Insurance denying chemo!

marywh - I am sorry to hear this. As if you needed to have cost worries on top of everything. You may have thought of the ideas I am about to suggest and even discussed them elsewhere, so I apologize if I am treading on familiar ground.

You are Stage IV - have you thought of applying for acccelerated SS benefits, which should go with Medicare?

Can your onc's office make a case to the insurer for you?

Have you contacted the American Cancer Society in your area to see if they have resources?

Have you thought of contacting the drugmakers of whichever chemos you want to take to see if they have some sort of a patient assistance program?

Some of these options may be more time consuming than others. Best of luck!

(How about telling your insurer "well, yeah, my stage IV is experimental too, mo fos! ) 

Breast cancer with distant metastasis is listed as one of several conditions eligible for SS benefits under something called "compassionate allowance." It's worth investigating. See here:

http://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/

ETA: Also, some cancer charities help to pay for deductibles and copays. Try these links to see if they help:

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/app/resource-searchH

(scroll down to the bottom for this one):

http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/paying/lower_med_cost

marywh - just added two more links to my post. Good luck.

I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this. FWIW, the state of CA had actually sued the insurance companies before due to their sleezy rescission policies. (different issue but same crummy companies). Seems like this shouldn't happen but please don't lose hope. There are a lot of resources. Justice will prevail! (((hugs)))

I'm new here, but I work in both the insurance and political field (long story) and you should go see your local legislator.  Usually local senate members, but someone from the House could help too.  You would be amazed at what a call from a Senator can do!

You should definitely apply for SSDI. As Stage IV the compassionate allowance entitles you to an expedited evaluation. Approval is more likely for Stage IV because its acknowledged as terminal but still requires extensive documentation of disabling conditions that prevent you from working. One correction to NNBBFL post. Once approved for disability, it is a two year wait before going on Medicare, not 6 months. You may be confusing the 6 months before the first check arrives.

Before taking a insurence, we should evaluate every condition. Most of Insurance company are false, even you should sue against your insurance company.