We understand that finding out you have cancer can be overwhelming. Adding to that stress, you may find that your illness creates challenges of more than just dealing with your physical and emotional well-being. Practical and financial issues may become as important as the medical aspects of cancer and its treatment. You may now be faced with the concern of how to pay for medical bills and understanding health insurance coverage in a way you've never had to before.

Following is some practical information to keep in mind about your health insurance:

• Always be certain that your coverage is in effect, and never let the premiums lapse. Be very careful if you are changing jobs to be sure that your new employer offers health insurance and/or that there is no break in coverage. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) provides consumer protection for people who have pre-existing medical conditions and move from one job to another.
• Know your benefits. Each year when a new benefits period begins, take the time to thoroughly read your benefits booklet. Find out if your insurance provider requires pre-certification.
• To ensure complete or partial coverage of your medical expenses, know if your plan requires preferred providers and use their services whenever possible.
• File your claims promptly and stay on top of your medical bills. If you don¡¦t feel up to dealing with this paperwork, ask your spouse or a family member to help you with it.
• Set up a system for record keeping that makes sense to you. It will help you keep track of the claims that have been paid and those that are still outstanding.
• Don¡¦t ignore any bills. Call the doctor¡¦s office or the hospital to let them know you¡¦re working on getting these bills paid. If insurance is not covering your expenses, work out a payment plan with financial counselors or the business manager at the doctor¡¦s office.
• Ask the plan provider to define and make sure you understand these money-related terms: ceiling, cap and out-of-pocket expenses.

There are additional resources that you may find helpful for receiving assistance to meet your healthcare needs. Some social services agencies in the community can provide ¡§in-kind¡¨ assistance. These agencies can't directly give you money or pay for medical bills, but they may help you with such things as:

• Lending medical equipment (wheelchairs, hospital beds, etc.)
• Short-term assistance with a nursing aid or housekeeper
• Transportation to and from the doctor's office or hospital

A list of social services agencies can be found by looking in the yellow pages under 'Social Services'.

If you have no health insurance, you can apply for medical assistance through Medicaid. Eligibility for this state-run health insurance program is determined in part by income level and/or the amount of your medical expenses.

Medicare is another available source for helping to cover medical costs. It¡¦s a federal program that pays for medical expenses for people 65 and older. If you've been on Social Security disability you may also be eligible, regardless of age. Medicare covers some, but not all, of the expenses that may occur during the course of an illness and treatment.

Further information about these resources and those in other states can be accessed via the Social Security Administration website at http://www.ssa.gov or by calling (800) 772-1213.