Just Diagnosed today!

ScaredinTexas

I got the call that my biopsy came back as cancer today. Now just waiting for the appointment for the oncologist. Right now I am just more scared of the cost of my part on everything. I think I am just in shock right now but did any one else worry about the copay you have to pay up front. I know that should be the least of my worries but I can't help it. Thanks for any insight.

Castigame

Scared,

I was in your shoes less than 9 mos ago. Sorry about your diagnosis. About how to pay for it. Your favorite line going to be"I will pay when and what I could after my cancer treatment is over" I was able to arrange 25 mo interest free arrangement on $6000.00 Due to medical debt crisis, national average is 36mo int free btw. On another $1000.00, I am paying $25.00 per month. Please remember medical bill is always negotiable. I plan to call the $1000.00 collector on Dec 30 to offer 50 cents on a dollar on remaining balance ar that time. They will ask you say $500 for estimated copay or deductible at the time of biopsy and MRI. Tell them you can only afford $100.00 No one else signs any financial responsibility documentation. I have seen sneakky phrases such as " I want the following persons to be informed of my medical care and or payment" buried in 10 page paperwork. Such phrases are not legally valid but they try anyway. I also found some ways to get prescription assistance for the future based on private insurance and no income requirements. If you have to take hormonal blockers, please let me know. I should be able to let you know how to get those prescription assistance, Please remember you have to be well and alive first to be able to worry about money. I have few medical collection on my credit report but I am alive and well,

And read all the fine prints under medical benefits. You are likely to be pleasantly surprised, I got plenty of physical therapy, fancy home therapy machines for zero cost after dedutible and out of pocket max met. I am even getting reimbursed for tolls and gas mileage to and from the cancer ctr

With that in mind. Cry as much as you would like. Lots of rough days are ahead of you and your husband, Reducing bad days is the key. Try different food, etc.

I am done w the surgery, 8 strong chemos and almost done w rads. The ladies here are very knowledegeable, Please ask any time.

Mimi

keepthefaith

ScaredinTexas, sorry for your DX. It is stressful enough and adding financial concerns makes it even harder. I would talk with the social worker at your medical facility to see what resources they may have as far as grants, etc. You might also try contacting the American cancer society. If you are in Central Texas, the Breast Cancer Resource Center may have some resources for you also. Hop on over to the Hill Country Warriors thread if you are in CTX and join us for a meet-up sometime, when you feel up to it. Best wishes moving forward!:)

Moderators

ScaredinTexas, Welcome to Breastcancer.org!

We're so sorry for the reasons that bring you here, but really glad you found us. As you can already see, our amazing Community is full of supportive, knowledgeable, and resourceful members always looking to help. Please come back often, engage with our members, ask questions, and you'll receive great support!

In addition to the great advice already shared above, you may want to check out the main Breastcancer.org site's section called Paying for Your Care, which lists great tips on lowering medical costs, managing your insurance, and also help with paying for living expenses while undergoing treatment. Please don't let your finances be an influencing factor in getting the treatment you need.

We hope this helps, and hope to hear more from you soon!

--The Mods

ScaredinTexas

Thanks all. Still waiting to find out when my appointment is. Insurance has took forever. They said I should here something this week. Got my pathology report and trying to figure it all out now.

Jackster51

ScaredinTexas, so sorry you find yourself having to be here, but you have stumbled upon a weath of informative ladies - and gents - so once you know what type of diagnosis you are dealing with, you can use the search button on left to find women going through the same as you. You are at the worst part right now of the 'not knowing' but once you get a grip on things and get a plan in place, it will get better for you. In the meantime, stick around here for support and any questions you may have. We are all here for you.

swg

YES..I just got diagnosed today and am freaking out not only about my deductible, but copays...how I'm gonna work (I'm self employed) if I have to do radiation 5 days a week..where's the money gonna come from to pay my bills if I'm too tired etc.

MTwoman

swg, as far as working through rads, just know that although they are 5 days a week, the treatment doesn't take more than 10-15 minutes. Once you've gotten mapping, and you've gone once or twice, you'll know the folks at the center and they'll know you. When I was planning for rads (although I ended up with mx, so didn't have them), they were going to schedule me for 7:45, which would have let me get to work very close to 8. Depending on the facility and how far from your work, it may not be as disruptive as you imagine. There is a forum for the 'employment, insurance and other financial issue's, so you may be able to get some good tips there on how to manage. You can do it! There is so much help here, you just need to know what you need and ask ((hugs))

swg

I'm self employed. I'm a model, actress, photographer and video editor/producer. All my work is freelance. I have insurance through the ACA. I've been fighting hard to do my part to make sure it's NOT repealed. I'm sure if I didn't have insurance I would've just let that dimple go w/out getting it checked out