Do the Clinical Trials work well? I'm on medicare :(

Dear brend ...

I was on Medicare only for my first DX in 2005, and eaten up by copays and deductibles. I now have a Medicare Supplement plan, so thankfully this time around (when my treatment is a lot more extensive) that is not a big concern. Certainly, during my first go-around, some of my decisions were partly cost driven (MX vs. LX, to avoid additional costs for rads.).

Pick the brain of the financial folks and social workers at your cancer center ... and perhaps track down some Medicare-specific counseling through the local Agency on Aging (whatever it may be called where you live). Also, every state has a volunteer SHIP program (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) who might be able to help you figure all this out.

Are you under 65? Rates are WAY better for 65-plus, so be sure to recheck the numbers when you reach 65. My rate now is well under $200 monthly.

I was once a SHIP volunteer (until my medical problems popped up), so my training is rusty and state-specific. You may be eligible for Medicaid, check on that locally. Even if not on ongoing basis, you might qualify during months that medical costs spike.

As for the abbreviations, there is a thread here on BCO with a 'cheat sheet', but I am too new to remember where to find it! MX is mastectomy, LX lumpectomy, rads means radiation.

No, I didn't do a clinical trial ... but near as I can tell, Medicare treats them similarly to your other care (i.e., same copays, etc.). I am currently down for count after a rocky round of chemo, so spending Christmas Day curled up on the couch! Do try to get advice about the financial angles before selling your car, etc.

I was on disability from separate health issues since 1998, Medicare since 2000 ... thank goodness this second DX (diagnosis) waited until after I turned 65!

1. As long as all of your providers accept Medicare assignment it doesn't matter how much they bill because they will accept Medicare rates and your 20% co insurance is based on those rates. I am not familiar with your state's Medicaid regulations but in AZ you can apply to have Medicaid supplement your Medicare if you fit the income requirements. You should give them a call and see if you qualify. Good luck and so sorry you were upset on Christmas.

brend, as kayb said, generally with clinical trials you are responsible for most of the same copays and deductibles as with conventional treatment, whether it is with Medicare or other insurance ... and perhaps some additional costs due to study protocols, extra travel, etc. ... look before you leap!

Best wishes to you!

Nah, you don't need to drink a yucky drink before a PET scan. Again, like the MUGA, a PET scan involves injecting a tracer into your blood, waiting an hour, and then lying down on flat surface which moves into various positions so that you can be scanned. For me, the weirdest part of the PET scan is the diet recommendations -- my PET center bans sugar/carbs the day before and insists on a protein diet (eggs, meat, cheese, etc.). Ugh.