Caregiver Legal & Financial Issues

Caregivers have to do more than just tend to their loved ones. They also handle the legal and financial issues that come with a cancer diagnosis.

Family Medical Leave Act

The Family Medical Leave Act allows eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. Individuals who take this leave are able to maintain their group health insurance coverage. They are essentially guaranteed to have their job, or an equivalent post, available when their leave ends.

There are several “medical reasons” that are covered under FMLA. These include having a serious health condition that leaves the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her job; and caring for a spouse, child or parent who has a serious health condition. In these situations, eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of leave.  

There are many rules that determine who may take FMLA leave. Some people do not qualify based on how many hours they work or the type and size of their employer. Visit the Department of Labor’s FMLA page and FMLA Employee Guide (pdf) to learn more.

Insurance & Financial Assistance

MD Anderson accepts multiple insurance plans. Check with your employer or health plan to see if you have access to care at MD Anderson and what you need to do to begin care. If you have questions about how are bills are structured or different payment options, including self-pay, please visit our insurance and billing page.

As a state institution, MD Anderson also offers need-based financial support to Texas residents who are also U.S. citizens or lawful U.S. residents for at least five years. See our financial assistance page for more information.

Medical Power of Attorney

Patients can appoint someone to make healthcare decisions for them when they are unable to make decisions themselves. This is called Medical Power of Attorney and is legally binding. Visit our Medical Power of Attorney page to learn more.

Medical Power of Attorney is just one type of advance directive. To learn about the others, including Living Wills and Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders, visit our advance directives page.