Advances in treatment methods, including the use of PBSCT, have
reduced the amount of time many patients must spend in the hospital by
speeding recovery. This shorter recovery time has brought about a
reduction in cost. However, because BMT and PBSCT are complicated
technical procedures, they are very expensive. Many health insurance
companies cover some of the costs of transplantation for certain types
of cancer. Insurers may also cover a portion of the costs if special
care is required when the patient returns home.
There are options
for relieving the financial burden associated with BMT and PBSCT. A
hospital social worker is a valuable resource in planning for these
financial needs. Federal government programs and local service
organizations may also be able to help.
NCI’s Cancer Information
Service (CIS) can provide patients and their families with additional
information about sources of financial assistance at 1–800–422–6237
(1–800–4–CANCER). NCI is part of the National Institutes of Health.
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