Financial Assistance for Kidney Cancer

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common cancers found in adults in the U.S. When they are diagnosed with RCC, patients typically have to live with more than just the symptoms of the illness: they may struggle with the out-of-pocket costs of kidney cancer.

The cost of kidney cancer is a significant financial burden for most patients and their families. Insurance typically won’t cover all the associated costs. In this post, learn what to expect and how to get help through a verified Community-Led fundraising campaign.

Common Kidney Cancer Treatment Costs

The average cost for a patient with kidney cancer is $23,489. One study focusing on the economic burden of kidney cancer in the U.S. found that the incremental total healthcare cost per patient was $22,752 for the “initial” phase, $4,860 for the “continuous” phase, and $13,232 for the “late” phase.

Below is a chart breaking down the common treatment options and cost ranges:

*For states I-III, surgery can often cure kidney cancer. However, for advanced cancer (stage IV), immunotherapy may be a stronger treatment option when combined with other therapies. Immunotherapy for kidney cancer is effective for some stage IV cancer patients because it can slow the spread of cancerous cells and, in some cases, even shrink a tumor.

When someone starts dialysis or receives a kidney transplant, they can apply for Medicare. Normally, Medicare is an option only if a patient is over 65 years old. However, there is a special entitlement for people living with kidney failure (ESRD). Medicare pays 80% of the cost of dialysis treatment and 80% of the cost of immunosuppressant medications after transplant.

You typically pay a hefty deductible for Medicare Part A health insurance when living with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Sometimes, the best option for ridding the kidney of cancer can be a transplant. For more information on kidney transplants and their expenses, check out our kidney transplant financial assistance page.

Does Insurance Cover Kidney Cancer Treatment?

Depending on your insurance provider and plan, the range of coverage may vary. It is important to discuss this with your provider in order to determine how much additional financial assistance for your kidney cancer treatment will be necessary.

Common Out-of-Pocket Costs for Kidney Cancer

Insurance typically does not cover all the costs associated with kidney cancer. Here are a few common costs that may be out of pocket, fully or partially:

• Health insurance premiums, deductibles, and co-payments
• Medications
• Medical travel expenses for therapy or treatment
• Relocation or moving expenses due to diagnosis
• Temporary housing due to medical relocation
• Mileage, tolls, and parking fees for hospital/therapy visits
• Home health care services and caregiving
• Possible kidney transplant

Turn to Help Hope Live for Kidney Cancer Financial Assistance

Addressing a kidney cancer diagnosis is filled with many questions that differ for every patient. All the unknowns, procedures, and long-term care needs can add to the stress of battling kidney cancer – and so can the significant out-of-pocket financial burden.

Fundraising can help with the out-of-pocket cost of kidney cancer. Through community-based fundraising, our nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping you raise funds for the medical expenses associated with surgery or ongoing support for kidney cancer.