A renal cell carcinoma (RCC) diagnosis brings many challenges — and financial stress shouldn’t have to be one of them. Between finding the right specialists, starting treatment, and processing the emotions that come with a cancer diagnosis, worrying about how you’ll pay for RCC treatment can feel overwhelming.

Medications and other treatments for RCC can be expensive. Understanding the potential costs, what your health insurance will cover, and the financial resources available to you can help you feel better equipped as you start treatment. This article will cover the common expenses of RCC treatment and resources to help you manage these costs.

How Expensive Is Renal Cell Carcinoma Treatment?

Like with most types of cancer, treating RCC can be costly. Different treatments — like surgery, immunotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy — have different costs associated with them. Some treatment methods cost more than others, but they’re all more than most people can afford to pay out of pocket. Since you’ll likely need more than one treatment, that will raise costs even more.

There are also hidden costs. You might need to travel to get treatment, which means paying for food, gas, and a place to stay. If someone is caring for you during your treatment, they’ll need to support themselves financially while caring for you. Transportation can be a big expense too, especially if you have to travel long distances to get the treatment you need.

You may not be able to work while getting treated for RCC. This can make it harder to pay your rent or your mortgage. It can also make it harder to cover other expenses, like food, and bills like utilities and internet.

The good news is that there are programs that may help cover some of these costs.

Financial Assistance for RCC Treatments

There are several ways you and your healthcare provider can work together to lower the cost of your renal cell carcinoma treatments. Some resources are available even if you have insurance but still can’t afford your RCC drugs. Other resources and programs may require that you either have or don’t have insurance coverage to qualify.

To help lower the cost of your medications, you can try the follow.

Getting Prior Authorization

Prior authorization is when your doctor contacts your insurance company before you get a prescribed medication. Your doctor must confirm that the prescribed treatment is necessary. This process also helps you find out what your insurance company will or won’t cover. With this information, you and your doctor can weigh your options and make decisions that may lower your out-of-pocket costs.

Using Drug Manufacturer Coupons

Some drug companies offer coupons to make their medications more affordable. You can check the manufacturer’s website for information about discounts and other financial resources they may offer.

Opting For Generic Medications

If a generic medication is available, it usually costs less than the brand-name version.

Asking About Different Medications

If a treatment is too expensive, talk to your cancer care team. They may be able to recommend a similar medication or therapy that costs less.

Comparing Prices

If your medication is available at more than one pharmacy, it may be worth calling around. Prices can vary, and a different pharmacy might charge less.

Using Patient Assistance Programs

Some drug manufacturers offer patient assistance programs, also called prescription assistance programs. These are different from coupons. They are often for people without medical insurance or with low income.

Each program is different, depending on the drug and the company. To qualify, you’ll need to apply and be approved for the program your medication is part of. Organizations like RxAssist can help you find these programs.

Some of these suggestions may not be options for renal cell carcinoma treatments. Some RCC treatments are so specialized that there may not be generic versions, alternative medications, or other even different pharmacies that offer them. Still, it’s always worth asking your doctor about any possible ways to save money.

Other Financial Assistance Resources for RCC Treatment

There are other ways to get financial assistance for renal cell carcinoma treatment. If figuring all this out feels overwhelming, it’s OK to take a break. You can also ask a caregiver, family member, or friend to help you explore your financial resources, so you don’t have to do it alone.

Government Programs

There’s a wide variety of government programs for people living with cancer, including renal cell carcinoma. Each one has different eligibility criteria, so check their websites to see if you qualify and how to apply.

• Medicare — This is a government-funded health insurance program for people 65 and older, or those with certain disabilities or health conditions. Review the criteria and apply on the Medicare website.
• Medicaid — This government-funded health insurance program is for people with low incomes. Search for your state to review the criteria and apply.
• Caregiver payment programs — These state-funded programs help pay caregivers. You’ll need to do some research to see if your state has a program like this.
• Transportation programs — Some states provide free or discounted transportation for people with Medicare or Medicaid. What’s covered can vary by state.
• Food assistance programs — Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Meals on Wheels can help cover food costs.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) — This program covers a wide variety of costs, including utilities, food, medical supplies, and more. Rules vary by state.

If you’re unsure how to navigate all of these options, ask if your cancer care center has a staff member — such as a social worker or financial navigator — you can talk to. Many cancer care centers have staff who can guide you through these options and help you apply.

Nonprofit Programs

Many nonprofit groups offer help for people living with different types of cancer, including those with RCC. Some of these include:

• Kidney Cancer Foundation — This organization offers support and financial assistance for people with kidney cancer.
• HealthWell Foundation — This nonprofit has a Medicare access fund that helps people with RCC who have Medicare but still face high medical costs.
• CancerCare.org — The organization offers a co-payment assistance fund for people with RCC and other support services.
• Lodging support — Programs like Ronald McDonald House, American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, and Healthcare Hospitality Network help provide free or low-cost lodging for people getting cancer care and their families.
• Transportation Help — Programs like the Road To Recovery, Mercy Medical Angels, and NeedyMeds help cover transportation costs related to cancer care.
• Together We Care — This free online tool helps you search for local resources based on your needs. It’s open to anyone, not just people with cancer.

Your cancer care center may also have connections to state or local programs that can help. Be sure to ask if you need help covering the financial burden of renal cell carcinoma.

Hospital Programs and Resources

Hospitals are legally required to offer financial assistance programs for people who don’t have insurance — or don’t have enough insurance to cover their healthcare costs. You may need to ask for a copy of these policies. Review it carefully to learn how to apply for help with your cancer-related medical bills. Make sure you submit your application as soon as possible so you can find out what kind of financial support the hospital may be able to offer.

Your cancer care team may also work with a social worker or someone else who specializes in helping people cover their costs of cancer care. These people know about the available programs, including how to apply, and what makes a strong application. They can help you go through the resources listed here and figure out which ones might work for you.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyKidneyCancerTeam is the social network for people with kidney cancer and their loved ones. On MyKidneyCancerTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with kidney cancer.

Have you faced financial challenges related to renal cell carcinoma treatment? How do you manage the costs while living with RCC? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.