The Prevalence of Cancer, Heart Attack, and Stroke

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association estimate that, every year, approximately 790,000 heart attacks occur and about 795,000 individuals have a stroke. They also project that 45 percent of Americans will have some form of cardiovascular disease by the year 2035.

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 39 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer during their life. They estimate that, in 2018 alone, there were around 1,735,350 new cases of cancer.

Many people know someone who has died from or been affected by cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Do you? These conditions are not rare. In fact, heart disease, cancer and stroke all make the top five in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s list of the leading causes of death in the United States. It’s wise to offer financial solutions for those who are fighting and surviving these maladies.

“Many people know someone who has died from or been affected by one of these three conditions. Do you?”

Survival Rates for These Conditions

While cancer, heart attacks, and strokes are currently prevalent in the U.S., they’re not as deadly as they once were for Americans.

Compared to 2005, the annual rate of deaths associated with coronary heart disease in the U.S. was 34.4 percent lower in 2015, according to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. The organizations also report that, during the same time period, the mortality rate attributed to stroke declined 21.7 percent. Further, the American Cancer Institute specifies the U.S. death rate from cancer decreased 26 percent between 1991 and 2015.

Nowadays, dying from one of these dread diseases isn't the only thing people fear. Living with them can be just as scary as doctor, hospital, pharmaceutical and routine bills begin to stack up.

Covering Indirect Costs

One common objection to purchasing cancer insurance and heart attack and stroke insurance we hear is that an employee’s medical insurance should largely cover their medical costs. While this may be true, it will not cover all of a employee’s drugs and treatments. And, it certainly won’t cover all the non-medical, indirect costs associated with these conditions.

Let’s say one of your employees is diagnosed with cancer. If he or she wants to try experimental treatments, they may have to pay for them out-of-pocket. If your client decides to travel out of state to get the best medical care available, he or she will likely have to pay their own way there. And if he or she needs to take an extended leave of absence from work to get treatment, their family may be down one income — two if their spouse or partner also takes off work to offer support.

“Medical insurance won’t cover all the non-medical, indirect costs associated with these conditions.”

Loss of productivity and income can have a major negative impact on one’s finances. It can also cause a lot of added stress during an already difficult time. Having a second insurance plan that kicks in after these kinds of major health events can provide the beneficiary and their family with more relief than a primary health plan alone can deliver.

But Why Buy Cancer, Heart Attack and Stroke Plans?

Critical illness plans also offer coverage for these conditions and other illnesses; however, not everyone can afford these products. A combination of cancer insurance and heart attack and stroke coverage can still give them some protection at less cost.

Depending on their design, plans can reimburse beneficiaries for certain medical expenses or, upon a qualifying diagnosis, issue lump sum payments that beneficiaries can spend however they wish. If a beneficiary chooses to receive a lump sum payment, he or she could then use it to help pay for their co-pays and deductibles, out-of-network specialists, travel, rehab, adaptive equipment, caregivers, routine bills, one last big vacation with their family, and more.

P.S. Offering ancillary products is all about caring for your employees and helping them anticipate their future needs. It only takes a second to go from thinking you’re healthy to facing a serious diagnosis. By offering your employees a “second” piece of coverage, you can help them be more financially prepared for what lies ahead.