Famous Actor Launches Online Funding Appeal To Pay For Cancer– ‘Walking Dead’ Star Erik Jensen, 53, Says Cancer Costs May Put Him in ‘Precarious Financial Position’

 

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“We are overwhelmed by the show of support from friends, colleagues, and complete strangers who have donated to the GoFundMe my wife set up,” Jensen wrote in an Instagram post.

Jensen’s colorectal cancer has spread to his liver. Stage 4 cancers mean the cancer has spread to other organs, such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneal cavity (the space in your abdomen that holds your intestines, stomach, and liver).

 

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A post shared by Erik Jensen (@ejensen123)

Colorectal cancer happens when polyps are not removed and become cancerous. It can take up to 10 years for a colon polyp to become cancerous, according to SurvivorNet experts. Fortunately, most colorectal cancers can be prevented if you are regularly screened. SurvivorNet experts recommend a colonoscopy for colon screening. Remember, if you’re at average risk, meaning you don’t have risk factors like a family history of the disease or are a smoker, you should begin colonoscopies at age 45.

How a Diagnosis Left a Famous Actor in a ‘Precarious Financial Position’

In the GoFundMe message Jensen’s wife Jessica wrote, she said her famous husband’s health challenges in recent years have put a dent in their household budget.

She noted she and her husband are full-time freelance artists, and they lack “the cushion that long-term commercial work can provide.”

“The lack of streaming residuals has affected Erik’s family profoundly in the past few years, as it has affected many middle-class working actors. Erik’s aneurysm, the double strikes, and now this diagnosis has put their family in an extremely precarious financial position. They need a lot of help to make it through the next year, pay for treatment to fight his cancer, keep their home, and maintain some sort of stability for [their daughter] Sadie, 13,” Jessica said in her post.

Jensen’s story and his family’s concerns about paying for treatment highlight that the cost of medical care can have a significant impact on patients and their loved ones.

According to research published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention, treatment costs are only rising and are expected to increase by over 30% this decade. The national costs of cancer care are expected to hit $246 billion by 2030. According to the data, the average medical costs in the first year after a diagnosis are $42,000.

Where to Find Help With Cancer Costs

When you or someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, one of the most stressful parts of the journey is paying for the treatment.

“Cancer treatment is incredibly expensive,” Laurie Ostacher, a Behavioral Health Clinician at Stanford Health Care, previously told SurvivorNet.

WATCH: Finding help with cancer bills.

“How much coverage you have depends on the insurance plan that you purchased. Sometimes, when folks are younger, they might purchase a plan with a high deductible, assuming they won’t get ill. So, really, it’s helping them think about and kind of try and plan for the expenses that will be coming up. Oftentimes, your cancer center will have a financial counselor who will help you with that, who can kind of sit down and go through the costs.”

Financial toxicity is a term that has been coined to describe the difficult financial impact cancer treatment brings.

The consequences of cancer costs can extend beyond patients’ wallets. Some people feel they must cut their pills in half to extend their medications or not refill their medications for several weeks because they can’t afford it.

To begin your journey for financial assistance, start by talking to your doctor. Your cancer center can help address any concerns about the cost of your cancer drugs.

Ostacher also recommends exploring disability programs.

“Most people are working when they’re diagnosed, and finances are a significant issue for them. So, for those who want to take some time off and can take time off, I will talk to them about the disability programs that exist,” she said.

“There’s the state disability program. Every state has a disability program. They vary from state to state. And then there’s also the federal disability program. So, I’ll help folks kind of sit down, look at their income, estimate how much money they will get, they will collect from disability, how to go about the application process,” Ostacher continued.

Other options may include taking part in paid clinical trials, said Hematologist at UCSF Medical Center Dr. Nina Shah.

“There are also parts of clinical trials, which may pay, for example, travel or a hotel night so you can stay close to the institution. There are also parts of drug companies that will allow you to get certain drugs on a patient assistance program. And we’ve used those many times. It’s important for you to know at each point that you are your own best advocate,” Dr. Shah explained.

Financial Assistance Amid Treatment

• The Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition can direct patients and their families to local services.
• Many treatment centers offer extended payment plans, and some may provide temporary payment delays, according to the American Cancer Society.
• CancerCare, which connects patients with oncology social workers, may be able to assist with co-pays, transportation, and other costs associated with care.
• The HealthWell Foundation may be able to help uninsured patients pay for treatment.
• The American Cancer Society may be able to link patients and their families with local resources (they offer a 24/7 helpline).
• The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) works with patients and their insurance companies to resolve issues and may provide direct financial support to some patients.
• The Patient Access Network Foundation may be able to help with out-of-pocket costs associated with cancer treatment.

Transportation and Housing Assistance

• Several programs may be able to assist patients if they need to travel by plane to get treatment, including Air Care Alliance, the Corporate Angel Network, and PALS (Patient Airlift Services).
• Patients with Medicaid may be entitled to help pay for transportation costs to and from treatment.
• The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program can hook patients and their families with volunteer drivers.
• Mercy Medical Angels may be able to help patients and their families pay for transportation.
• The Healthcare Hospitality Network can assist with housing if a patient must be treated far from home.
• The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Program gives patients and their caregivers a free place to stay during treatment in dozens of cities across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Food Assistance

Food assistance may be available to people going through cancer treatment and their caregivers. Look into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or a program like Meals on Wheels.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

If you are worried about the costs of your cancer treatment, here are some questions you can ask your doctor to kickstart your way to solutions.

• What will my treatment cost?
• Will my medical insurance cover my treatment?
• How long do you expect my cancer treatment to last?
• What options do I have if I can’t afford my medication?
• Can you recommend a financial counselor or navigator to talk with?

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.