Cancer is an arduous journey, especially for seniors who face mounting medical bills amidst declining retirement savings. In Asia, sensitive topics like financial burdens are expected to be avoided, as many fear they could affect how others perceive them. People with cancer experiencing the economic and psychological strains of their cancer journey often feel misunderstood, thinking, “No” one understands what I’m through,” or” “No,” one can help me.”
A” KALSIS, we understand. We empathize with seniors and their families who are battling cancer without sufficient financial resources. Our mission is to provide a solution that gives seniors peace of mind, allowing them to focus on their health without financial stress.
Hesitancy In Asking For Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment
Many cancer patients and their families hesitate to ask their cancer physicians or oncologists about financial help, often turning to Google with questions like:
• Where can I get financial aid for cancer patients in Malaysia?
• What happens if you can’t get cancer treatment?
• How do I get money if I have cancer?
At KALSIS, we have the financial strain firsthand. Private hospitals are often too expensive, and while government hospitals offer subsidized treatments, they are overwhelmed by the sheer number of patients, leading to long waiting times. Financial assistance is crucial, but finding reliable, accessible resources can be challenging.
More Than Just Cancer Care, Many Patients Would Also Like A Helping Hand And Listening Ear
People diagnosed with cancer face not just physical struggles but financial and emotional ones, too. Physicians know their patients could get better with the proper treatment, but many cannot afford it. This frustrating reality is a standard topic among healthcare professionals at oncology and cancer-related conferences.
Unfortunately, healthcare providers are not financial experts, so their solutions are often limited to cheaper treatments or referrals to government hospitals, where waiting times can be extended. External programs and support systems have become essential in widening available options.
Why Prompt Action is Critical for Patients With Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Prostate Cancer and Lung Cancer
When facing a cancer diagnosis, time is of the essence. With today’s standard of care and the rapid advancement of medical technologies, many late-stage cancers that commonly affect seniors—such as colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer—are now survivable if treatment is started promptly.
The Malaysian Study on Cancer Survival (MyScan) underscores this, showing a 5-year relative survival rate of 59.7% for Stage 3 breast cancer, 55.6% for Stage 3 colorectal cancer, and 93% for prostate cancer. However, the survival rates drop dramatically for Stage 4 cancers, with breast cancer at 23.3%, colorectal cancer at 17.3%, and prostate cancer significantly lower. These figures highlight the importance of early and prompt medical intervention in improving one’s chances of survival.
Adding to this encouraging outlook, breakthroughs in treatments continue to emerge. Recently, respiratory physicians celebrated a groundbreaking drug trial for lung cancer. Patients with advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer treated with lorlatinib had an unprecedented 60% survival rate over five years, compared to just 8% with traditional treatments. This remarkable progress signifies a new era where, once deemed terminal, cancers can now be managed more like chronic conditions.
Taking swift action following a diagnosis can make the difference between survival and demise.
Existing Financial Assistance Programs And Cancer Welfare Funds
Several pharmaceutical and charity-led programs address treatment barriers by assisting financially via subsidies or providing financial assistance for cancer patients:
- Pharmaceutical Programs: Initiatives like Roche Cares offer co-payment models to help low-income patients access advanced treatments. Similarly, their ZAKAT for HER program, in collaboration with Persatuan Kebajikan Islam Perubatan Sabah (PERKIPS) and Majlis Ugama Islam (MUIS), addresses explicitly the financial challenges faced by lower-income breast cancer patients in Sabah, offering equitable access to neoadjuvant therapy for HER-2 positive early breast cancer.
- Charity Programs: Organizations like the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and the Breast Cancer Foundation provide subsidized medications, medical supplies, lodging, and financial aid. However, some programs often have strict eligibility criteria, such as low family income or lack of valuable assets, leaving many middle-income families without support.
While these programs are valuable, they primarily cater to the B40 (low-income) group, leaving out middle-income (M40) or higher-income (T20) patients and families who are still struggling due to inadequate savings or insurance coverage.
How KALSIS Steps In With Financial Resources To Bridge the Gap
KALSIS was created to fill this gap and provide a more flexible, reliable solution for elderly patients diagnosed with cancer. We are here to help you unlock wealth from your biggest asset—your home—so you can cover your costs and continue living comfortably in your home.
At KALSIS, our innovative approach offers a way of meeting the costs of healthcare and lifetime living expenses through a reverse annuity scheme. By monetizing your home at its market value, we provide immediate payouts to help mitigate the costs of healthcare treatments and lifelong monthly annuities for living expenses while ensuring you can continue living in your home.
How KALSIS Works
KALSIS operates on a ‘willing-buyer, willing-seller’ model. We acquire homes at market value, and an independent valuation ensures transparency. HerHere’sw it works:
1. Initial Lump Sum: In the first year, you receive a 10% lump sum of the home for immediate healthcare needs.
2. Monthly Payouts: From year two onwards, you receive either a lump sum or monthly payments (equivalent to 4% of your home loan) to provide support for both care and living expenses.
3. Nominee Protection: If you and your spouse pass away within ten years, you can nominate a loved one to receive a portion of the proceeds when your home is sold.
4. Stay in Your Home: You retain the right to live in your home for life and benefit from complimentary services like home repairs, pest control, fire safety, and home insurance coverage.
Safeguards and Transparency with KALSIS
At KALSIS, we prioritize the well-being of our clients. Kenanga Trustees Berhad currently holds your home throughout the scheme. n the unlikely event that KALSIS cannot fulfil its financial obligations, the title will be returned to you, and you will keep all the money you’ve been paid. These safeguards ensures that you are protected and your financial interests are upheld.
Regardless of Your Eligibility for Financial Assistance Resources, It’s Better To Rely On Yourself Than Others
At KALSIS, we believe no one should have to battle cancer alone or be forced to rely on charity. Our unique model allows seniors to unlock the wealth tied to their homes, ensuring they have the financial support needed for their cancer journeys while maintaining their independence.
It’s time to discuss all your options and make the best decisions for your health and financial future. Contact us via WhatsApp today to explore how we can support you through your cancer journey while allowing you to age in place with dignity and peace of mind.