Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
If you are a mesothelioma patient, you have access to resources to help with your diagnosis.
These resources offer assistance in several capacities including:
- Financial
- Legal
- Emotional
- Spiritual
It is important to take advantage of available resources. Today, there are countless resources and treatment options that provide hope by extending life expectancies and improving qualities of life.
These resources will provide you with guidance and hope as you fight your condition and get back to living an active and healthy lifestyle.
Four Types of Mesothelioma Resources
Mesothelioma resources address every aspect and consequence of a mesothelioma diagnosis. There are four primary types of resources available to mesothelioma patients and their loved ones.
The four types of resources include:
- Insurance coverage
- Legal recourse and compensation
- Assistance and support groups
- Veterans legal, financial and emotional supports
Each one plays a critical role in helping patients overcome the challenges they face after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Insurance Coverage
The best mesothelioma treatments plans are also costly. In addition to the cost of treatment, patients incur residual expenses such as travel, lodging, and loss of income. Health insurance can cover a portion or all of your expenses depending on your provider.
Contact your health insurance provider to find out what is included in your health care plan. Be sure to ask whether there are any restrictions that apply to your treatment coverage.
For those who are uninsured or underinsured, government health insurance options such as Medicare and Medicaid are available for certain eligible patients. Check with your state to see if you are eligible under the Medicaid Expansion program. If your state is not part of Medicaid Expansion, you may still be eligible for other state-issued subsidies.
Legal Recourse and Compensation
Companies are responsible for asbestos exposure despite knowing the severe health consequences of asbestos. Therefore, many legal firms specializing in mesothelioma cases exist to help patients file lawsuits against these companies. These lawyers help mesothelioma patients access financial compensation from asbestos product manufacturer trust funds mandated by the U.S. Government.
The compensation received from these lawsuits can help offset medical costs not covered by your health insurance. This legal compensation also helps cover your family’s travel, lodging and other expenses accumulated during your diagnosis and treatment.
Contact a mesothelioma lawyer today to find out your legal rights and start getting the compensation you deserve.
Mesothelioma Support Groups
It can be difficult for patients and their families to navigate a mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment course. It can take a terrible emotional toll on those affected/ It also places an enormous burden on families dealing with mental anguish.
In response to these concerns, countless cancer support groups exist to help you find the answers and assistance you need. These groups are run by patient advocates.
Support groups can help with:
- Arranging travel and accommodations
- Funding co-payments to insurance companies
- Providing emotional, mental and spiritual counseling to relieve stress, anxiety and grief
- Finding caregivers for in-home care
- Organizing child care, pet care and other daily activities
- Connecting patients with survivors who offer support and hope to families
Mesothelioma support groups such as the American Cancer Society, the Pacific Meso Group and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation are great places seek help.
Veterans Compensation and Support
If you are a veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans exposed to asbestos during active military duty with a mesothelioma diagnosis can apply for compensation online, by phone or at your local VA office. Several organizations also offer claims assistance to help veterans through the benefits process.
Mesothelioma treatments are available for veterans at VA mesothelioma treatment centers, including the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and the VA Boston Healthcare System. These are some of the best mesothelioma cancer centers with the top mesothelioma doctors in the field. Many of these doctors dedicate their lives to treating veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Additional support and counseling groups are also available for veterans. Many of these groups are available directly through mesothelioma treatment centers. Many centers offer onsite oncological support workers, therapists, and counselors, as well as spiritual guides.
Seeking Help
You are not alone in your fight against mesothelioma. Many patients have fought against their disease and achieved incredible survival stories. Some patients have far outlived their life expectancies, increasing their survival time by 10 years or more.
These patients all have one thing in common: that they did not do it alone. Seeking financial, legal and emotional support helped these patients overcome their diagnosis and go on to live healthy and active lives.
Contact a mesothelioma treatment center today for more information on patient resources and assistance opportunities.
