Principles of Medical Ethics 

Before You Donate

Think very seriously before donating to any breastcancer organization, or fundraising program until you read their Annual Report to see who their top contributors are, and if they have a product that appears frequently in the message the organization sends to the public. That would be unethical and its illegal. The same applies to a request that the public buys products, but does not receive a "donor receipt" for tax-deductible purpose. Read any and all food labels that breastcancer "non-profits" are promoting to raise money. Some organizations tell the public to help them raise money by asking you to visit their websites, but that only gives them "hits" to increase their sponsors.

Another tip, "signing" an online Petition is not acceptable, so don't fall for such antics. An ethical non-profit, or professional will not request your visit to their website, nor use "cookies" placed on your computer when you visit their site.

Purchase the Breastcancer Postage Stamp, the Post Office will always give you your charitable deduction receipt. Its a valid form of fund raising.

 

When illness strikes

A List to Check Off

  • Always carry your self-address labels with you, so you don't have to keep filling in forms by hand. If you need some quickly, for this purpose only, add your phone number. An excellent resource is VistaPrint.com. They are speedy, and always offer extra products as gifts with many orders. For faster service, use their toll-free number.
  • Remember, you cannot apply for unemployment if you are ill and cannot work, so that's no help.
  • Always inform your employer as soon as possible. If you are declared unable to work (physical handicap, cancer, etc.) you may fall under the Adults with Disabilities Act and your employer will help make provisions for you, or go to the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Always tell your physicians if you have financial concerns.
  • It may be possible for you to apply for hours from your employer's sick leave pool.
  • Apply for social security and/or SS Disability as soon as you find out you have cancer. If you don't need it, it's real easy to cancel the process, but if your cancer goes on, and metastasizes, or you require extended care for a lousy chemo, more surgery, psychological complications, you'll be glad you're 'in the loop.' Social Security is very understanding.
  • Bear in mind, all this takes time, and you really need help doing this. Dealing with my long term disability company nearly totaled me out. I was so sick and they wanted things from me that I couldn't provide, much less remember (like all the names and addresses of my physicians and drugs, and pharmacies for several past years, in case I had this cancer and was hiding it until now). I can understand it if I was having a knee replacement or gall bladder removal, but cancer?  It should be an expedited case IF a physician verifies the diagnosis. Tell your doctor—s/he is your best ally.
  • If you have credit disability and life insurance on all of your credit (loans, charge cards, etc) notify them as soon as you have a diagnosis. I've found one of mine demeaning, insulting, and demanding at a time I could NOT respond. It is the most difficult one to deal with and I'd been paying monthly to this company to protect my credit balance for years.
  • Help your physician: Know ahead of time that your doctor will be filling out forms for all of these 'insurances,' but they are used to it. To help him/her out, you may copy a form that is completed, and fill in the next ones for him/her, and attach it to the next one, to verify that the information is the same, and your doctor can check it out, too, before s/he signs it. Some companies are willing to take a form your doctor has already signed for another company, so ask a friend to keep a file,"Claims" for you, and handle this as it comes up, if you can.
  • Taxes: Keep a file titled EOBs (Explanation of Benefits) and put every insurance response of payment in that file (be sure you clearly have the calendar year on the outside of the file. That way, at the end of the year, with your check stubs, you can prove what you paid, and what insurance paid—that is the ONLY time I think paying by credit card is a good idea. You have a monthly record of paying these bills especially if you use the carbon checks (they do not prove payment). If you DO get the original cancelled check back from your bank IRS will accept that you paid your part so then it is tax-deductible.
  • I was eligible for the Family Medical Leave Act and that form asks just about everything any other form requests. Again, most credit card disability insurance companies do not make you fill out new forms, they accept a copy of another form your physician has previously signed.  I had credit life/disability on every loan or credit card I had (2!). It is well worth the monthly fee.
  • If you're in the hospital, or ill, and late on payments, have someone telephone the creditor and explain...they often wave any late charges, except cable companies!
  • Ask a trusted relative to sort your accounts and any money that you can draw from. You won't be able to do that. It's too hard to concentrate, and you're generally not well enough. I had to and it was a nightmare for me.
  • Be sure your employer initiates your sick leave as soon as you are off ill, using that first, then your vacation time, and request sick leave pool if your employer has it. THEN, apply for the long term disability. Regardless, you'll receive the benefit back to the first day of illness.
  • If you are in cancer treatment be sure to tell your oncologist if you do not have enough money to cover your care due to perhaps being insured with a PPO or no funds. The drug companies have funds to provide drugs for people who run out of insurance, or have no insurance, and your doctor always has the power to waive your bill. You must write to the drug companies for all prescriptions. They are all online, too. Look for Patient Drug Services or similar on their web sites. Or, call their 800 numbers and request the forms.
  • The Breast and Ovarian Cancer Treatment Act was passed in June, 1999. It provides care for patients who have NO insurance, or are underinsured.  The funds are allocated to the states by the federal government...so keep an eye on your State's allocations of these funds.
  • Call your energy company and ask for help with your electric/gas bills.  They will refer you to an agency (generally) who distributes the funds for customers who are ill, etc.
  • If there is a food bank in your town, take advantage of it.  If not, there are food commodities in every town, given out once a month by some church or kind person who goes and gets the excess foods.  Usually Catholic Charities keeps a good eye on those things, and will help  you find out more.
  • Remember, states and cities have human service programs, too, not just the federal government.  Your local United Way can tell you where they are, as well as local churches.
  • Always speak to the hospital social service department if you have financial difficulties.  Simply tell the social worker you cannot pay your bill, even if you've already left the hospital.  In most cases, you'll find you're bill will be "erased." Your oncologist office should have resources and referrals, but they are seldom visible.
  • Medical bills may be paid out slowly, just let the debtor know that you are going to have to do that. Don't get yourself backed into a corner with a 'regular amount,' you need first to find out what insurance will pay.
  • Medicare patients should have the red carpet rolled out to them at hospitals ...their bills get paid. Those of us with private insurance may only be relied up by the hospitals, etc., for 80% maximum. So, if you are on Medicare/Medicaid remember you deserve excellent treatment! No less than anyone else.
  • DO NOT attempt to solve problems between your insurance company and your provider.It wastes your energy, and it is not your problem—know your benefits, and jot a note on the bills as they come in, and eventually one of them will 'wake up.'
  • If payments overwhelm you, send $1.00 per month.
  • Remember, credit collectors may not harass you via telephone.  Report them to your telephone company if this happens. Also, contact the creditor directly to report the harassment by their collection agency, and your illness, and notify your State Attorney General's Office in writing. If you have a problem with a utility, notify your state's Utility Commission or one of your state legislators in your district.
  • Go to the League of Women Voters web site to find your elected officials and their email addresses.
  • Remember it is your telephone. Don't answer it if you don't want to.
  • First of all, remember, IF you can, save at least five months net income, and pay yourself first! Again, always carry credit disability on every credit card, or loan.
  • Fill out this form to see if you qualify for any benefits.

 
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Reviewed: Friday, December 16, 2005