How to Lower the Cost of Cancer Drugs

The cost of the latest and greatest cancer drugs provides an insurmountable obstacle for many patients, even individuals who have current insurance. According to an article published by the University of California, drug costs for cancer patients can be more than $50,000 per year in some cases. Finding ways to make the cost of drugs manageable can be the difference between living and dying for many patients, so it's a good idea to pursue all possible routes in lowering the cost of medication.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult with your doctor about the possibility of prescribing alternative medications that are less expensive. In most cases, the physician's first reaction will be to prescribe the "latest and greatest" form of cancer treatment, which may or may not be within your price range. Speaking with him about your budgetary concerns and discussing the possibility of alternative medications can help to lower the cost of treatment without drastically decreasing its efficacy.

• 2

  Speak with your pharmacist about the possibility of finding a generic alternative to your prescribed cancer medication. While most newer medications will be patented (and therefore cannot be legally copied by competing companies), many older medications will have expired patents, allowing you to cash in on the competition between different drug manufacturers, potentially allowing you to get your drugs for much less than the same "brand name" medication.

• 3

  Apply for financial assistance from the National Cancer Institute (linked below) for a possible deferral of all or a portion of your medical expenses. There are additional government programs (such as Medicare and Medicaid) to consider for helping to ease the burden associated with the cost of cancer drugs, so speak with a hospital representative to learn more. To qualify for Medicare you must be either older than 65, or younger than 65 and suffering from certain disabilities (including end-stage renal failure).

• 4

  Discuss the possibility of clinical trials where you are unable to afford treatment and are otherwise eligible. Clinical trials involve the use of experimental treatment methods to help advance cancer research, and participants often receive a partial or complete discount on the cost of treatment for the program. The requirements to qualify for clinical trials vary, so speak with your doctor or another representative from your hospital to learn more.