Breast Cancer - Costs and expenses

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Breast Cancer - Costs and expenses

This page contains information about costs that could be involved in your treatment and care, and financial or practical help that might be available, including:

costs of tests and treatments
accommodation and travel while having treatment
other practical help while having treatment, such as childcare or other help at home
where to get information about financial assistance
costs of tests and treatments
Costs of tests and treatments
It is recommended that you talk about the likely costs of medical tests, treatment and support services with your doctor. Your costs will depend on:

whether you have treatment in the public or private system
whether you’re working and need to take time off for treatment
whether you live in a rural area and need to travel for treatment
Discussing your financial concerns with a member of your treatment team, such as a social worker or GP, should help you to find out what you need to know about financial support. It may also be helpful to ask your pharmacist and/or local Medicare office about the ‘safety net’ on costs of medications and medical bills.

Costs for private patients
You’re entitled to be treated for your breast cancer as a public (Medicare) patient in a public hospital. You will be treated by doctors nominated by the hospital,and you will not be charged for most treatment and care costs.

If some of your care isn’t paid for, extra financial help may be available. For example, you might be able to get extra help if you’re asked to pay for some of the cost of your breast prosthesis. If it’s your preference, you can choose to pay for treatment as a private patient, even if you don’t have private health insurance. Talk to your doctors if you’d like to find out more about the costs.

Costs for private patients
If you have private health insurance, you can decide whether you want to be treated as a public or private patient. Make sure you tell your doctors what you decide. It’s a good idea to find out how much your treatment will cost you before you start any treatment as a private patient. Ask your doctor for a cost-quote, and talk to an advisor from your health fund. You may want to ask the advisor from your fund about some or all of the following:

which treatments are covered by my insurance?
which treatments are not covered by my insurance? (for example,radiotherapy is often not covered by private health insurance)
which other services are covered by my insurance? (for example, you might be able to get a refund for buying a wig or breast prosthesis)

Where to find out about financial help
Below is a list of places you can contact to see whether you can get some financial assistance:

Centrelink/Department of Social Security

You may be eligible for a benefit or pension, such as the Sickness Allowance. The Health Department in your State or Territory. There is a patient’s travel assistance scheme for women who have to travel over a certain distance for treatment.

Department of Veterans Affairs
There are a number of benefits and pensions for veterans or partners of veterans.

The Cancer Council's Cancer Helpline or your treatment hospital
The Cancer Council's Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20, or your treatment hospital, can give you information about:
accommodation
travel
practical assistance, such as home help
external prostheses
other grants or subsidies that may be on offer in your State or region.

Local councils
Some local councils help with practical matters, such as child care, meals and general home help.

© National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre 2008