Just diagnosed with no insurance

EMTSRG · August 2016

I just had a needle biopsy that showed "positive", but I haven't seen an oncologist yet. I have an appointment on Friday. I am 7 months away from medicare, and do not have insurance, as even though I am on social security, and am working part time, I tried the affordable care act and the cost per month was more than I could afford. My doctor has told me to research what is available in my community, to help with the costs, but I have no idea where to start. Does anyone have an idea, as to where to begin, or do I stick with my current idea, of delaying treatment until I can get medicare? My primary care doctor said that is not an option, but I don't know what to do. My husband is 69, & on medicare. I had to call the ambulance for him for chest pain, due to stress. He has a cardiac history, and his nitro didn't relieve the pain. The cardiac cath did not show any issues, so the doctors think it is stress. We already have a reverse mortgage, that won't cover much of the surgery that I will need, let alone anything else. I did get help with the first tests, but think I am making too much with working part time & social security to qualify for Medicaid. What are my options?

ElaineTherese · August 2016

Hi!

Were you diagnosed at a breast cancer or cancer center? My breast cancer center has a nurse navigator. She helped me set up appointments with my surgeon and my oncologist. But, if I lacked insurance, she also would have helped me find some way to get the needed care. Check with the center/hospital/provider who diagnosed you. Talk to the doctor you're seeing on Friday. Explain your situation. See what they come up with. You're pretty close to Medicare; some of your treatment will probably be paid through that program once you reach 65. Best wishes!

Outfield · August 2016

Are any of your doctors part of an organization that would have a medical social worker? That's another type of person who could help you. Your doctors shouldn't be leaving you to figure this out for yourself There may not be an easy answer, and you may have to give up something to qualify for assistance.

reflect · August 2016

Please do check with Medicaid to see if you might be eligible. In my state, if you have breast cancer the income guidelines are different (you can earn more money but still be eligible). Maybe your state has something similar. Good luck, I am so sorry you have to worry about this in addition to bc.

Tomboy · August 2016

Or there is " http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/about.htm", but I Think you have to be diagnosed after they set you up. There are really only two questions. Whats your name, and how much do you make. It sounds as if with your income, you would qualify. It is in all 50 states, and it's just great. Best to you

Wicked · August 2016

EMTSRG, are you on SSI or SSDI? If you are on SSI, isn't Medicaid automatic? I am a social worker in DC. Feel free to message me.

Icietla · August 2016

Hi EMTSRG. I am so sorry about your illness and the additional stress and other difficulties that have come with it. Your Doctor is right – your condition should be treated promptly.

Here are some links to information that may be helpful.

http://www.sacred-heart.org/Patient-Billing/forms/FAPS/Financial-Assistance-Summary-English.pdf

[West Florida Hospital] Do you have a Charity policy? We provide free hospital care for patients that have received non-elective care, who do not meet qualifications for Medicaid, and whose income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (in most cases). In order to qualify for this free care, you must complete a Financial Assistance Application and provide some documents to support your income. Our full charity policy is outlined here. For patients who do not meet the charity criteria and will be expected to pay for services out of pocket, we offer a managed care like discount. All uninsured patients (excluding those receiving cosmetic procedures and certain "package" procedures) will be given an uninsured discount. All pricing estimates posted on this website already reflect the hospital's uninsured discount.

http://westfloridahospital.com/patient-financial/?page_name=about

http://www.southbaldwinrmc.com/south-baldwin-regional-medical-center/financialassistance.aspx

http://www.anchorcrossfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ACCF-Brochure.pdf

http://www.anchorcrossfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/FormPrint.pdf

I have no other ideas except for the possibility of your either borrowing for or charging on credit card/s the premiums for health care insurance to cover you for the intervening seven months until your Medicare coverage takes effect.

amsh77 · November 2016

Iam sorta in a similar type situation, but not exactly. Once you are diagnosed with cancer and have no insurance like ido...Medicaid should kick in for the duration of your cancer situation which could be up to a year. Your Dr. and or Oncologist should be aware of this..There is what they call a Nurse Navigator for Oncology which helps to connect you to all the right people or things that cause barriers. There is help out there. Iam uninsured and I will now be on Medicaid for the duration. Iam not old enough for Medicare. My husband is retired and so am I. We live on his social security. Check around because there are answers..Good Luck

labelle · November 2016

I'm a former case manager for the DHS in TN and I believe every state has special financial guidelines for Medicaid for women diagnosed with breast cancer that are substantially higher than for the regular Medicaid program. This is often set up through your local health department. I'd suggest you contact your local health department. If they don't administer the program in your state, they will know which agency does.

Corgwn · November 2016

Definitely do check to see if your medical center, doctor's offices or wherever have a social worker or patient assistance caseworker. Aside from giving some supportive guidance, that person is going to know the local laws, assistance groups and other aid that would be available. Another thing to consider is a research or teaching hospital, which may have programs you would qualify for and is in part funded by things like grants. Other hospitals have policies that do not allow them to turn away someone based on ability to pay. Your state or local governments or cancer-related groups may have patient advocates, too, who can assist.

cive · November 2016

There is a federal program called the "Breast and cervical cancer treatment program". It is generally handled through the state Medicaid office. The state/feds cover all treatment as long as your income is below twice the federal poverty level, which is about 21,000 (poverty level approx. 11,000) until you are 65.

MelissaDallas · November 2016

The problem with the federal program is that you can't be previously diagnosed to get into it. You have to be diagnosed BY the program.

reflect · November 2016

As labelle said, there are federal programs through Medicaid specifically for women with breast/cervical cancer. You would need to be diagnosed before you were eligible for this program, not like some others. So that could work for the op.

Just diagnosed with no insurance

Comments

Categories