No Health Insurance!?!?

Flywithme337

My mom was diagnosed recently with BC.  She has NO HEALTH INSURANCE!  Before her dx, her Dr put her in the hospital for 4 days for testing, etc. and her bill is already almost $20,000!!!  Now she will have to do chemo, mastectomy plus any medications he puts her on.  She does not work.  She is not on disability.  She was a homemaker when she was married but when she divorced she never really went back to work.  I think she has anxiety/depression and that prevents her from working.

She has apx. $50,000 in the bank from the sale of her father's home when he passed away.  The other day she wrote a check out to me, my sister and her brother to distribute the funds so she has now, less than $10,000 in the bank.  She is going to try and apply for Medicaid.  (Dont ask why she waited until NOW!!?!???!) 

I dont know if she will be eligible for Medicaid because she waited so long to get rid of her $$$.  If not, I say she should just wait until the hospital sends her the medical bills and just pay off whatever she can, whether it be $10 a month for the rest of her life.  I heard that as long as you give them something, they will leave you alone.  If she gets Medicaid thats great, but what about the medications?  They might not have a great medication program. 

I HATE that on top of everything, now she has to worry about this.  I have been in contact with her doctors....I am sort of like her "patient advocate".   When I had to tell her that she would need a mastectomy, the first things she said was that she didnt have money for it. 

I tried calling The Patient Advocate Foundation, Cancer Care and the Department of Health.  Im still trying to figure things out.  If anyone has gone through this, please try and shed some light.  Having cancer is bad enough, but having to worry about how you will pay for treatment OR if you can even get treatment without insurance, is just terrible.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you so much! 

lafera12

OI know what you aregoing through.  Even if you have the money it's not enough.

When your mother starts getting the bills or before, call the hospital to find out if she is can get charity care or a reduced rate and a payment plan.  I had to do that and got a reduced rate and a payment plan...

Angie

Anonymous

You should also call the American Cancer Society  1-800-ACS-2345 as they can most likely refer you to some other resources for help.  You can also try Breast Cancer Network of Strength at 800-221-2141 to see what resources they have available in your area. 

I hope you'll find some resources that will help - I know that there are various programs in different states.

Doreen  

Anonymous

Most hospitals have social workers that are familiar with both in-house and out-of-house agencies that can help. Just call the "front desk" # of the hospital and ask for a social worker. Explain your mom's situation and they should be able to give you some resources. When my son was in the hospital about a months ago (not for BC!), I told the social worker he had no job or insurance due to disabling arthritis. She had me fill out a very simple form and read it. She told me not to worry about the bill, he wouldn't be getting one. It was a blessing from God!

jenni__ca

flywithme

under the thread called Recommend Your Resources --- Help With Bills -  I see that badboob has a website of financial resources ... maybe something there will help