Trying to find help getting urostomy supplies.

Ma_Linda
Ma_Linda Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Bladder Cancer #1
I had to have my bladder removed in Sept. 2008, due to stage 4 bladder cancer. Now I have no choice but to use urostomy bags. The only insurance I have is medicaid, I've applied for social security, but they tell me I can't get medicare for 2 years. Medicaid won't cover the cost of the bags because they're not a percription item. I have to wear these bags for the rest of my life, I have no choice. I need to know if there's any place I can get help. I just can't afford them. We're on a limited income, my husband is disabled.

Comments

  • candican
    candican Member Posts: 24
    #2
    Supplies

    You may want to try at the American Cancer Socity in your area. You should be able to get the number while you are on this webb page. They can even give you the name of the place that are closetest to you. If not that support group than there are a lot of others that you can turn to.


    Good Luck!
  • Babsiebob
    Babsiebob Member Posts: 6
    #3
    ostomy bags
    Hi linda

    I also had my bladder removed in 08 and also have to use bags. I get mine through Edgepark supplys and my insurance does pay for them. They ask questions about your doc and go through him. It is a prescription and you have no choice but to wear the dam things. I have the phone number for Edgepark which is 1 800 321 0591 the web site is www.edgepark.com
    Good luck
    Barbara Wilson
  • pamawi
    pamawi Member Posts: 3
    #4
    Various sources of free Ostomy Supplies
    Hi Linda,

    I think you may be able to get Medicaid to cover ostomy bags as durable medical equipment. They are treated like prostetic devices by most insurance and you can get a prescription for them. A major ostomy supply company such as Edgepark or Parthenon could help you with that. They'll determine what you need, then fax a prescription form to your doctor to sign so your insurance will pay for it. We use Allsouth Medical supply in Auburn Alabama, another good company although smaller. Some pharmacies sell ostomy supplies but file on insurance for you. What state are you in. The legistative watch group at UOAA would probably know if medicaid in your state covers supplies.

    I also know of a few resources for obtaining free ostomy supplies:

    http://www.ostogroup.org/ is a non-profit that redistributes unused ostomy supplies to uninsured and low income ostomates. All you pay is for shipping and handling.

    You could also contact the nearest chapter of the UOAA (United Ostomy Associations of America). They may have a supply locker of supplied donated by members. They could also provide you some valuable support from people who have been through what you have been through. Here's a list of local groups: http://www.uoaa.org/supportgroups.shtml

    You can contact the ostomy nurses (CWOCN's) in your area because they may have excess supplies. Here's a website to look up ostomy nurses in your area: http://www.wocncenter.com/public/member_directory.cfm

    You can contact the ostomy manufacturers and suppliers to obtain lots of free samples. Going to a local ostomy support group meeting you are likely to meet the local ostomy product reps who generally hand out lots of samples at the meetings.
    http://www.uoaa.org/ostomy_info/suppliers.shtml

    I hope this helps! Feel free to contact me via email because I'm not sure how often I'll check this site.

    Pam
    pam.williamson@knology.net
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
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