New Member with Colon Cancer

chrisdebo

I was recently diagnosed with stage IIIB colorectal cancer. My surgery went well. My folfox6 treatments are to begin in a couple of weeks: 12 two day infusions over six months. Right now, I am trying to find some supplemental insurance as I only have Medicare at the time being, but I'm 49 so it looks like I'm out of luck.

 

Helen321

Depending on where you are,

Hi, Glad your surgery went well.

Depending on where you are, you may be able to do sliding scale.  For example at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NY, you can apply for waiver of copays if you make under 110,000.  Definitely check with the large cancer centers to see if they can help you.  Also google "financial help with cancer", see what you can come up with.  http://www.cancerfac.org/

I still owe $3000.  At the time of my diagnosis and treatment, I was so overwhelmed I never applied for help.  It doesn't do anything to your credit score so they'll get it when they get it.  I'm not sure if it's a federal law or state law but in NY they can't deny you treatment for your inability to pay.  Don't ever let money worry you, focus on healing.  

Lovekitties

supplemental insurance

Not sure where you have checked, but searching the net I have found the following site which seems to apply to those on Medicare due to disability who are under 65:  http://www.medigapadvisors.com/medicare-home-page-disabled-states.htm. I do not endorse or recommend this particular site as I don't know your details, but might be worth checking.

If you can't find one, then you just need to be upfront with all service providers and see if they will forgive or discount what your portion of the fees are.  If nothing else you may be able to get a payment plan.

I had no insurance at all when I was diagnosed so I know how scarey the financial aspect is.  However, I found that there was help to be had as long as I was willing to speak up about it.

Wishing you best results on your treatments.

Marie who loves kitties

 

chrisdebo

Helen321 said:

Depending on where you are,

Hi, Glad your surgery went well.

Depending on where you are, you may be able to do sliding scale.  For example at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NY, you can apply for waiver of copays if you make under 110,000.  Definitely check with the large cancer centers to see if they can help you.  Also google "financial help with cancer", see what you can come up with.  http://www.cancerfac.org/

I still owe $3000.  At the time of my diagnosis and treatment, I was so overwhelmed I never applied for help.  It doesn't do anything to your credit score so they'll get it when they get it.  I'm not sure if it's a federal law or state law but in NY they can't deny you treatment for your inability to pay.  Don't ever let money worry you, focus on healing.  

Thanks for the kind words

Thanks Helen 321 and Lovekitties for the words of support. It is a challenge to deal with these financial problems, especially at this time. I'm trying not to overreact to all of this, but dealing with these issues is tough sometimes. You are right, I shouldn't be worrying about money at this time, but as you know, easier said than done. I plan on using your advice and being up front with debtors and try to get on a payment plan. I wasn't planning on becoming disabled and being on Medicare before 55, but that's how it is.

chrisdebo

Lovekitties said:

supplemental insurance

Not sure where you have checked, but searching the net I have found the following site which seems to apply to those on Medicare due to disability who are under 65:  http://www.medigapadvisors.com/medicare-home-page-disabled-states.htm. I do not endorse or recommend this particular site as I don't know your details, but might be worth checking.

If you can't find one, then you just need to be upfront with all service providers and see if they will forgive or discount what your portion of the fees are.  If nothing else you may be able to get a payment plan.

I had no insurance at all when I was diagnosed so I know how scarey the financial aspect is.  However, I found that there was help to be had as long as I was willing to speak up about it.

Wishing you best results on your treatments.

Marie who loves kitties

 

Thanks for the kind words of support

Thanks Helen 321 and Lovekitties for the words of support. It is a challenge to deal with these financial problems, especially at this time. I'm trying not to overreact to all of this, but dealing with these issues is tough sometimes. You are right, I shouldn't be worrying about money at this time, but as you know, easier said than done. I plan on using your advice and being up front with debtors and try to get on a payment plan. I wasn't planning on becoming disabled and being on Medicare before 55, but that's how it is.