Legal Resource Guide for Cancer Patients

Protect Your Health Insurance with advice from a legal expert:

• • Become familiar with your individual insurance plan and its provisions. If you think you might need additional insurance, ask your insurance carrier whether it is available.
• • Submit claims for all medical expenses even when you are uncertain about your coverage.
• • Keep accurate and complete records of claims submitted, pending and paid.
• • Keep copies of all paperwork related to your claims, such as letters of medical necessity, bills, receipts, requests for sick leave, and correspondence with insurance companies.
• • Get a caseworker, a hospital financial counselor, or a social worker to help you if your finances are limited. Often, companies or hospitals can work with you to make acceptable payment arrangements if you make them aware of your situation.
• • Submit your bills as you receive them. If you become overwhelmed with bills, get help. Contact local support organizations, such as your American Cancer Society or your state’s government agencies for additional assistance.
• • Do not allow your medical insurance to expire. Pay premiums in full and on time. It is often difficult to get new insurance. Additionally, utilize COBRA to continue coverage in the event you lose or leave your job. This will provide continuity of coverage until you are employed again and can be covered by a new group or individual health plan.

The Texas Young Lawyers Assocation put together a helpful guide that covers legal issues concerning privacy, informed consent, insurance, clinical trials, employment law, disability, liability, guardianship, estate planning, and end of life decisions. This Guide is intended to be an informative resource upon which cancer patients and their family members and friends can rely to answer legal questions. www.tyla.org