Uninsured and diagnosed with breast cancer (not me) any ideas??

[Tuckervill]

They won't even see her unless she pays up? That's insane.

She should really be going through public health, if that's available. Surely she's old enough for Medicare?

My ex husband got cancer in his kidneys last year, uninsured. The hospital wrote off 80% and is letting him pay off the rest in small increments. The most important thing is not to sweat the bills. Who cares if they're asking for money, as long as she gets the treatment. Maybe she should find another place to do her treatments, as well.

Sending good vibes out to her.

Karen

[Running Mommy]

my friend mentioned that his parents have lived modestly on 30k a year. So I'm not sure if they qualify, I don't know what the cut off is. But I will have him check into it.
Thanks all for your input. I will pass it along, and hopefully we can get something done.
I think it comes down to finding a doctor who cares.
When I was facing the same thing, and knew my insurance was ending soon, my doctor told me she would help me. And that I didn't have to worry about it.
Lucky for me the MRI showed nothing... wheww. But I dodged a bullet for sure.

[Crankin]

I am pretty sure she would qualify for AHCCS, with those numbers. My MIL is now in assisted living and the whole thing is handled by them. And, it's a very nice place in Mesa.
Ditto on the hospital social worker. My husband and his siblings went to a social service agency that just deals with medical issues and the elderly. They got a very bad situation squared away in 3 days.

[roadie gal]

Definitely look into clinical trials.

Talk to the hospital folks. They should have someone who specializes in helping people get insurance/financial aid.

[katluvr]

Has she checked out some of the Breast Cancer foundations.
I have done the Susan G. Komen--Race for the Cure--and I thought part of what they funded was for women who needed help--financial.

I am so doing the 26.2 (but only 13.1) Run w/ Donna this weekend. I will check out that website.

I really thought part of what these charities raised was not just $$$ for awareness and research, but to help in the community.
So not sure what is around in your community!

I know it really sucks to try and navigate the health care system -- even if you have a job and insurance, much less without.

At the place (hospital) she is recieving treatment, there should be a Social Worker or Case Manager that SHOULD help her. That is there job at my hospital.

[denny]

The ladies have sited several viable options for your friend. I've had to negotiate/authorize discount agreements with patients before.

Clinical trials are iffy at best in providing assistance as you have to qualify and meet different criteria; your friend may not be able to wait.

Qualifying for Medicaid is a sensible option if she meets the income requirements for that state.

Just my opinion, but in the interest of time and expense, applying for charity care is your 1st best option. Try and make sure the surgeon, hospital and all other other providers of care (anesthesiologist, radiologist, pathology) will accept the agreement and write off the cost of services.

If the Charity Care application is declined- another option is to check if your surgeon works with a facility that has a pre-pay or self pay package. Usually these are performed in Ambulatory Surgery facilities and the cost of all services-surgeon, anesthesiologist, technical fees for OR time are all quoted as one fee and usually at a reduced rate. Some practices will try to make the fee at the same or slightly higher than the prevailing Medicare rate for your area. More than likely you will be asked to pay the fee up-front for the rate to be honored. Most patients like this option best as it beats paying the full rate up front or trying to pay off the bill for 6 months and ending up in collections.

Hope you guys find a great healthcare provider who will take the time to discuss your financial options.

[michelem]

I am pretty sure she would qualify for AHCCS, with those numbers.

Here is the link to AHCCS. http://www.ahcccs.state.az.us/Site/ Unfortunately, it looks like her income is WAY to high to qualify (as of 01/01/09, an individual living with spouse qualifies with income 1/2 of 1,167/month after deductions, which comes out to a little over $7,000 a year). Sigh . . .

BUT, good news is that they now have something called BCCTP (Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program), with a much higher limit (looks like close to $35,000 a year).

Oddly enough, there is conflicting income info on the spreadsheet here http://www.ahcccs.state.az.us/Servic...NoChildren.asp and this page here: http://www.ahcccs.state.az.us/Servic...dren.asp#BCCTP

So, best to call and find out the real scoop. Hopefully your friend's mom qualifies for something here!

[OakLeaf]

Unfortunately, it looks like her income is WAY to high to qualify...

Way too high for cash benefits, but if she can prove a qualifying disability or if there's a state medically indigent waiver program, she may qualify for spend-down Medicaid (essentially a monthly deductible). Hospital social worker may be easier to deal with initially than the state welfare agency - although she'd have to deal with the welfare agency eventually, she should be able to get a pretty good idea of whether she might qualify for assistance before she goes there.