medical grants to people with cancer. You’ll need to apply for them, so start gathering as much information as possible about your condition and financial situation to make the application process easier. These grants can provide you with much-needed funding for the advanced cancer treatments you need.

Reach out to loved ones for donations

If you’re really struggling to find assistance, don’t hesitate to ask friends and family for help. Sites like GoFundMe allow you to set up a fundraising campaign quickly and easily. Many people are willing to contribute small amounts to those who are in need, and those small amounts can quickly add up to cover some of the most important parts of your treatment.

Paying down your medical costs is almost always one of the most stressful parts of having a chronic illness. Planning ahead can help you prevent debilitating debt later on. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about potential solutions. Don’t pay your cancer bills until you have discussed options with your doctor.