Cancer

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Understanding the Risks of Cancer

Cancer continues to be the second most common cause of death in the U.S. behind heart disease. An estimated 1.6 million new diagnoses are expected this year alone. Anyone, regardless of age, gender or other factors, can be diagnosed with cancer at any time. Older individuals are at a greater risk with 86 percent of all cancers diagnosed are in people age 50 or older.

 

Financial Impact of Cancer

The financial impact of cancer is just as daunting as the risks. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimates that the direct medical costs for cancer in the U.S. in 2013 were $74.8 billion. Of that, 44 percent was for hospital outpatient or office-based provider visits, and 40 percent was for inpatient hospital stays.

For many Americans, a lack of health insurance is a critical barrier that prevents individuals from receiving optimal care. Overall, the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) has led to improved coverage rates for members of the most vulnerable populations. However, uninsured patients and those from many ethnic minority groups remain substantially more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at a later stage. Treatment in that later stage is often more extensive, more costly and less successful.

 

Surviving Cancer

Early diagnoses of certain cancers and advancements in treatment have helped to improve survival rates for individuals fighting the disease. The five-year survival rate for all cancers diagnosed from 2005-2011 was 69 percent. Optimal treatment and prevention strategies can make all the difference. Help protect yourself against the disease by getting regular check ups and screenings and applying for insurance coverage.

 

Preparing for the Unexpected

The Aetna Cancer Plus First Occurrence insurance plan affords you and your family the comfort and financial peace of mind in knowing that you will have help to pay the indirect expenses associated with cancer care. The policy pays a lump sum benefit directly to you or someone you designate should the unexpected occur.

 

Benefits of the plan include:

  • Once cancer is first diagnosed or manifested, the full benefit is paid directly to you or someone one you designate. Funds can be used in any way you choose, regardless of any other insurance coverage you have – including Medicare.
  • Benefits range from $5,000-$25,000 (in increments of $5,000). Benefit amounts are flexible, so you choose the amount that’s right for you at a price you can afford.
  • The policy is guaranteed renewable for life as long as the premiums are paid. Your policy can never be cancelled, unless you cancel your coverage.
  • You can return any policy for any reason within 30 days after receipt for a full refund of all premiums paid.
  • Hospitalization is not required to be eligible for this insurance plan.
  • The insurance covers most types of cancer, including Leukemia and Hodgkin’s Disease. It does not include skin cancer, other than malignant melanoma, any other diseases, any pre-cancerous diseases/injuries, or non-malignant melanoma moles, similar diseases or lesions.

 

The Cancer Plus First Occurrence insurance plan could help pay for the following types of indirect expenses:

  • Indirect Expense Examples
  • Deductibles/Co-Payments
  • Experimental Treatments
  • Transportation to Treatments
  • Lodging
  • Family Care
  • Clothing
  • Subsidize Loss of Income
  • Car Payments
  • House Payments/Rent
  • Utilities
  • Groceries
  • Credit Card Payments
  • Other Normal Living Expenses
  • Recuperative Travel

 

Exclusions:

A benefit will not be paid for any cancer first diagnosed or manifested before your coverage under the policy was effective or any injuries or diseases other than cancer.

 

Pre-Existing Conditions

Pre-existing condition is a cancer for which medical advice or treatment was recommended by or received from a doctor, within the 24-month period before the effective date of coverage.

A pre-existing condition is not covered unless the loss begins more than 12 months after the effective date of coverage.

 

For more details, contact our office.

Source: American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2016. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2016. www.cancer.org