A new report finds 42% of cancer patients drain their life savings within two years.
You always hear horror stories of how serious medical bills can derail even the best laid financial plans. Now a new study from the American Journal of Medicine brings that threat into focus. The report explains that 42% of new cancer patients lose their life savings within two years because of treatment. The average loss was an astounding $92,098.
What’s more, the study showed that 62% of patients went into debt after a cancer diagnosis. The debt they took on covered treatment costs not covered by their medical insurance. More than half (55%) owe at least $10,000. That’s not surprising, given that medical costs for cancer treatment in the U.S. now run upwards of $80 billion. If you factor in non-medical indirect costs, that total jumps to $130 billion.
Why it’s so common to go into debt after a cancer diagnosis
The journal evaluated the finances of 9.5 million cancer patients from 2000 to 2012. Not only did almost half drain their savings and over half went into debt, but half of cancer patients also experienced house repossession, bankruptcy, loss of independence or breakdowns in their relationships. In addition, 40-85% of all cancer patients had to quit working to undergo treatment, creating an even greater financial burden.
And these were not 9.5 million uninsured Americans. The Journal’s findings show that even with comprehensive healthcare coverage, there were gaps where treatment costs simply weren’t covered.
“Deductibles and copayments for treatment, supportive care, and nonmedical or indirect costs (eg travel, caregiver time, and lost productivity) may be financially devastating even with healthcare coverage.”
The most common debts that increased following a cancer diagnosis were home equity debt and credit card debt. Over one-third of cancer patients (34%) took on credit card debt to cover treatment costs. Additionally, 44% tapped their home equity to cover treatment costs.
Overcoming debt after a cancer diagnosis
“I wish I could say that it just takes the right strategy and a little planning to avoid this kind of financial devastation,” says Gary Herman, President of Consolidated Credit. “But what these numbers show is that almost no amount of planning can get you through a life-threatening diagnosis with your finances intact. You can plan as much as you can and save as much as you can, but it still might not be enough.”
Herman says that given this reality, what people really need to do is understand their options for debt relief, so they can have a clear path forward if this happens.
“People need to get past the stigma of using some debt solutions,” Herman explains. “If you’re facing $90,000 or more in medical debt, then bankruptcy isn’t a bad option. In fact, it’s likely the only option that can get you back to relative financial stability.”
Herman says that if you’re in the lower end of the debt generated after a cancer diagnosis, then you have options, such as settlement and even debt management.
“The findings showed that more than half of cancer patients owed more than $10,000,” Herman continues. “That may seem overwhelming if you’ve always kept your debt in check, but it’s entirely possible to manage and eliminate it. First, contact the original medical provider for each treatment and see if they’ll negotiate a settlement. If you put the treatment on your credit cards, you can also use a debt management program.”
If you’re not sure which options are right for you, talking to a certified credit counselor can help you understand all the solutions available. For those who tapped home equity to cover treatment costs, then the person you need to talk to is a HUD-certified housing counselor.
Infographic
Medical Debt
Our medical debt infographic explores how out-of-pocket healthcare costs have become a leading cause of America’s debt and credit problems….
Read more
If medical costs have driven you into debt, Consolidated Credit has credit and housing counselors that can help you understand your options at no charge.
