Along with food and gasoline prices, cancer treatment costs are on the rise.

This issue is not just a problem for patients; it is also causing problems for some hospitals.

As more people are unable to afford cancer costs, the options for cancer treatment payment for those without proper insurance can narrow.

Sharon Emanuelson, director of marketing and public relations at Kishwaukee Hospital said the Kishwaukee Cancer Care Center works closely with insurance providers and the drug companies to make sure patients get the medications they need, regardless of their ability to pay.

However, if a patient is covered by Medicare or Medicaid, the Kishwaukee Cancer Center must accept the Medicare or Medicaid payment, which typically is below the cost, Emanuelson said.

“In such cases, the hospital absorbs the balance that is not reimbursed,” Emanuelson said.

NIU’s proposed proton therapy center, for which construction plans are not expected until 2009, will have some of the most state-of-the-art cancer treatments, according to a Dec. 6, 2007 press release.

John Lewis, director of the proton therapy department, said the center will have treatments for any kind of cancer located close to vital organs and pediatric cancers.

For patients with insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, those programs should cover the cost of the expensive cancer treatments, Lewis said.

Those without insurance will make payments based on their income, Lewis said.

Despite other hospitals’ struggles with charitable services, Lewis said he does not expect it to be a major problem for the upcoming proton center.

Emanuelson also acknowledged the rising cost of cancer medications.

“Newer chemotherapy drugs are very pricey because there is little competition in the marketplace,” said Emanuelson. “And because the drug companies need to recoup the cost of spending years on research to bring a drug to the market.

Drug companies also have programs for those uninsured or underinsured.

“Most insurance companies will cover the cost of the medication,” Emanuelson said. “If a medication is denied, the drug companies will intervene and work with the insurance company to get the drug covered.”

A national group, Bioscrip, can provide medications for patients who need assistance, Emanuelson said.

“Like all health care costs, resources continue to go up,” Lewis said.