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Your Journey>Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer > Financial matters, health insurance, and work with metastatic breast cancer

Financial matters, health insurance, and work with metastatic breast cancer

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People are living longer, fuller lives after a cancer diagnosis than they have in the past. The reason for this is that diagnosis and treatment options have improved. But better options, which include prescription medicine, also cost more money.

A 2022 study revealed that between 2009 and 2016, the average out-of-pocket cost of breast cancer treatment increased 29%, from about $110,000 to nearly $150,000 around the first year after a diagnosis.

People living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), or stage IV breast cancer, can sometimes have costs that are even higher. Costs for women living with MBC are expected to increase and are likely to be highest for women younger than 65.

Whether you’re recently diagnosed with MBC, or you’ve been living with the disease for years, Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) hopes to help you navigate the financial concerns you may be facing. On these pages, you can learn about:

  • Financial toxicity and time toxicity
  • Legal protections at work
  • Managing hidden costs of breast cancer
  • Understanding your health insurance
  • Managing work relationships
  • Disability insurance
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Featured resources

Financial matters and MBC

Understanding health insurance with MBC

MBC and the workplace
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Before my diagnosis, I had finally gotten my teaching certificate to continue working for the school district. It was a passion I had been working so hard for. My life turned upside down when I could no longer do the job I loved.

Lordes, LBBC Fund Recipient

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Frequently asked questions

Do I pose any health risks to my coworkers while working during cancer treatment?

Cancer is not contagious. You do not pose any health risks to the people around you during breast cancer treatment.

What are my options when facing cancer discrimination in the workplace?

See if you are eligible for legal protections from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Bring these to your employer. If your employer is not responsive, seek a lawyer who works in cancer-related issues for support.

What financial help is available, and how can I apply?

Ask your doctor, nurse navigator, financial navigator, or hospital social worker about financial help and other resources that may be available to you.

The Living Beyond Breast Cancer Fund is a resource that provides one-time grants for people with breast cancer.

For information about the Fund and a list of other financial programs and resources, visit LBBC’s financial help and resources page.

Why does my insurance cover screening mammograms but not diagnostic mammograms?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurance plans to cover screening mammograms with no out-of-pocket costs to you. Diagnostic mammograms follow up on specific concerns or a previous cancer diagnosis and are not considered preventative.

However, Medicare does cover diagnostic mammograms if they are considered medically necessary.

Does a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis make me eligible for disability benefits?

You may be eligible for disability insurance from your employer or from the state or federal government. Learn more on our Work accommodations and disability insurance benefits page.

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About LBBC

Reviewed and updated: October 16, 2024

Reviewed by: Aimee Hoch, MSW, LSW, OSW-C, FACCC

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Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to create a world that understands there is more than one way to have breast cancer. To fulfill its mission of providing trusted information and a community of support to those impacted by the disease, Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers on-demand emotional, practical, and evidence-based content. For over 30 years, the organization has remained committed to creating a culture of acceptance — where sharing the diversity of the lived experience of breast cancer fosters self-advocacy and hope. For more information, learn more about our programs and services.