The High Cost of Cancer Care

My daughter-in-law told me about one of her former students who is currently struggling with cancer.  Then she sent me a link to his story as published by ABC 4 (find it here).  Excerpts:

Stephen's family says that after nearly a year of chemotherapy, and other medical treatment including a month-long stay in the hospital, the Griener's medical bills have become more than his family can manage. With the help of countless friends and neighbors, they have been able to take care of previous treatments, but still need to raise a large sum to pay for the stem cell transplant.

A blog has been set up for donations as well as for members of the community to stay up to date on Griener’s condition and treatments.

My comment:

Health care costs, including those for treating cancer, are often more than a family can manage.  And having health insurance is no protection from this financial embarrassment.  Once the low value plans anticipated by the 'Affordable' Care Act become the business standard, virtually all cancer patients will find themselves at financial risk because they are struck by disease.

Isn't it time that we found a way to finance health care without bankrupting families?

Dr. Joe Jarvis