Those diagnosed with cancer are fighting many battles. They not only have to deal with their health, but they also have to deal with paying for healthcare. Cancer patents rely on their health insurance to provide coverage for effective healthcare. Unfortunately, some insurance carriers sidestep their responsibilities when it comes to patient care for those with cancer.
Results from a New Survey
Patients Rising and CancerConnect recently conducted a survey of cancer patients. They found that insurance carriers often deny claims as a matter of course or drop certain drugs or treatments from approved care suddenly.
Insurance companies may even force cancer patients into less-effective treatments despite a physician’s recommendation. In fact, 61 percent of those surveyed stated that when they cannot afford the co-payment for prescriptions they will either take a different drug or no drugs at all.
Many patients also report dramatic increases in premium amounts and large surges in out-of-pocket payments as well. The survey also indicated that 73 percent of those surveyed thought that insurance issues were both time consuming and stressful. This is extremely unfortunate–dealing with the insurance company is the last thing that a cancer patient needs to worry about.
What Does This Mean for Cancer Patients?
The survey ultimately indicates that insurance companies are treating cancer patients unfairly and unreasonably in an effort to cut costs.
Insurance companies have a duty to deal with their insureds in good faith. If they are making costs higher for cancer patients simply because they have cancer, that may mean that they are acting in bad faith.
You may have a legal claim for this type of treatment. Experienced legal counsel can help you fight back if you feel like you are being treated wrongly by your insurance company in a benefits situation.