Chemotherapy can take a major toll on patients undergoing the treatment. Common side effects like fatigue, nausea, vomiting and pain can leave patients feeling unwell and unable to work during and after sessions. This causes increased absenteeism as patients need time off work for their chemotherapy appointments and recovery. According to studies, over half of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy reported needing to take at least some sick leave during treatment which can significantly impact business productivity. Employers need to be aware of this and make appropriate adjustments like allowing flexible work hours or work-from-home options to accommodate treatment schedules.
Rise in Healthcare Costs
In addition to lost productivity, Chemotherapy and its side effects also drive up healthcare costs for employers. Not only do the chemotherapy drugs and hospital visits related to treatment cost money, but side effects often lead to additional medical issues that must be treated. Patients commonly report secondary conditions like anemia, low white blood cell or platelet counts, mouth sores, neuropathy, etc. after chemotherapy which require further testing and medication. Emergencies related to chemotherapy complications like infections and hemorrhages are also costly to manage. Research shows the total annual healthcare costs for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are several times higher than for those who are not undergoing active treatment. This burdens company healthcare budgets and benefit plans.
Financial Assistance for Employees
The high medication costs, co-pays for doctor visits and hospital stays, transportation to appointments, specialized foods or supplements needed for side effect management, and sometimes lodging near treatment centers if patients live far away can pile up substantial out-of-pocket expenses on top of healthcare premiums for those undergoing chemotherapy. This financial toxicity of cancer treatment poses a challenge, as struggling with costs on top of illness can affect treatment adherence and recovery. Some large employers are starting to offer assistance programs to help offset these additional expenses for their employees undergoing chemotherapy. Subsidies for eligible costs help support workers both physically and financially through their treatment journey.
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