Mother of Two: Need Advice for Husband Who Is About to Lose Benefits =(

Hi. So sorry to hear about this, extra stress that you don't need. I can't believe they are so dumb, what do they think will happen if you can'f afford the anti-rejection meds, it will cost them more in the long run to take him off benefits now because you most likely won't be able to afford the meds and then he will be back on dialysis. It's outrageous I am so sorry! One idea is that you might be able to contact the drug manufactor and see if they can help you with the cost of his medication, I have heard of this working before. Also contact the supervisor of who-ever sent you the letter stating that his doctors say he is doing well now and no longer needs benefits. Also I would contact the dr. that said he was fine and no longer needing benefits. Good luck! I hope it all works out.

Get something going before it runs out---try asking the doctor for ideas.

As for your girls savings...keep in mind that they can get student loans or whatever when they get older, but they can't get a new Dad! His health has to be the first priority.

I'm sorry to learn of your situation, but there is a government funded program called Healthy Families that will insure your daughters up the age of 19 years I believe. I think office visits are only $5 out-of-pocket. Go to the website: www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov They may also guide you as to covering yourself and your husband. You can also apply for Medi-Cal for your whole family. You have to be low-income in order to qualify.

Good luck and I wish you all the best.
L.

Hmmm I am interested in what the republicans have to say...hopefully situations like yours will help prompt health care reform....you are a perfect example of why health insurance being tied to employment hurts children and families unless you happen to be healthy and well employed... Contact your senator and pray for reform?

I am so sorry that in this case I have no advice but I wanted to offer my support to you and your family and let you know that my thoughts are prayers are with you and hope that you will be led to the correct resources and make the best decisions. God Bless!

Call the drug manufacturers as soon as possible. Most have reduced cost or free drugs available for those without health insurance. Also check around to differant pharmacies. If you have a Costco near you, they have a program for the uninsured which reduces the cost of drugs significantly. Talk to his doctor or a nurse at his doctors office or if its a hospital affiliate see if they have a social worker he can deal with. They can often give tips about insurance coverage or where to get reduced cost drugs. Sometimes doctors have free samples or can ask drug reps for free samples. The best thing you can do is be proactive and look for these kinds of programs. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Maybe you could try applying for state insurance? Not sure of your income, but due to health issues dshs may help with insurance.

I am so sorry for your sad story. I would continue to contact everyone at the insurance company and to let your congress representatives as well as Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer know about this situation. Advertising how insurance companies manage to keep giving huge salaries and bonuses to executives and lobbyists and increasing rates or denying benefits is one way to help people in this country see what is wrong with our health insurance system and why it needs to be changed for the better now. I do realize that your husband in his stressed state does not need the anger and worry that fighting for his rights may cause, so I suggest you enlist a spokesperson to make your story added to the many that show what is wrong with the health system in the USA...the worst of all the wealthy nations in the world

You are not alone, and I wish you the best...N.

Hi,

I haven't read all of the responses, so this may be redundant. First, I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. If I were you, I'd contact the pharmaceutical companies directly and tell them what is happening. Tell them that you will be paying for the drugs yourself. See if they will work with you and give you a discount. Sometimes if you are willing to pay cash upfront, the costs can actually be less than going through an insurance company.

I wish you the best of luck.

I similar situation happened with my uncle and his doctor was able to find a loophole to get the insurance to continue to pay for his meds.

I truly hope our health insurance system will be fixed soon. It is terribly broken and I am sorry your family is caught in the middle.

Try and set up a fund... with your local bank/community... and thereby people can donate to this for your husband. This then being an article in your local newspaper etc. or on the morning news etc.

I have seen this even in my own community, so many people in hardship and health wise... and many towns/communities really do help.

My Dad was on dialysis... but he was not fortunate to have gotten a transplant. He passed. I know how your husband feels and what it takes for the family.

Or try your local social services groups/churches etc. Many times, a heart wrenching situation such are yours, will bring about "angels" who will step forward to help... don't be shy in reaching out... everyday in the news, we hear of people/families in similar situations like yours... it is amazing what communities (online or not) will do to help.

All the best,
Susan

Try talking to your Job and Family services. A lot of the time you can get benefits for your kids through healthy start or Medicaid. My oldest daughter is Autistic and I am fortunate that my work covers some of her expenses, but the Medical card covers the difference so there is no out of pocket expense. It is a God send and they offer it to people without insurance and it covers all costs.

Call the State Dept of Managed Care. There should be some guidance there, or call CAll 3.

Definitely check with your statehuman services office to see if tehre is a program available. Here in IL there is a prgram for people that cannot get health insurance due to a pre-existing condition. There is a co-pay but it is so much more affordable than no insurance. Most states have a similar program.

I am so sorry your family has to go through this. You're husband doesn't need this stress on top of everything else he is dealing with.

I would suggest checking with the drug manufacturers to see if they have a prescription assistance program. If you're not sure of the manufacturer, just google the name of his medication and you should be able to find it. Most manufacturers have some sort of assistance program. One thing that I have learned is even though they usually have an income limit, they most often also have a hardship provision. This means that even if you are over their income guideline, you can claim hardship and still be accepted for assistance. You may also be able to contact your state insurance commissioner to see if they have any programs to help people apply for these types of assistance.

Also, if your husband is on Medicare, even if it's due to disability, he may be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan which will help pay for meds.

I agree with those who suggested checking into state funded insurance. Your local DHS office should be able to help you.

Good luck to you and your family.

I suggest Medi-Cal and if your husbands income is over the limit the 2 of you may not be eligible, but there's a program for children under 18 and pregnant moms called healthy families, that I'm almost positive the children would be eligible for.

Good Luck