Colorectal Cancer: Newly Diagnosed: Finances (Stages 0,1)
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Medical costs for treating Stages 0 and 1 colorectal cancer are generally minimal compared to a diagnosis of a more advanced stage or one that has metastasized. There is generally little, if any, impact on income from employment.
Still, if income and assets are limited, medical bills can be difficult to pay even if there is health insurance.
Even if payment for health care is not a problem, a diagnosis should act as a wake-up call to review your financial situation. Even when the cancer is eliminated, there is the risk that it could recur in a more costly-to-treat stage, or that something else could happen.
The way to get your finances in the best possible shape is through financial planning specifically for a person with a life changing diagnosis. This type of planning does not change according to the specific condition or stage.
If you haven't done financial planning before, the idea of doing financial planning may seem daunting -- as if it will require pulling together a lot of papers that aren't in one place or a special expertise that you don't have. In fact, financial planning can be rather simple and not take a lot of time at all. Elsewhere on this site we show you how.
Once you have a picture of what your financial situation is, and what it could be, there are steps you can start taking to improve the situation.
At the least, our finance documents provide techniques for finding often overlooked sources of money, fund raising, dealing with a financial crunch, dealing with creditors and other subjects.
If you are not up to the task of doing financial planning now, postpone it until after treatment, or have a close family member or friend do it for you and let you know what, if anything, you need to do now. If necessary, seek a financial planner with experience helping people with a life changing diagnosis.
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To get started with financial planning, click here.
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To learn how to save money on health care, click here.
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To learn how to negotiate for a lower medical bill, click here.
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If you have health insurance:
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If you are working, it may be worthwhile to look at our document How To Increase Your Income for simple tips that have helped other people.
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If you have investments, reexamine your investment strategy to take your diagnosis and potential medical needs into account. Start with the question whether you should make investment decisions on your own or use an advisor. To learn more, click here.
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Keep receipts for all medical bills -- including cost of transportation to and from medical appointments. Medical expenses may be deductible. For more information, click here. It is even more important for a person with a serious health diagnosis than an undiagnosed person to avoid losses that could wipe out assets. This means at least having basic automobile and renters or homeowners insurance. Our documents about Property and Casualty Insurance provide unbiased information about the specifics of what you do and don't need.
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If you have any excess money, use it to create an Emergency+Fund in case you need extra money for a drug or treatment not covered by insurance. The fund will also come in handy for a rainy day. Additional money should go into retirement accounts to reduce current income taxes. You can get to the money if needed.
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A budget helps prioritize your spending. A simple organized system for paying your bills, particularly medical bills, saves money and time. Help is available if you need it through friends or professionals known as Daily Money Managers.
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Be sure your important documents are stored appropriately. A loss of documents could mean a heavy financial loss.
NOTE:
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If you do not have health insurance, read our information in "To Learn More" about paying for treatment when you are uninsured. As soon as you are up to it, start figuring out how to get it. Your diagnosis does not prevent your getting health insurance.
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If you do have health insurance, assistance is available for paying premiums, co-pays etc. See "To Learn More."
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If someone takes advantage of you financially, you may have rights as a "vulnerable person."
To Learn More
More Information
Uninsured Health Insurance: Financial Assistance To Pay Premiums, Deductibles, Copays, Coinsurance Health Insurance: How To Obtain Financial Crunch: How To Deal With A Fund Raising Financial Planners 101 Taxes Where To Store Important Documents Rights Of A Vulnerable PersonRelated Articles
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