ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

tbird57

ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

tbird57

Hello BC sisters, please join the national fight to ensure every American has access to quality health care that doesn't cause them to go bankrupt.  Since my chemo, I have severe carpal tunnel in both hands but I can't get surgery because my copay and out of pocket is too high and I'm still trying to pay my bills from the chemo, radiation and surgery.

We want to hear your story.  Please share how you or a loved one was affected by our current health care system:  for example, were you denied treatment, couldn't afford medications, claims denied?  Tell us and share your story with your congressional representative, too. 

EMAIL YOUR STORY TO THE WALL OF HOPE FOR HEALTHCARE REFORM AT wallofhopeaz@gmail.com .  If you'd like to include a picture, please do. This is so important for all of us to get the health care we need.  First names only, please.  We'll share your story on the WALL OF HOPE and add your voice.  We CAN solve this problem.  Please help.

Anonymous

I had extraordinary health care under my BCBS policy during my treatment.  I went to Duke.  I paid a $15 copay to see my onc.  I never received one bill for chemo.  I paid $15 copay for each visit for radiation which ended up to be around $450.  I paid nothing for my Neulasta each time I went.  I took a little over $4,000 worth of Xeloda home with me from Duke's pharmacy and it only cost ME $5.00.  Normally it would have cost $15, but we had reached a certain amount so all of our drugs, brand names and generics, were only $5.00.   I recieved no bill for my mastectomy other than my $200 deductible.  Yes, we did pay a $200 deductible for me each year. I paid $15 for Arimidex.

Now we have United Healthcare.  Both insurance companies are from my dh employment..he's retired.  It has changed.  We pay less in premiums, but pay more for the deductible.  We have to reach a $2300 deductible before we can take advantage of copays for meds.  Therefore, the Arimidex is now $830 for a 90 day supply.  After we reach the deductible (combined medical and pharmceutical) the Arimidex will cost $37.  We no longer have a copay, but co-insurance once that deductible is met.  It will pay 10% for doctors visits, surgeries, tests etc.  However, I do get one free "well" checkup from my primary, gyn, colonoscopy, mammo, dexa scan. 

So, I can see where it would cost us more for me if I were in treatment now.  However, I suppose my insurance is still good.  I'm lucky to have insurance WHEN I CAN USE IT...LOL