no insurance

newgirl77
newgirl77 Member Posts: 71
edited June 2014 in Young With Breast Cancer
no insurance
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  • newgirl77
    newgirl77 Member Posts: 71
    edited November 2007

    I have no insurance.  Are there any organizations that will help me pay for reconstruction if I need my breasts removed?  I don't know my results yet. I'm 23, have no family, no friends, and make $6.50 an hour.

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  • chemo072
    chemo072 Member Posts: 682
    edited November 2007

    Hi new girl - not to worry, there is help out there.  What state are you in?  I'll look up a list of specifics for you, outline a general plan to get you started, if you want.  We've been through this with my niece's godmother and found a variety of resources.  In the meantime, look up "Hill-Burton."

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  • badboob67
    badboob67 Member Posts: 2,780
    edited November 2007

    Newgirl,

    If you have a local health department, please give them a call. In the US there is a federal program for breast and cervical cancer. If you get screenings through the health department, you may be eligible for the program. It is basically a special kind of Medicaid.

    If you don't get the answer you want from the health department, call back and talk to someone else. I was given incorrect information when I first called and ended up being ineligible for the program because I followed the advice of someone who didn't really know what she was talking about.  You're one step ahead since you are here and asking questions!

    If you do have cancer and end up needing a mastectomy, the program is supposed to cover reconstruction. There is actually a law that was passed that any insurance that covers mastectomy must also cover reconstruction.

    If you search google for "BCCCP" or "BCCTP" and your state, you should be directed to sites that have more information about the program.

    good luck!

    Diane 

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  • newgirl77
    newgirl77 Member Posts: 71
    edited November 2007

    Oh, thank you both so much.  It's good to know there are organizations that will help with reconstructions.  I am scheduled to have a mammogram in 2 weeks at the free clinic in town.  If I have the mammogram there, will I still qualify for the program with the heath department?  I will call them on Monday.  I don't want to have to make another appointment with them and have to wait even longer.

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  • badboob67
    badboob67 Member Posts: 2,780
    edited November 2007

    Newgirl,

    I am not sure, but if you're getting a mammo at the free clinic, they probably know how to get you signed up for the breast and cervical cancer care program.My understanding is that the program will pay for any tests you have any any treatment you would get if you end up having cancer. One important thing is that you sign up for the program before any diagnosis of cancer (not that you are likely to get that diagnosis!). I was misinformed about the program and had my diagnosis first, which meant I wasn't eligible.

    You have a little time to learn about the program before your mammo, so please check it out! Not having to worry about how to pay for this stuff will be a giant load off your mind!

    Diane 

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  • msannie57
    msannie57 Member Posts: 84
    edited December 2007

    The law about reconstruction after mastectomy has some loopholes in it.  Government and religious health insurance programs are not required to pay for reconstruction.  The federal legislation created a federal program that is run individually by each state with varying requirements to qualify for their services.  In NY it's called Healthy Woman Partnership or Healthy Family Partnership.  Your state health department website should have some links for your county.

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