Financial Checklist After Diagnosis

Start by listing every source of household income, including wages, pensions, Social Security, veterans benefits and any disability coverage. Next, pull out your health insurance information and note your deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, network rules and whether your preferred specialists are covered. Check for short-term or long-term disability insurance through work, life insurance policies and any supplemental cancer or hospital policies you may have forgotten. Write down monthly bills too. Seeing income, coverage and expenses on one page shows where the gaps are and which applications to start first.

If you cannot work, apply for Social Security Disability Insurance promptly. Mesothelioma is on Social Security's Compassionate Allowances list, which can speed the medical review, but other requirements still apply. Ask each hospital about financial assistance, even if you are insured, since it can cover deductibles and coinsurance. Meet with a social worker about prescription assistance, travel and lodging programs and emergency grants. Veterans should contact the VA about disability compensation and health care. Early applications give programs time to process before bills become overdue.

Many people with mesothelioma may qualify for compensation through asbestos trust funds, lawsuits, veterans benefits or a combination. Filing deadlines vary by state and often start from the date of diagnosis, so waiting can close options. Begin gathering work history, union records, military papers and your pathology report while details are fresh. Write down employers, job sites, ships and products you remember. A free case review can explain which options may apply and how much time you have, without any obligation to move forward.

1. 1

   List all household income sources, insurance policies and monthly bills on one page.

2. 2

   Confirm your deductible, out-of-pocket maximum and specialist network status with your insurer.

3. 3

   Apply for SSDI and hospital financial assistance within the first few weeks if eligible.

4. 4

   Request a free case review to learn about compensation options and filing deadlines.