Product Liability Resource Center
Costs of Treatment
Leukemia treatments are some of the most expensive and prolonged procedures. Chemotherapy treatments are often unsuccessful the first time. A second treatment plan may be necessary if the disease does not go into remission or if there is a relapse. In addition, a bone marrow transplant may be recommended by the treatment team. Chemotherapy programs often cost in excess of $150,000.00, and bone marrow transplants can cost in excess of $250,000.00.
You should take your health insurance policy to the hospital financial department to review what costs are and are not covered. In addition, the health insurance policy should be reviewed to determinewhich physician costs are covered, and which are not. Parents or guardians of dependent patients should ask for a printout or written document showing what specific categories of cost and expenses are covered, what out-of-pocket deductibles the family will have to pay, and any financial aid for items that are not covered. Your insurance policy may cover more expenses at a "center of excellence," which will be important in selecting the hospital for treatment.
Nutritional and alternative/homeopathy treatments as well as bone marrow transplants are sometimes considered to be "experimental," and therefore may not receive full coverage under a policy. Every patient should clarify the financial risks and obligations prior to signing any consent form for treatment.
