How much does chemotherapy cost?

How much does chemotherapy cost if you don't have medical insurance?

• a friend has breast cancer, and the insurance is being cancelled before the chemotherapy can start. Trying to get an idea about the out of pocket expense to see how much money the person needs to raise

• Answer:

  Depending on income, many pharmaceutical companies will provide medication for free.  Also, hospitals often have programs called Charity Care. It is a state run program.  I am not sure whether all states have it or a similar one, but here is a link to what the New Jersey one looks like: http://www.nj.gov/health/charitycare/index.shtml This is from http://about.com  http://healthinsurance.about.com/od/faqs/f/charity.htm Charity care programs typically require that the applicant be ineligible for any type of health insurance coverage, including Medicaid. Patients may need to provide financial information demonstrating that they are unable to pay. Also, the cost of medications depends on what medications the oncologist chooses for treatment. Also, is there a way to extend the health insurance your friend has now?  That way, she won't have to deal with "pre existing conditions" clause that many health insurance companies have.This answer is not a substitute for professional medical advic...