My insurance is terrible!

jillpls
jillpls Member Posts: 238
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi, yes, my bluecross insurance is so bad! I was going to get into a clinical trial with Avastin butI was turned down because they said it was experimental with the combination that was in the trial. So my doc wanted me to get on Folfox with Avastin since I only had folfox 3 years ago when I was first DX and I only had it for 8 cycles. It kept me clear for 11 months. Then went on folfiri with Avastin and that got me to Ned for another 11 months. Well, the ins is trying to denie the treatment since I was on Xeloda with Avastin as a maintenance for this past year and I showed some progression. I'm 53, walk up to 7 miles a day and have stayed active. I can't believe a company can just write someone off just like that! I know the insurance is try to put me off as long as possible in the hopes that the disease will progress to the point that it kills me. Then they won't have to pay anymore. UGGGHHHH!! I wish I had medicare but that won't start for two years. Thanks for letting me vent!
Jill

Comments

  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    #2
    help
    Hi Jill,

    I'm recalling someone on the board that recently mentioned that they had financial difficulties (not sure if it was their insurance that was the issue or that they didn't have insurance), but they mentioned something about finding a foundation that has helped cover the costs of drugs and treatment. I wish I could remember what it was called! Maybe if you google cancer and financial help or something like that, you might be able to find the name of a group or foundation that helps cancer patients with the cost of drugs. Maybe you could find a way to get the Avastin covered. It's worth a try.

    Best wishes-
    Lisa
  • sfmarie
    sfmarie Member Posts: 602
    #3
    Blue Cross
    Sucks! They have turned down treatments for SIR Spheres and HIPEC as "experimental". Don't give up. I just read an article that says most claims are denied because most people don't go through the process of appeal. Keep trying. There is a helpful article in aarp magazine.
    Something needs to be done! Marie
  • just4Brooks
    just4Brooks Member Posts: 980 Member
    #4
    Fight it
    Hi Jill, If i where you I'd fight it. Also I know that there are programs to help with costs. I'm sure that somebody will pop in here soon to give you more information on them.

    Life is funny sometimes
    Brooks
  • lesvanb
    lesvanb Member Posts: 905
    #5
    Advocacy organizations for insurance etc
    Hi Jill

    Here are some organizations that can help with insurance issues. I have a friend who is working with the patient advocate foundation right now.

    http://www.patientadvocate.org/
    http://www.cancercare.org/
    http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.2662949/k.73BB/Get_OneonOne_Support.htm

    Leslie
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #6
    lesvanb said:

    Advocacy organizations for insurance etc
    Hi Jill

    Here are some organizations that can help with insurance issues. I have a friend who is working with the patient advocate foundation right now.

    http://www.patientadvocate.org/
    http://www.cancercare.org/
    http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.2662949/k.73BB/Get_OneonOne_Support.htm

    Leslie

    Insurance
    Don't let it get your down, file an appeal do whatever you have to to get them to cover it. Don't take no for an answer, make them cave in. Good Luck - Tina
  • snommintj
    snommintj Member Posts: 601
    #7
    geotina said:

    Insurance
    Don't let it get your down, file an appeal do whatever you have to to get them to cover it. Don't take no for an answer, make them cave in. Good Luck - Tina

    I'm not there yet, but...
    I'm not above finding out who is in charge of accepting or denying my claim. If I get desperate, I could see myself going to that person's house and persuading them to reconsider my situation. It sucks that I have even had to consider spooking someone into paying a claim. Luckily, most of my stuff has been covered so far. I don't envy your situation, but I do hope things change for your benefit.
  • jillpls
    jillpls Member Posts: 238
    #8
    thank you for info
    HI and thank you so much for the great information. I'll definitely check the sites and my onc is appealing this week. I really appreciate all the help and input. I love this site because it connects me to so many wonderful courageous people with a great knowledge base. Sometimes I think we should become drs!!! God bless you on you journey.
  • thready
    thready Member Posts: 474
    #9
    Always appeal
    Jill,
    If you don't like what they tell you file an appeal, let BC know that you are contacting the insurance commission in your state, then do just that. The insurance company would like to keep all the money they take in and so you sometimes have to fight for more. You can contact the drug companies to see if they will provide the medication for you also.
    Best wishes.

    Jan

Discussion Boards