Any one know if the AMerican Cancer Society can help you find where to get free screening?

lmchils57
lmchils57 Member Posts: 59
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Any one know if the AMerican Cancer Society can help you find where to get free screening? Since my son was dx we are encouraging his brothers to get it done too. The oldest is getting his done next week but he is a nurse and totally understands what this can mean for them too. My youngest lives in Denver and is on a very tight budget and not sure he can really afford to go in and get it done, I have told him to check with his insurance as it is possible that with his brother having colon cancer they will consider it preventative care and pay for it completely even though he is not even close to 50. MIne has always paid for mine since I was in my 40's becasue my dad had it. But just in case they won't, with his deductable being so high I was trying to find out where to go to find if there is anywhere he can go for a few screening.
Any ideas greatly appreciated-
Linda

Comments

  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #2
    Linda
    I don't know, I can only relate my experience. George was diagnosed at age 60 with advanced Stage IV in March, 2009. Our daughter is 31. The standard is to get tested 10 years prior to when George was diagnosed. That would put her at age 50 and I was not comfortable with that. Christy talked to her doctor and her doctor said no way, you should be tested much earlier. The recommendation was that she should be tested at age 35-38. A call was made to her insurance carrier and they said yes, they would approve her screening at age 35-38. I was comfortable with that, of course I would like her tested now for peace of mind. When there is an immediate family member with colon cancer, many insurance companies will give the ok to early testing. Now if Christy changes job and insurance the answer may be different, but as it stands now, she will be insurance approved for a colonoscopy in her 30's. Have your children talk to their doctors about screening and ask the doctor to do whatever is necessary to get the screening approved. Now, if you have a co-pay, when you get that bill, call and many times they will reduce the co-pay.

    As an example, our insurance does not cover a mamogram (stupid I know), anyway, I get the bill for $300.00. I called the hospital, they could not have been nicer, and in less than 5 minutes they cut the bill down to $193.00 if I paid within 60 days. In Michigan, Karmanos Cancer Institute will set up you up for a free mamogram. Clients at work do it. I didn't, I preferred going to my own doctor and besides, there are people out there that need it free and I felt funny about it since I could afford the $193.00.

    Take care and good luck - Tina
  • scouty
    scouty Member Posts: 1,965 Member
    #3
    Check out the colon cancer coalition site
    fightcolorectalcancer.org

    I have a team that runs and/or walks in a 5K every year sponsored by them and their goal is to raise money for people to get help with screening costs.

    And for those interested in doing the walk/run yourself look into it. They are dedicated to us semi-colons while ACS caters to all cancer survivors, caregivers, family, friends, etc. etc. This year my 2 teams (I'm doing 2 in different cities) have t-shirts and our team name is semi-colons rock!!

    Please let me know if they are of any help Linda since I don't know if they really help or not.

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