no insurance

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

Once again, old Beth here is playing catch-up with e-mails...sorry! But this

insurance talk has my blood pressure on the rise...AGAIN! Call me old-fashioned,

but when I first began working in the medical field 30-some years ago, doctors

actually cared about treating patients!! I worked in a teaching hospital (The

Cleveland Clinic) for 11+ years and we saw patients from all walks of life,

with/without big checking accounts and insurance. Please, someone tell me that

somewhere in this dollar oriented society we are forced to live in, tell me that

there are still doctors who care about the patients more than the fees!!

In mid-2003, my family and I joined the ranks of the uninsured for a period of 6

months. My meds alone were costing us over $1500.00 per month and that was even

AFTER I weanedmyself off a couple of them. But since I've been on OxyContin CR

for almost 2 yrs. now, I could not just stop that med cold turkey without fear

of all the withdrawl problems associated with narcotics...I could handle the

throwing up, diarrhea, chills, etc. ; what I could NOT risk were all the heart

and blood pressure problems associated with narcotic withdrawl. I still have a

family to take care of. And since we didn't have insurance, I also could not

afford to do into a detox facility to be medically weaned off of the Oxy. Talk

about the rock and the hard place! Fortunately, we've been getting our Rxs

filled at a family owned pharmacy for years and they were kind enough to work

with us and stagger when we filled the meds so that we didn't get socked with

huge payments all at once. It was still a financial strain but a more managable

strain...does that make any sense?

We have our insurance coverage back now but are now faced with the dilemma of

insuring our son, who turns 19 on 2/12. He is eligable to go on COBRA through

our plan but at $325.00/month we are once again faced with finding that money.

He can only work part-time because he (THANKFULLY!!) is returing to school, a

trade school, beginning in March. We've never burdened nor have we ever hidden

family/money matters with him; he's seen and heard way too much over the years

with all of my medical problems to even attempt to keep him in the dark! But he

almost DIDN'T apply to this technical school because he was too worried about

how we would pay for it!! I've told you all many time in past posting about what

a gem of a son we have, so I won't elaborate too much...suffice it to say, he's

as far from a selfish child as any parent could pray for! But he was worried

about how school loans, continuing his health care insurance, car insurance,

etc. would strap us. Well, we nipped that " drawback to school " in the bud by

explaining how student loans worked, and how him living at home was a bonus for

us in all ways!! His Dad and I are so thrilled that he's even willing to further

his education (considering how much of a struggle we had with him over high

school!) that we let him know in no uncertain terms that we would help him

attend school no matter what or how we had to juggle our finances.

Children of folks with medical disabilities are often forced to grow up way too

fast as it is...between sitting in Surgical Family Waiting rooms, to seemingly

endless hours beside Mom's hospital bed, to (reluctantly!!) learning how to

cinch down a body brace...our kids see life through different eyes. Even our

best attempts to shelter them fall short at times. No matter how much we try to

keep their lives " normal " , let's face it...there's nothing at all NORMAL about

dealing with Flatback Syndrome and it's devastating effects on the family

dynamics!! About the only up side to a family and Flatback is that our children

are far more patient, compassionate and understanding than children who never

have to deal with a medical crisis!!! I often tease the girls that my son is

friends with by telling them that if they marry MY son, they will not only get a

handsome husband but one that already knows how to cook, clean, do laundry,

grocery shop on a budget and one who can put on your socks and shoes in a snap!!

They may all laugh but I know it's the truth!! So anything we can do to give our

son a little extra, we gladly make whatever sacrifices necessary!! Anyone who

lives with the pain and physical deformity of Flatback Syndrome knows all too

well that it's often our families...our husbands/wives and children... it's

their love, support, compassion, companionship and maybe most importantly, their

humor, that sustains us from day-to-day sometimes. It's often for them that we

endure yet one more surgery...one more test...anything to be able to continue on

as a family!

Ah yes... " another soap box speech from Beth " you may be saying...sorry!!! Once

my thoughts get rolling my fingers can't stop 'till my message is complete. And

the message here I guess is this...#1. " Where have all the good docs gone? " and

#2. Love your families...they're the best medicine!!

All the best,

Beth

[Guest guest]

> > Exact same thing happened to me and is happening now again.

> > I am in desperate need of a THR but the fact that I have no

> > insurance forces me to wait. I should have had it done 2 years

> > ago and am deteriorating more and more each day with new

> > problems arising with my back, knees and ankles.

> ,

I too, have no insurance. At the time of my surgery, both my husband

and I were out of work. I had waited in pain for nearly two years,

trying to make it through with over the counter and arthritis pain

meds. It became clear that even if we were to find work with

insurance, they wouldn't cover a pre-existing condition, so no matter

what, we were on our own. I knew I couldn't live like this forever.

Something had to be done.

For two people who have worked all our lives, it was not easy for us

to ask for help, but that seemed the only choice. We met with the

hospital and they were very kind every way. They worked with us

through the process, and in the end, through the hospital and state

funding for 'catastrophic' medical needs, much of my operation was

forgiven. The amount we have to pay is very manageable, and they are

fine with taking payments. All our fears about losing our house were

alleviated. I feel like I have my life back...and I feel blessed.

Many doctors have a different fee scale for patients with no

insurance. Always ask what their charges for 'self pay' patients is.

In this country, those of us who no longer have health insurance is

growing by huge numbers every day. There is no shame in asking for

help.

'another'

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

My name is , I have the sister without insurance and i would like to tell you that everything worked out but i can't. Patti, my sister, had to wait until her disability insurance to kick in and now she is anemic (not sure if that is spell correctly). So in short she is still waiting.

There are hospitals that won't send away people like Lehigh valley in PA but you have to get a surgen that operates out of their hospital to agree to do the surgery for you.

Good luck and I will be praying for you.

(intoreflexology)

michelerellla <iambored97601@...> wrote:

Hello,Recently there was a post, I believe from a sister of a person who had c-toma and no insurance. I was wondering how that went.In a week and a half my husband and I may be walking down that road again, having to have surgery (he may have c-toma in his right ear again) and having no insurance. The last time he needed surgery it took us about 3 months (I quit my job, he dropped to part time) to get "poor enough" to qualify for state assistance. We qualified partly because my son was not 6 so I had to stay home and care for him. Because he is 6 now, getting poor to qualify is not an option. I would be lucky if the programs I had to go through to get the aid would let me attend his surgery (6 hours away) and take care of him afterwards.So, I am wondering how things turned out for the

person who didn't have insurance and needed surgery. I am afraid of the answer, that maybe she didn't have surgery because of the insurance issue, which is likely what my husband will do if he does indeed have c-toma again.So, you group moderator is looking for help!Thanks for listening,Michele, Group Moderator

[Guest guest]

Not all companies exclude pre existing conditions. Some that do, only

exclude it for one year. It depends on who you go to work for. Try

for a big corporation or a state or federal government job. They

have good policies.

>

>

>

> Talk about up a creek...

>

> I am thinking about getting tested for Lymes. However, if the

test

> comes back positive that would be a preexisting condition. So when

I

> do find work and get insured, they would not cover me for all the

> treatments I may require. But I feel sick and it's hard to work a

40

> hr week plus a possible 1 1/2 hr commute which can be the norm in

my

> area.

>

> So, do I get a job and hope I can hold onto it long enough to

get

> tested and hopefully treatment? Who knows how long it will take to

> get this job? Can I delay worrying about Lymes that long? If I do

> have it will be the chronic kind since I have been ill a long time.

>

> Seashell

[Guest guest]

I have a funny situation where the IGENEX test shows I have lyme but

the Western Blot CDC criteria is used by my Health Maintenance

Organization and they say I don't according to the CDC criteria.

Nevermind that my symptoms are severe. Therefore, I could not get

HMO to treat me for Lyme. I ended up going to an MD who is not on

their plan. He and I are treating me with the Sea Salt and Vitamin C

protocol (at lymestraties@...) and Samento protocol

(Nutrimedix website for info). I am using no antibiotics and do not

think that I will have to. Although I am willing to if this

treatment I am on does not continue to work. After 7 years of

being really, really ill, I am really on the road to recovery. Been

doing it since January. Prior to this I really had little hope of

getting better. If the recovery does not continue, or reverses, I may

do antibiotics, but right now I think I will not have to. You might

look into the whether it would really be called a prior condition if

your pcp doesn't think so, and think about doing the above protocols

on your own. They are cheap and in my case, seem to be very

effective with rapid improvement and little side effects. I am going

for a complete recovery and will do whatever it takes, including

antibiotics and HBOT which some have said are very effective.

Cactus

> Not all companies exclude pre existing conditions. Some that do,

only

> exclude it for one year. It depends on who you go to work for.

Try

> for a big corporation or a state or federal government job. They

> have good policies.

>

> >

> >

> >

> > Talk about up a creek...

> >

> > I am thinking about getting tested for Lymes. However, if the

> test

> > comes back positive that would be a preexisting condition. So

when

> I

> > do find work and get insured, they would not cover me for all the

> > treatments I may require. But I feel sick and it's hard to work

a

> 40

> > hr week plus a possible 1 1/2 hr commute which can be the norm in

> my

> > area.

> >

> > So, do I get a job and hope I can hold onto it long enough to

> get

> > tested and hopefully treatment? Who knows how long it will take

to

> > get this job? Can I delay worrying about Lymes that long? If I

do

> > have it will be the chronic kind since I have been ill a long

time.

> >

> > Seashell

[Guest guest]

>

> I have a funny situation where the IGENEX test shows I have lyme

but

> the Western Blot CDC criteria is used by my Health Maintenance

> Organization and they say I don't according to the CDC criteria.

> Nevermind that my symptoms are severe. Therefore, I could not get

> HMO to treat me for Lyme. I ended up going to an MD who is not on

> their plan. He and I are treating me with the Sea Salt and Vitamin

C

> protocol (at lymestraties@y...) and Samento protocol

> (Nutrimedix website for info). I am using no antibiotics and do

not

> think that I will have to. Although I am willing to if this

> treatment I am on does not continue to work. After 7 years of

> being really, really ill, I am really on the road to recovery. Been

> doing it since January. Prior to this I really had little hope of

> getting better. If the recovery does not continue, or reverses, I

may

> do antibiotics, but right now I think I will not have to. You

might

> look into the whether it would really be called a prior condition

if

> your pcp doesn't think so, and think about doing the above

protocols

> on your own. They are cheap and in my case, seem to be very

> effective with rapid improvement and little side effects. I am

going

> for a complete recovery and will do whatever it takes, including

> antibiotics and HBOT which some have said are very effective.

>

> Cactus

>

>

> Cactus,

Thank you so much for your post. The vit c/salt and samento

protocal really resonates with me. I have never had any luck with

doctors- ever. In fact, looking back I think my pediatrician was a

pedophile. He did something very strange once during an examination.

I have had a surgeon explode and reduce me to tears as a teenager.

I have spent thousands on doctors and have yet to get well. I have

tried repeatedly to contact a Lyme Specialist here but she's " busy " .

And, I'm sorry, but I do not really trust all these Associations that

crop up around these " diseases " . MS,Cancer,Diabetes etc.. they're

always looking for a cure but never seem to find one. Yet somehow

they manage to get people to run all these silly " race for the cure "

events which, to me, is just literally having people run around in

circles.

I'm going to look into these protocals - I will still consider

antibiotics and the questionable test. Like you, whatever it takes.

But based on my history, I'll probably do better on my own.

Seashell

[Guest guest]

> >

> > ,

What treatments are you using? Have you ever tried the natural

route?

Thanks,

Seashell

[Guest guest]

Sea Shell,

I didn't say I was doing it on my own. My MD is really experienced

with Lyme and other hard to treat diseases related to it. If you

cannot get an appointment with the one MD, don't give up. Can you go

to an ND? Can you find another health care provider. Keep looking,

and good luck getting the job you want.

Cactus

> >

> > I have a funny situation where the IGENEX test shows I have lyme

> but

> > the Western Blot CDC criteria is used by my Health Maintenance

> > Organization and they say I don't according to the CDC criteria.

> > Nevermind that my symptoms are severe. Therefore, I could not

get

> > HMO to treat me for Lyme. I ended up going to an MD who is not

on

> > their plan. He and I are treating me with the Sea Salt and

Vitamin

> C

> > protocol (at lymestraties@y...) and Samento protocol

> > (Nutrimedix website for info). I am using no antibiotics and do

> not

> > think that I will have to. Although I am willing to if this

> > treatment I am on does not continue to work. After 7 years of

> > being really, really ill, I am really on the road to recovery.

Been

> > doing it since January. Prior to this I really had little hope

of

> > getting better. If the recovery does not continue, or reverses, I

> may

> > do antibiotics, but right now I think I will not have to. You

> might

> > look into the whether it would really be called a prior condition

> if

> > your pcp doesn't think so, and think about doing the above

> protocols

> > on your own. They are cheap and in my case, seem to be very

> > effective with rapid improvement and little side effects. I am

> going

> > for a complete recovery and will do whatever it takes, including

> > antibiotics and HBOT which some have said are very effective.

> >

> > Cactus

> >

> >

> > Cactus,

>

> Thank you so much for your post. The vit c/salt and samento

> protocal really resonates with me. I have never had any luck with

> doctors- ever. In fact, looking back I think my pediatrician was a

> pedophile. He did something very strange once during an

examination.

> I have had a surgeon explode and reduce me to tears as a

teenager.

> I have spent thousands on doctors and have yet to get well. I have

> tried repeatedly to contact a Lyme Specialist here but

she's " busy " .

> And, I'm sorry, but I do not really trust all these Associations

that

> crop up around these " diseases " . MS,Cancer,Diabetes etc.. they're

> always looking for a cure but never seem to find one. Yet somehow

> they manage to get people to run all these silly " race for the cure "

> events which, to me, is just literally having people run around in

> circles.

>

> I'm going to look into these protocals - I will still consider

> antibiotics and the questionable test. Like you, whatever it

takes.

> But based on my history, I'll probably do better on my own.

>

> Seashell

[Guest guest]

>

>

> Talk about up a creek...

That is up the creek Dont know what to tell you other than ,

possibly, if you have already had it for a long time, a little longer , may,

not be a problem. It could, if you dont hvae cardiac problems it may go

there, but it may not. Took me ohhhh , hmmmm, about 8 years after my

first infection to develop heart problems. However we are beginning to

wonder if I havent had this for nearly 2 decades before that. When I was 5-6

I had about a year of aches,pains and rashes that Drs couldnt figure out,

that would have been in the early 70's and we lived not far from Lyme CT.

Dont know what to tell you, other than to see if you can find a job who's

insurance only makes you wait a year for preexisting diagnosis. For a

timeline, it took me 4 years of constant antibiotics to be able to go off,

made it 2 years ( should have been only 1 but I am hardheaded!) before going

back on.

[Guest guest]

Marcia,

I am so sorry to hear about your situation. I am disappointed that no

one has been able to make any suggestions to you. I will try to think

about this some more.

I think there are sometimes social services agencies and charitable

organizations -- probably at the local level, and sometimes at least

nominally " religious " -- that can help with this kind of thing. Maybe

you could research this through the library? Ideally, it would be

terrific if you could locate someone in your area who is experienced

in accessing this kind of resource -- a caseworker or social worker,

maybe.

I will think about this some more. I wish I had some help to offer.

Best,

>

> When I had my Harrington rod surgery 15 years ago, I had insurance

> which paid for my treatment, but when I became self-employed and my

> COBRA ran out, I have had no treatment for the back and hip pain I'm

> having. Are there any organizations that anyone knows of (other

than

> Medicaid) that could help with some pain management? I'm not

disabled

> and no insurance I could get will cover a pre-existing condition

like

> this even if I could afford the insurance!

> Thanks everyone.

> Marcia

>

[Guest guest]

Hi again, Marcia --

It occurred to me that you may want to research Medicare and

Medicaid. Are you totally disabled, and if so, do you qualify for

Social Security Disability or SSI? If I'm not mistaken, you can get

Medicaid as soon as you are approved for SSI (although this may take

a bit of time). It probably takes longer to qualify for SSD, and you

qualify for this by having paid into Social Security for a certain

number of " quarters " -- you can probably calculate whether you

qualify at the www.ssa.gov website. This is likely to yield higher

benefits than SSI,depending on how long you have worked and paid

FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes. BUT -- and this is a

big " but " -- if and when you do get approved for SSD, you will have

to wait much longer -- two full years -- for coverage under Medicare.

I wish I knew whether there is any substantial difference,

nationwide, in whether a doctor takes Medicare or Medicaid. It used

to be that certain doctors HAD to take Medicare -- particularly

those at teaching hospitals, I believe, and anyone affiliated with a

hospital that has received government funding. But I actually began

hearing several years ago that some doctors at a local

hospital,which were required to take Medicare, were turning patients

away. I hope by now someone has nipped this trend in the bud, but I

just don't know.

Assuming you do not qualify for disability, is there ANY way you can

get group insurance? Can you pay dues and join a professional or

occupational organization, union or other trade group, or any kind

of organization that might offer such insurance? Regrettably, few if

any of us can ever qualify for private insurance, given our spinal

histories. Perhaps we could do so by paying astronomical fees or

accepting a policy that excluded our preeixsting spinal histories --

those histories being the main reason we need health coverage to

begin with. It is a rotten and deplorable situation. I do not know

why 45 million uninsured Americans are not out demonstrating in the

streets -- probably because many of them are just too sick to do so.

If I were you, I would keep at it. Check out some of the resources

in the Social Security section of our " Files " at this group. (Just

go to our website and click on " Files, " in the lefthand column of ay

page. You may find something in " Links " as well. If you find

anything outside this group that you would like to upload for the

benefit of others, please do! Ask any moderator for help with this.)

Beyond that, you could try making some local calls. Maybe you can

make a friendly contact at a local hospital -- perhaps in its Social

Services area? -- who would have more suggestions for you. I have

learned over the years that " contacts " are the name of the game in a

patchwork health care system with no clear rules for moving around

the game board, so to speak, and going directly to what you need

instead of pulling the " Do Not Pass Go " card over and over. (I'll

skip the stories, but even with two kinds of insurance, I myself

have drawn that card too many times, especially when I needed an out-

of-state revision surgeon.)

It is also extremely helpful to find a friend who will help you,

perhaps via private email, to get through the Social Security maze

if that sounds like an option for you. From time to time we have had

SSA employees or their relatives participating in this group, and

they have provided invaluable information to some of us,

usually " off the record. " You don't need to share any private

information with us, but I am still somewhat hopeful that someone in

this group who knows more than I do may contact you either via posts

or email after reading about your plight online.

Here's a slightly wild thought. I don't know where you live, but is

there any chance you might be moving to Massachusetts? That state

seems to have some of the most liberal coverage options in the

country -- they are really in the vanguard, and I salute them.

Someone in Boston advised me years ago that if I wanted to have

surgery with Dr. Rand and get it reimbursed, I should move out there

and stay six months! And if I'm not mistaken, one or two people in

this group have actually done so.

Whatever you do, do not give up. Be stubborn, persistent, and

assertive! It is likely that you will need even more help with your

back as the years go on. We all need to face this squarely -- to

realize that scoliosis is a lifelong deal, and we need to work the

system however possible (within the bounds of legality and morality,

of course -- no fraud, please, folks!) to ensure that we get the

care we will continue to need. Not even doctors and experts can tell

us what we will need, either -- we are the Harrington

rod/Boomer/guinea pig generation at each step along the way. We are

teaching them as we grow and age and develop new issues.

Keep fighting the good fight, and know that you have a large and

supportive group of fellow-scoliosis-fighters behind you.

All the best to you, as always,

> >

> > When I had my Harrington rod surgery 15 years ago, I had

insurance

> > which paid for my treatment, but when I became self-employed and

my

> > COBRA ran out, I have had no treatment for the back and hip pain

I'm

> > having. Are there any organizations that anyone knows of (other

> than

> > Medicaid) that could help with some pain management? I'm not

> disabled

> > and no insurance I could get will cover a pre-existing condition

> like

> > this even if I could afford the insurance!

> > Thanks everyone.

> > Marcia

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Marcia,

I can't tell from your post what sort of pain management you are

interested in help with, but I've heard that some drug companies will

assist with the cost of prescription medication for those who have no

insurance coverage. I'm sure I've got links to some of their sites

bookmarked on my computer. Let me know if you want me to find them

for you. I guess you'd have to be able to afford to go to a doctor

first and get a prescription, though.

Good luck,

loriann

>

> When I had my Harrington rod surgery 15 years ago, I had insurance

> which paid for my treatment, but when I became self-employed and my

> COBRA ran out, I have had no treatment for the back and hip pain I'm

> having. Are there any organizations that anyone knows of (other than

> Medicaid) that could help with some pain management? I'm not disabled

> and no insurance I could get will cover a pre-existing condition like

> this even if I could afford the insurance!

> Thanks everyone.

> Marcia

>

[Guest guest]

Right you are, Loriann.

A member of my own family is has gotten several medications free through programs his doctor was able to apply for on his behalf.

I also found a book about these drug-company programs for getting meds to people who can't afford them. I found it fascinating and spent several hours browsing through it in Borders. (It was $16.99, which I was not ready to spend at the time.) This book named the specific programs and referred the reader further for additional information. It seemed invaluable to me. I am not sure, but I think this is it:

http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Medicine-Prescription-Drugs-Afford/dp/1401601391/sr=8-3/qid=1157124898/ref=sr_1_3/104-1615257-9884733?ie=UTF8 & s=books

In Illinois, we also have a program for people with relatively low incomes who file a special tax-related form stating their rent or mortgage, electric bills, and the like. If approved, these people not only get a rebate on their housing and energy costs, but they qualify for free medicine for certain specific health conditions. I do not know if other states have similar programs. I heard about this one only by accident.

It 's helpful to check out all such options. I am so tempted to get that particular unusual man's guides to finding and obtaining government money for all kinds of things. I can't think of his name -- Lesko? -- but he is the guy who used to be on late-night cable wearing a suit with things all over it -- dollar signs or question marks, I believe.

If someone is REALLY determined to research sources of funding, there is always the library. One Chicago suburban library in particular has a specialy large and comprehensive file on Illinois foundations and grant programs. Certain business people or others who pay a fee can also access a more private library at a place called the Donor Forum.

Research, research, research -- and research some more -- it could really pay off. Marcia certainly had the right idea in sending off a post to a group like ours. That's always a good first step. Marcia, you might want to google your issue(s) as well, if you have not already done so.

Best,

> >> > When I had my Harrington rod surgery 15 years ago, I had insurance > > which paid for my treatment, but when I became self-employed and my > > COBRA ran out, I have had no treatment for the back and hip pain I'm > > having. Are there any organizations that anyone knows of (other than > > Medicaid) that could help with some pain management? I'm not disabled > > and no insurance I could get will cover a pre-existing condition like > > this even if I could afford the insurance!> > Thanks everyone.> > Marcia> >>

[Guest guest]

Dave

 

That's great news! Insurance

From: Bad Boy <candelariaorlando@...>

Subject: No Insurance

Stimulator

Date: Sunday, August 31, 2008, 2:09 PM

I have been waiting on my Medicare to kick-in ( Nov. ) I went

Friday and signed up for Insurance Plan. In my coverage I ask how much

would I have to pay out of pocket if I decice to go with the Pain Pump?

She said it would be $15 for the visit and the pump is covered 100% so

if I go with the Pump it won't kill me back pocket. Dave NM

[Guest guest]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dave

 

That's great news! Insurance is  so important. Without it, none of us would be

able to afford our pain relief. As you know the pain pump, plus the surgery is

quite expensive. Fifteen dollars for an office visit  is a small price to

pay for pain relief that has been a long time coming.

Do you know when you might be having the pump implanted? If you have any

questions or need any information, I am here for you.

 

Sue C

Moderator 

From: Bad Boy <candelariaorlando@...>

Subject: No Insurance

Stimulator

Date: Sunday, August 31, 2008, 2:09 PM

I have been waiting on my Medicare to kick-in ( Nov. ) I went

Friday and signed up for Insurance Plan. In my coverage I ask how much

would I have to pay out of pocket if I decice to go with the Pain Pump?

She said it would be $15 for the visit and the pump is covered 100% so

if I go with the Pump it won't kill me back pocket. Dave NM

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sue, I realy don,t know when, I just want to get as much info

as I can. And when I get my insurance I can get back on track with my

Dr. visits. I still see them but paying out of pocket 100% is hard on

the wallet. Thank,s for info

>

> From: Bad Boy candelariaorlando@...

> Subject: No Insurance

> Stimulator

> Date: Sunday, August 31, 2008, 2:09 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> I have been waiting on my Medicare to kick-in ( Nov. ) I went

> Friday and signed up for Insurance Plan. In my coverage I ask how much

> would I have to pay out of pocket if I decice to go with the Pain

Pump?

> She said it would be $15 for the visit and the pump is covered 100% so

> if I go with the Pump it won't kill me back pocket. Dave NM

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have a pain pump as well as the SCS. If I can answer any of your questions,

please contact me. Gathering the info now is wise, that way, once the insurance

kicks in, you are ready to go.. The best of luck.

 

Sue C

Moderator

From: Bad Boy <candelariaorlando@...>

Subject: Re: No Insurance

Stimulator

Date: Monday, September 1, 2008, 2:44 PM

Thanks Sue, I realy don,t know when, I just want to get as much info

as I can. And when I get my insurance I can get back on track with my

Dr. visits. I still see them but paying out of pocket 100% is hard on

the wallet. Thank,s for info

>

> From: Bad Boy candelariaorlando@ ...

> Subject: No Insurance

> Stimulator@gro ups.com

> Date: Sunday, August 31, 2008, 2:09 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> I have been waiting on my Medicare to kick-in ( Nov. ) I went

> Friday and signed up for Insurance Plan. In my coverage I ask how much

> would I have to pay out of pocket if I decice to go with the Pain

Pump?

> She said it would be $15 for the visit and the pump is covered 100% so

> if I go with the Pump it won't kill me back pocket. Dave NM

>

>

[Guest guest]

Megham,

Aren't you working? Why don't you have insurance?

Happy Hearing!

Carol

Boca Raton, FL

N24C - Sprint then 3G left ear -12/11/01-upgraded to Freedom on 2/19/08

N Freedom- right ear- implanted 3/01/06 activated 4/6/06

no insurance

I'm just curious if there's anyone here that have gotten a CI but

didn't have any medical insurance of any sort... If so, how'd you go

about getting the CI paid for?

I'm still without insurance, and am still wanting to get a CI. I know

there's the CI assistance program where the implant is donated (but

you have to pay for the OR/surgery/etc.) and of a couple of

organizations that help with the funding. I should probably get in

contact with these organizations again.

Meghan

[Guest guest]

I do work, but it's only part-time. And am looking to find another

part-time job for the time being (to earn more money), I can't leave

the newspaper for a full-time job until they can find a replacement

for my position and I'd have to train that person as well. Who knows

how long that would take.

>

> Megham,

> Aren't you working? Why don't you have insurance?

> Happy Hearing!

> Carol

> Boca Raton, FL

> N24C - Sprint then 3G left ear -12/11/01-upgraded to Freedom on 2/19/08

> N Freedom- right ear- implanted 3/01/06 activated 4/6/06

> no insurance

>

>

> I'm just curious if there's anyone here that have gotten a CI but

> didn't have any medical insurance of any sort... If so, how'd you go

> about getting the CI paid for?

>

> I'm still without insurance, and am still wanting to get a CI. I know

> there's the CI assistance program where the implant is donated (but

> you have to pay for the OR/surgery/etc.) and of a couple of

> organizations that help with the funding. I should probably get in

> contact with these organizations again.

>

> Meghan

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Meghan and all, is there a CI assistance program? I have never seen

one listed but its a great idea and something that could use some promotion.

Thanks all

Ben Pugh

Birmingham AL

surgery set 1/6/09

**************Stay up-to-date on the latest news - from fashion trends to

celebrity break-ups and everything in between.

(http://www.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000024)

[Guest guest]

Ask your Dr. if help is available through the hospital.  When my husband had his

CI done we were told that there was a grant available to cover what our

insurance didn't cover.  Our insurance did cover 100%, so we were lucky.  Good

luck to you.  Bea

________________________________

From: Meghan <itzhanson_fan@...>

Sent: Wednesday, December 31, 2008 12:12:42 AM

Subject: Re: no insurance

I do work, but it's only part-time. And am looking to find another

part-time job for the time being (to earn more money), I can't leave

the newspaper for a full-time job until they can find a replacement

for my position and I'd have to train that person as well. Who knows

how long that would take.

>

> Megham,

> Aren't you working? Why don't you have insurance?

> Happy Hearing!

> Carol

> Boca Raton, FL

> N24C - Sprint then 3G left ear -12/11/01-upgraded to Freedom on 2/19/08

> N Freedom- right ear- implanted 3/01/06 activated 4/6/06

> no insurance

>

>

> I'm just curious if there's anyone here that have gotten a CI but

> didn't have any medical insurance of any sort... If so, how'd you go

> about getting the CI paid for?

>

> I'm still without insurance, and am still wanting to get a CI. I know

> there's the CI assistance program where the implant is donated (but

> you have to pay for the OR/surgery/etc. ) and of a couple of

> organizations that help with the funding. I should probably get in

> contact with these organizations again.

>

> Meghan

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Meghan,

You can also ask if there are any clinical trials going on that you might be

able to participate in.

Happy Hearing!

Carol

Boca Raton, FL

N24C - Sprint then 3G left ear -12/11/01-upgraded to Freedom on 2/19/08

N Freedom- right ear- implanted 3/01/06 activated 4/6/06

no insurance

>

>

> I'm just curious if there's anyone here that have gotten a CI but

> didn't have any medical insurance of any sort... If so, how'd you go

> about getting the CI paid for?

>

> I'm still without insurance, and am still wanting to get a CI. I know

> there's the CI assistance program where the implant is donated (but

> you have to pay for the OR/surgery/etc. ) and of a couple of

> organizations that help with the funding. I should probably get in

> contact with these organizations again.

>

> Meghan

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello,

There is a foundation called Healthwell that offers assistance. My husband was

laid off last January and because I receive social security, I didn't qualify

for Obama's cheaper COBRA plan, or any kind of government assistance. Medicare D

covered some of my Humira, but I couldn't afford the 500 co-pay, so I had to

quit taking it. I didn't qualify for assistance from Humira or Enbrel, but the

makers of Enbrel did refer me to the Healthwell foundation. This foundation

offers assistance for all kinds of diseases. To make a long story short, I

received a $4000 grant, took a couple of weeks to process.

I recommend this to anyone who needs help paying for their medicines, and I

think they have help paying for the doctor they have a website that you download

the application, or get the no. to pre-qualify.

[Guest guest]

A bicyclist qualifies as a pedestrian under the PIP statutes. There is PIP coverage for the bicyclist under the policy of the car that struck him, regardless of fault. It is not "third party" coverage. It is first party contractual and statutory coverage. The caveat is that coverage for a pedestrian is secondary to any other motor vehicle coverage, health insurance coverage, or any other governmental benefit, including Oregon Health Plan, Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran's Benefits, or any other potential benefit.

The PIP carrier (who is also the third-party liability carrier in your case) will likely demand that your patient produce proof from each of the above potential payees before making any PIP payment. It won't be enough for him to generally claim that he doesn't have any other coverage available. The PIP carrier will also likely not even lift a finger to tell you or your patient how to jump through all the hoops. For starters, you will need the patient to sign an affidavit of no coverage. He may need to obtain an actual letter from the Oregon Health Plan that he has no coverage and does not qualify for coverage. It makes no difference that the Oregon Health Plan won't pay for chiropractic, the PIP carrier will likely still insist that he provide proof. If you don't kill all birds with one stone, then you should anticipate the PIP carrier remaining silent for weeks after you submit a request or application, and then only responding piece meal. I've seen carriers write that they need confirmation from the Oregon Health Plan that there is no coverage. Then they'll write a letter saying that they need confirmation from the OHP that the patient does not qualify for coverage, not just that there's no coverage. Then several weeks later after multiple telephone messages, they may write to say they need confirmation from the Veteran's Administration that there is no benefit available. Then they may request written confirmation that there is no Medicaid benefit available. They may try to delay the whole process until the patient is completely done treating. You may think I'm exaggerating . . .

It's a hassle for you and the patient, but you have to do it if you intend on getting paid through the available PIP coverage (assuming and Oregon policy on the car that has PIP coverage). My advice is to have the patient sign an all-inclusive affidavit, at least that will start the clock for an attorneys fees claim in the event that the PIP carrier refuses to pay. They don't want to pay. They want all the medical bills outstanding at the time of settlement, preferably with some sent to collections. They can usually settle the case for less if that's the case. You may think I'm kidding . . .

Honestly, if the patient was not at fault, the patient is going to want an attorney to assist him (and you) through the process.

G.

Gatti, Gatti, Maier, Sayer, Thayer, & Associates

1781 Liberty St. SE

Salem, OR 97302

1-(800) 289-3443

msmith@...

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Katanah GrossmanSent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 4:40 PM Subject: No insurance

I have a patient coming in tomorrow that was hit by a car on his bicycle. He does not have any car insurance and is wondering if I can bill the third party insurance company. Has anyone had to deal with this situation? If so, what were the steps you took?

Katanah Grossman, DCHealthy Living Chiropractic10001 SE Sunnyside Rd. Ste 204Clackamas, Oregon 97015P: 503-908-0881F: 503-908-0891

[Guest guest]

Yes of course Katanah, just have them sign a lien. You then will have to wait until the patient closes their case in order to be paid. Usually pretty smooth sailing.

ph Medlin D.C.

From: Katanah Grossman

Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 4:40 PM

Subject: No insurance

I have a patient coming in tomorrow that was hit by a car on his bicycle. He does not have any car insurance and is wondering if I can bill the third party insurance company. Has anyone had to deal with this situation? If so, what were the steps you took?

Katanah Grossman, DCHealthy Living Chiropractic10001 SE Sunnyside Rd. Ste 204Clackamas, Oregon 97015P: 503-908-0881F: 503-908-0891