Managing your expenses is one of the most serious – yet most delicate – parts of managing mesothelioma. Without someone keeping track of the stacks of insurance claim forms, benefits statements, income and other expenses things can get out of control very quickly.
Every mesothelioma patient should appoint a person to organize their affairs, keep accurate records and manage their expenses during their illness. Bills, invoices and receipts should be photocopied and kept in file folders, with one set of copies stored offsite for safekeeping. These include:
- Bills submitted by all health care providers
- Bills and receipts for all prescription drugs
- Receipts and/or copies of cancelled checks for co-pays, etc.
- Receipts and/or copies of cancelled checks for medical equipment, gases, furniture, and other medical expenses
- Insurance claim forms
- Copies of checks received
Keeping medical expenses entered on a basic computer spreadsheet will allow you to track and organize medical expenses along with any applicable tax deductions, insurance payments and deductibles, medical and prescription histories, and billing or claims disputes. Professional “mesothelioma expenses” management services are available for those with means to retain such services.
Patients under Medicare coverage can seek assistance from a health insurance assistance program in their state. These counselors assist patients with benefits, record keeping, and other aspects of expenses management.
