Think of it as a donation for your life.
I echo vxf1111 sentiments. As do many many others.
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They (or someone) have to treat you regardless of your ability to pay. You mentioned that others get medical care- you will too. The first thing is to get the care you need. The next is to figure out how your care will be paid for.
Talk to the social worker. See if they have a patient advocate. It may even be worthwhile to hire a lawyer. Be careful about losing your assets. There are some that will be protected, so donât go to liquidate everything. Usually your home is protected - they may be able to put a lien on it (not sure) but you keep your home, so donât sell it off! Chances are you will work out some kind of payment plan and may die many, many years from now still owing, but so what? You can even think about declaring bankruptcy later (medical bills are the top cause!)Just make sure you have complete and correct information about your rights and obligations before signing anything financial.
Sucks that you have to worry about this when the medical concerns are more than enough. Universal single payer health care is looking better and betterâŠ
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They will not and cannot refuse your treatment if you need it, get those thoughts out of your head so you can alleviate some of your fears.
Your ex sounds like a great guy for being there for you, thank him for all of us.
I hope you have a peaceful evening and a comfortable sleep tonight.
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I really feel for you.
My big C story : in June '99, diagnosed with Stage 2 BC, surgery within 2 weeks, chemo and go enjoy your life (that was the hardest part, after being looked after for 4 months, to not have any appointments anymoreâŠ), Fast forward to 2012, same pain in same breast, Yup, itâs back⊠biopsy/surgery and radiation started very quickly⊠Clear sinceâŠ
The HUGE differenceâŠI am in Canada. .I did not cost me a cent! I had extra insurance which covered the anti-nausea drugs and tamoxiphen for 5 years. No bill from hospital or doctors for anything.
I cannot imagine having to deal with the stress of the diagnosis AND the financial stress⊠Awful !
A lady who boarded at our barn until two years ago is facing the same C and is being used by doctors as a ball. Unusual cancer. Chemo first in town or radiation out of town (although we can get radiation here too)âŠThey canât decide. So she is waiting for one of them to make the decision. She is going nuts. Has animals she has to have taken care (she is single and 76). She is freaking out financially, but does not realize that it wonât cost her anything or almost anything. In hospital treatment is covered, she is over 65 so drugs at home are covered, stay in the lodge out of town is really reasonable. She has tons of investments, her house is paid for, gets a good pension⊠GeezeâŠ
i hope you get treatment quickly. A friend in GA had major heart surgery and hip replacement. No insurance, almost $200K due. But she worked out a payment plan with the hospital and is paying it little by little.
Good luck
ETA: When first diagnosed in June 99, I was certain I would not see my son go to HS iin September 99!! Well, I did see him and my DD go to HS and University, get married, etc. My son now has 3 children. So get these thoughts out of your head.
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You are a long time member of this community. Iâm sure you remember the many times this community has stood with others here over the years. The first thing to do is to get that treatment. Worry about payment later. But, when the time comes do not be afraid to come to us. Reaching out a helping hand has always been one of the things that makes this such a great place. Just remember that we are here if you need us.
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Speaking as a nurse, please, please find an advocate. Someone who will go with you to appointments and preferably someone who has some knowledge of medicine. You will be overwhelmed with opinions, options, statistics, payment, etc. You need, let me emphasize need someone with you who can write things down, remember the questions youâll forget to ask, someone who can look after all the things youâll forget. Because you will forget, because no one, no matter who they are can process this information 100% accurately, 100% of the time.
Prior to going in the hospital see if you can give permission to someone to access your chart and speak to the medical professionals on your behalf. Itâs wonderful that your ex is willing to help, take him up on the offer. If one of your local friends is more well versed in medicine, well there isnât any reason why you canât have two advocates.
If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.
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This. Totally, yes. You need an advocate. I kept a notebook through my DHâs complicated situation. He suffered from chemo brain, but I was there to manage appointments, keep meds on track and ask the questions we needed answered. The medical team pushed, and sometimes, I pushed back.
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Do not sell your house. If worse comes to worst, they can put a lien on it and have it when youâre through with it. In the meantime itâs still yours.
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Starting your Tuesday apt. Jingles !
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Smart Alex is exactly right. Donât sell your house. At the worst they may put a lien on it, but that only gets paid when you sell it, or as a part of your estate many years from now. And when you have surgery, and are cancer free, where do you plan on living?
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Thanks Guys, I am anxious to talk to him.
No I wonât sell my house, Although I should if I can get what I want for it., The neighborhood sucks.
I have talked to enough people now that I know I can arrange payments with the hospital.
Which could take me forever, but who cares.
Here is an interesting thing, got the bill for the pathology lab, the original cost was 400 something, Because I have no insurance it is 220 dollars. Amazing right?
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I finally was able to sit down and read this thread. @Sannois my Dad was diagnosed with cancer two years ago at age 68. He went through chemo and now two years later is still clear. He just had another check up last week. He is back to playing baseball, he will resume building his cabin this summer, and he has resumed all normal activities. You can beat this!!!
My Dad struggled with his own death. He didnât really want to do stuff after he was cleared by his doctor to resume normal living. He kinda got stuck in the house and in his head. Please reach out to us and friends if you need anything. Even just to talk. We are all here for you.
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Will be thinking of you tomorrow ~
Jingles & AO from the entire ZZ âgangâ ~
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Thatâs probably what insurance would have paid if youâd had it. Itâs crazy, yes. And amazing!
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Crossing all my jingles AND braiding my hair for insurance !!
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Playing the insurance game with my husbandâs prescriptions - sometimes the brand name out of pocket is less expensive than the generic insurance co-pay.
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Sending positive thoughts for your appointment today!
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Thinking of you today!!!
Thinking of you today! My motto for today:
âCalm you shall be, and Carry On you must.â
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Definitely talk to the hospital or center where your care will take place. One of the field guys at my company had all of his treatment paid for through MD Anderson, and they even gave him gas money and paid for a hotel room when they had to stay over. It was a lot of paperwork but so worth it.
