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Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

Colorectal Cancer: In Treatment: At Work (Stages 0, 1)

If You Were Diagnosed With Stage 3 or Stage 4 Colon or Rectal Cancer

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Despite current medical knowledge and advances which are constantly being made, it is possible that at some point you will want to stop work or possibly have to.  “Just in case,” it is advisable to start being prepared. There are steps to take in the short term and steps to take for the longer term. They are listed in the documents noted in "To Learn More."

If you may need to stop work in the near future:

  • Learn about the disability income sources to which you may be entitled.
    • Check benefits at work. If you don't have an employee handbook, ask a supervisor in human resources about your benefits. 
    • Speak with your advisor  to find out if your employer has any informal policies about disability. Some employers provide disability income in some circumstances even though it is not in the handbook.
    • Look at the requirements for obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). While SSDI is a government program, you are entitled to the benefits because you paid premiums from withholding.
      • If you are going to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), keep in mind that only one third of applicants for SSDI are awarded an income.
      • Survivorship A to Z provides easy-to-use information for applying as an educated consumer that makes it more likely to get a "yes."
    • See if you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  • If you have health insurance through work, you will be entitled to continue it under laws generally known as COBRA.
    • Since you will have to pay the premium under COBRA, start thinking about how to pay for the coverage.
    • If you can't afford the premium:
    • Learn how to continue your life insurance. Life insurance increases the funds you leave to your heirs. Also, you may be able to sell a life insurance policy while you are alive under a process known as a Viatical Settlement or a Life Settlement. (See "To Learn More.")

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