Who pays for the patient costs on a clinical trial?
Even if you have health insurance, your coverage may not include some or all of the costs associated with a clinical trial. This is because some health care plans view clinical trials as ‘experimental’ or ‘investigational’ procedures. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is working with major health care providers to find a solution to this coverage problem. For Vical studies, Vical will be responsible for providing the study drug and for all evaluations, scans, and treatments required by your participation in the study. Either you or your insurance company will be billed for any routine medical care for problems or complications of your disease unrelated to the administration of the study drug. This includes routine blood tests, x-rays, scans, medications and physician charges. You will not be paid for participation in any study. Your doctor will make available or arrange for appropriate care and treatment for any physical injury resulting directly from participating in the study.
