Finances?

Methusala

Hi all,
Putting it bluntly, how are you all paying for your cancer related expenses? I'm serious... I have Independent Health out of Buffalo, but they are already giving me a hard time about a prescription being filled. D*mn them! I yelled at the girl and said "is this what I'm going to have to go through every time my doctor prescribes something for my breast cancer"? and she had the BALLS to say, "MA'M we have a list of what you can and cannot have" Unreal.
Everywhere I go, it's $20 co-pay. I paid OVER $100 in JUST co-pays last week!! and almost that the week before. Plus, it's around $20 in my gas tank (minivan) to get to Buffalo and back, 2-3 times a week for the past 3 weeks. not to figure in meals. argh.
I'm back at roswell on July 6 for bone scan and cat scan, and to schedule my Masectomy. 6-8 recovery they said, then chemo for sure, radiation pending.
I'm feeling a wee bit cranky, eh?

Cynthia1962

The ACS has a program to help pay for the cost of travel related to cancer treatment. Contact them asap because they won't reimburse for travel made longer than 30 days prior to when you contact them.

There's also a program for help with the cost of copays. It's called pparx.org.

When I'm feeling really upset about the cost of having bc, I just remind myself that it could be worse. I have to pay $3000.00 out of pocket every year and my ins only pays $500 toward prescription meds. That alone scares me witless. lol But, I'm so glad I have insurance and really glad I don't have to pay like 20% of everything. That would add up fast. Stupid cancer!

Good luck,

Cynthia

Methusala

thanks for the websites/ information. I'll look into.
My word this adds up quickly. I think it's easier to deal with this during the day than at night, when I'm exhausted.
TY again.

BethNY

gmg the number for acs is 1800 acs 2345

Keep track of EVERY co pay, gas bill- every expense you have-- b/c it is all tax deductible.

I know this won't make you feel better, but be thankful that you have insurance. Even though your co pay was a couple hundred dollars, without insurance, you would've paid thousands.
Instead of arguing with piece of shit insurance reps on the phone, have your insurance company assign you a case manager, and give her NOTHING BUT SUGAR!!! and hopefully she can handle difficult or ridiculous requests for rx's and such that need to be processed. That way, you can save yourself some aggrivation.

Welcome to the side of cancer, the Dr.s never tell you about. They are only concerned with saving you life... the rest is up to you.

Sorry for the blunt reality of the really shitty side of cancer.
But I promise, you will get through this, and even though it will take time after cancer, you will be able to get back on track.

remember to keep those tax records!

Methusala

thanks ^ very much.
I didn't know this was all tax deductible I will tell hubby in the AM. Maybe that will cheer him up.
I guess people (MYSELF INCLUDED) just don't have a clue what it's really like.

sdstarfish

I know how you feel. I have had the same worries. Try calling the Young Survivors Coalition to request their book. Alot of helpful info, including financial assistance. Their # is 877.YSC.1011. Also try this website if you are under 40: http://www.bmcf.net/
They will help you out one time with rent or child care, if you qualify financially and they still have funds.
One more: cancercare.org will help you one time. Each one requires an application.
Hope this helps.

yellowfarmhouse

HI! It is crazy. However, help is out there -- the clinic I went to had a program that helped the "underinsured"-- people like me who had insurance but had huge co-pay-- mine total was about 10 grand a year. And Astozenica helps with my Arimidex. It seems like the programs base it on income and how many kids you have and stuff like that. The American Cancer society helps me with some travel expences for the clinical trial I'm in too.

blessings,
Wendy

junie

Beth was wise to tell you about the tax deduction for medical expenses. Check out the IRS.gov website and look for info on medical deductions. They change from year to year. But generally, you add up all your out-of-pocket expenses for the year for anything not covered by your insurance. You can include the premiums you pay for your health insurance. There is a mileage factor, so keep track of your mileage for any dr visit. There are many expenses that are allowed so check it out and keep very good records for tax time. To qualify for a medical deduction I think out-of-pocket medically qualified expenses have to add up to more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.

For sure, it is worth checking out and knowing what to keep track of!!!

chemo072

I've had good luck with the Patient Advocate Foundation, Patient Access Network, Healthwell, CancerCares, Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund, my hospital's funding and applying for scholarships for retreats. Sensational in Survival said I qualified but they're out of funds until the fall.

It's a lot of work to apply for aid but completely worth it - I don't have to pay prescription copays for the next 6 months at least. That's the thing - once you apply, the larger bits of funding last for a year.

DragonGirl

Which group assists you with the prescription co-pays?

Thanks

Snooch

42yrs., Stage IV, ER+PR+HER2-

determinedmom

Most insurance companies that have a co-pay per prescripion allow up to a 30 day supply, make sure you get at least that. Also, sometimes if you mail order and get a 90 day supply the cost is reduced. One more thing, if your Rx comes in different strengths and can be split in half, sometimes it's more cost effective to get the higher dose and split. Hope it helps.

Best wishes.

whoablaze

Thanks for the reminder about keeping good records!  I am getting my prescriptions from German apothekes, but pay US taxes. Between parking fees at the hospital and 20% copay, you can kiss any good financial planning away for a few years.  The euro is killing me as far as payments go to the German doctors, so I'm hoping that will all come back to me at tax time. I've seen some good sites for tracking this stuff, but could always use more links.  Thank you!!

BLESSED4

I definetly know how expensive it can be. I have no insurance. Full price for perscriptions is ridiculus. I was paying 480. for fentynl until PPA started to help.  I still pay a fortune for Zofran and other meds. The hassle of trying to get chemo and tests. All because I get SSDI and u have to wait 2 yrs for medicare. I get too much to qualify for Medicaid, its been a nightmare.