You might be surprised at how quickly costs stack up between high deductibles and copays. And medical costs are just part of the extra expenses that go into treating and recovering from cancer. Many major medical insurance plans don’t cover expenses for things like transportation and lodging for treatment.

Unlike many industries, firefighters don’t just depend on base pay. There’s overtime, special duty, and maybe a side hustle. All of those contribute to the total household income. But if you get sick or diagnosed with an illness, all that income could be in danger between the cost of care and loss of wages.

Review your medical insurance coverage

It’s common for firefighters to not select voluntary benefits, like a Critical Illness policy, when enrolling in city or county benefits. The benefits provided by major medical should be enough, but often, they don’t relieve much of the financial burden that comes with the treatment and recovery of an illness or injury.

You can access your coverage information on your insurance provider’s website, but navigating the fine print can be a hurdle. Don’t let that stop you — most insurance companies have staff who can review your coverage and help you identify where you might need additional planning. You can also reach out to local insurance agents for help understanding your benefits.

Explore additional coverage options

We all know that strong financial protection is important, but it can be challenging to get to and maintain that level of security. Thankfully, you don’t have to navigate that alone if an unexpected illness occurs. Supplemental health insurance has products and resources that can help ease the financial toll a firefighter and their family may experience during a medical crisis, like cancer or heart disease.

Supplemental plans can help with medical bills so firefighters can use their income to make car payments, head to the grocery store, and otherwise maintain their lifestyle. They have fixed premiums and pay cash benefits that can provide for treatment and the ability to maintain the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard for.

Manage your hospital bills

If you’ve found yourself with a hefty hospital bill, don’t panic. Many people don’t realize that hospital bills aren’t set in stone, and understanding how medical billing offices work can set you on the path to debt relief.

• Find out if your hospital offers financial assistance

Financial difficulties aren’t uncommon, and many hospitals and care providers have established financial assistance programs that can help you when insurance doesn’t cover all of your costs.

• Ask for an itemized bill

Requesting an itemized bill is not only a way to spot billing errors — it also opens the door to negotiations. When you get your bill, it will contain a list of the procedures you received along with a specific code. Find the Current Procedural Terminology code (CPT) and do some research. Medical billing errors aren’t uncommon. If something seems different than what you experienced, call the billing office.

• Get ready to negotiate

Your bill isn’t always the end of the story, and billing representatives may be willing to negotiate settlement amounts on higher bills. Just ask.

• Establish a payment plan

When all else fails, medical billing offices are often able to help set up a payment plan. Most of the programs don’t charge interest, and there are often advisors on staff to help find a solution that works for you.

Learn more about organizations that can help*

Firefighters give back to communities every day, and there are numerous organizations ready to lend a hand during your treatment and recovery. Remember: You didn’t choose cancer, and there’s no shame in working with your medical care provider or other organizations to help with costs.

The Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) and the International Association of Firefighters are a great example. They collaborate to provide resources, tools, and prevention techniques to help firefighters through common challenges — financial and otherwise. The FCSN provides curated support to firefighters experiencing cancer, such as the badge-to-badge mentorship program, a toolbox of resources, and more.

Additionally, the American Cancer Society offers programs to help you manage bills associated with travel, lodging, emotional support, and advocacy. The trained staff on their 24/7 support line can provide additional information and resources.

Your community might also offer resources, so contacting your local representatives and researching nonprofit organizations in your area is another way to learn more.

Create a plan

Whether you’re currently navigating the financials of your cancer journey or just looking to stay informed, having a plan is essential.

• Talk to your support network

You’re not in this alone and communicating with your support network is an important step in the process. There are a lot of cultural stigmas surrounding money conversations, but having open and honest dialogues about your situation provides a path to work together effectively.

• Don’t put it off

Planning for illness — or any medical expense — is often the last thing on your mind. That’s why it’s so easy to put off creating a plan. Even small steps can make a big difference. Taking time to research and begin the conversation today gives you time to spend with your family later.

At the end of the day, put your health first

While you’re on the road to recovery, it’s important to prioritize your health. No matter what your journey looks like, know that you’re never alone. Whether you’re in great health, navigating a recent diagnosis, or on the road to recovery, thinking about the future can be overwhelming. Evolving treatment is making cancer more survivable than ever, and assistance is available during the process. Making plans can provide a path for you and loved ones to celebrate recovery and remission.

Wise Benefits™ is a brand under Horace Mann specializing in supplemental benefits for public employees. Wise, Wise Benefits, and Wise Employee Benefits are trademarks of Horace Mann Educators Corporation.

*The article has not been reviewed or endorsed by the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, the International Association of Firefighters, or the American Cancer Society.