Core Areas of Medical Financial Toxicity (MFT) in Cancer

At SabesWings, we are dedicated to lifting the crushing weight of Medical Financial Toxicity for cancer patients. We believe no one should have to choose between life-saving treatment and financial ruin. With compassion, integrity, and urgency, we provide direct support to individuals and families navigating the hidden costs of cancer care — restoring hope, preserving dignity, and allowing patients to focus on what matters most: healing.

Medical Financial Toxicity refers to the severe economic burden and emotional stress that cancer patients and their families experience as a result of the high cost of cancer care. This includes not only out-of-pocket medical expenses, but also the loss of income, increased debt, and difficult financial trade-offs patients are forced to make while undergoing treatment.

In many cases, even with insurance, cancer patients face overwhelming costs for:

• Life-saving treatments and medications

• Frequent hospital visits and specialized care

• Travel, lodging, and meals during treatment

• Childcare, home care, and other non-medical essentials

• Lost wages due to the inability to work

The outcome is that many families often fall behind on bills, dip into savings, sell assets, or forgo critical treatments altogether—leading to poorer health outcomes and emotional devastation. This economic side effect of cancer is known as Medical Financial Toxicity, and it has become one of the most under-recognized threats to a patient's survival, dignity, and quality of life.

These are the main financial burdens patients experience during cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery:

Direct Medical Costs

• High insurance deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance

• Out-of-pocket costs for treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation)

• Non-covered treatments or therapies (e.g., second opinions, integrative care)

• Prescription medications (oral chemo, pain meds, etc.)

• Hospital stays and emergency visits

• Reconstructive or restorative surgeries (e.g., after mastectomy)

Indirect Medical Costs

• Genetic testing, scans, and pathology not fully covered

• Specialized consultations or second opinions

• Alternative/holistic therapies not covered by insurance

• Clinical trial participation expenses

Non-Medical Essential Costs

• Travel expenses to/from treatment centers (flights, gas, lodging)

• Temporary lodging near hospitals for patients/families

• Food and meal support during treatment

• Childcare or eldercare for dependents while undergoing care

• Home health equipment or modifications (e.g., ramps, medical beds)

Income Disruption

• Lost wages due to time off work (patient and/or caregiver)

• Job loss or reduction in work hours

• Difficulty qualifying for disability benefits

• Loss of health insurance coverage due to job loss

Insurance Gaps & Administrative Burdens

• Underinsurance or being uninsured

• Denied insurance claims or delayed reimbursements

• Confusing insurance policies and paperwork

• Lack of advocacy for navigating benefits

• Gap Insurance - Cobra

Emotional & Psychological Burdens Related to Finances

• Stress over accumulating medical debt

• Anxiety about affording future treatments

• Strain on relationships due to financial strain

• Depression linked to feeling like a "burden" on loved ones

SabesWings Areas of Support

SabesWings steps in to support cancer patients facing MFT by:

• Paying urgent medical bills directly to providers to prevent collections

• Providing financial grants for approved MFT expenses, such as housing and utilities

• Helping with insurance navigation and denied claims

• Offering holistic support through programs like Wings of Hope during holidays

• Maintaining dignity and emotional health by allowing patients to focus on healing

• Partnering with cancer centers to identify patients at the highest risk of MFT

• Bridging gaps left by other nonprofits that focus on specific cancer types