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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 5/25/2013 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
One of my stressors is the financial aspect of cancer. Our deductible is $5000. We don't have much money...though we can make our deductible--this year. Adding to the stress is the great possibility that he will lose his job within the next couple of months. At 60 years old, we aren't sure how easy it will be to get another job--never mind insurance as expensive as it is.

How do you deal with the high cost of treatment?!?! His life is more important than money, but seriously, this stresses me out!

Donna
Posted 5/25/2013 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
I also have a very high deductible, but earlier on had always assumed I would get cancer based on family history, so I had kept a separate account for that, and always avoid using it unless I am at a crisis point. I also understand the job fear. Coming up on 60, that would be a crisis of significant scale.

I don't have suggestions at the global level. I have tried to save on meds by cutting pills (not just Cialis), getting samples, joining programs that pay back deductibles, getting simple blood work done when possible at health fairs, lots of things that individually are just a few dollars, but do add up.

There is no magic bullet. Careful attention to how you shop medical services, and being sure that absolutely nothing is "out-of-network" are key.

Posted 5/25/2013 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
The way I have calmed myself down is by telling myself that our house is paid for (no more mortgage) and no car loans or credit card debt. Our house isn't nice and is small, but it is sound (a good starter home). If need be we could borrow against the house. AND, if all things come to the worst (not likely, but you never know), we have enough family and friends around that we wouldn't be allowed to be homeless. Even with that we have more than than the average person in the world! (Can you tell I'm a pessimist trying to be an optimist? lol!)
Posted 5/25/2013 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
responsible people like you are more apt to worry about money.  like you we have a small, old house that's paid off, and no debt.  we also don't have children and our home is in silicon valley so even though it's small and old it's still worth quite a bit.  my wife is a teacher so we have excellent medical benefits with no deductibles and few copays.

but I worry also even though I know we'll manage no matter what happens.

ed

Posted 5/25/2013 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
I think with few exceptions, all of us share your concerns about the medical costs involve in these and other medical fronts. No easy answer, and few are wealthy enough to cover it all out of pocket.

In my case, I was most fortunate to have been put on Medicare at an earlier than normal age, due to my disability. It's been a blessing in itself. Though my wife's monthly insurance costs on just herself, are horrific under SC BCBS. It would cost her, out of pocket, over 900 a month to include me on her plan currently, and it is no where as comprehensive as my Medicare.

For those that have no insurance and no money, its almost too much to comprehend to think of those fighting a major cancer battle.

david
Posted 5/25/2013 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
Without starting a political discussion, does the new healthcare act, starting in 2014 ease things at all. Is his possible job loss cancer related or otherwise? Are you interested in sharing your husbands journey with us. The more we know about you the more we will be able to help in the different aspects of your stress. Not a requirement, just helps us help you. Is it Donna Jean or Jo? Just checking my psychotic, er, ah, I mean psychic ability, tee hee. You and yours are in my prayers Donna.
Posted 5/25/2013 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
guys, I gotta worry about two upcoming college tuitions and hopefully another 40-50 years of health needs. My plan was always to retire in Italy where things are currently free but I doubt the system will still be in place there in 20 years time.

No doubt it's a tough one.
Posted 5/25/2013 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
DJ....good point brought up by logo....if his job loss is cancer related and hes already 60...perhaps you can put in for SSDI which qualifies you for medicare in 24 months...unless you get backdated which they usually do and maybe you could get it as soon as a year.

In my case....I put in for SSDI and was approved 3 weeks later from the day I applied. Got a backpay and now monthly payment backdated 1 year. Not that I need medicare because Im retired military and am covered there but just an option. $5000 is way too much to be paying and you darn sure should NOT have to lose a house for it.
Posted 5/25/2013 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Just a Reminder!
Even though you weren't a "Nam vet" and didn't retire from the military, treatment at a VA facility is available for many men even though they have medical insurance--it might beat paying a $5,000 deductible and/or ridiculous co-pays--just a thought!!!See your VSO if interested.
Bill
Posted 5/25/2013 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
I would think the affordable care act would cover you, just in the nick of time, I might add.

Can he get disability through his work?

Mel

Posted 5/25/2013 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
His potential job loss has nothing to do with cancer--His boss is wanting to sell the small business and retire, but the part the buyer is interested in, my husband doesn't work with. It just so happens it was shortly after that announcement that we even found the elevated psa results. His boss wants to hang on until we get through at least this part of the process. My husband's boss is also paying for both of our insurance premiums, so I have to say that has helped; my current salary would barely cover the total premiums right now if that was the route we have to go.
Posted 5/26/2013 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
To Casper 319,
I am a new member and feel a connection to you, as my last name is Kasper. I have some similar numbers as yours,starting IMRT in two weeks for bone pain. PSA is still low so far. I'm only 57 1/2 and was told I dont qualify for SSDI until i have 20 quarters in. I worked for Gov't not enough quarters yet. Anyway I need to find out more info, still want and need to continue working for now. I would like to speak more to you in future, Take care my new friend, and "keep the faith"
Posted 5/26/2013 10:47 AM (GMT 0)
You might look into Gov't clinical trials: some newer ones include XL-184 (has anti-tumor effects and huge improvements already seen in bone scans on mets patients); Alpharadin Radium 223 is another trials thing of interest and there are many others. Might be a way to get treatments without having all the money? www.clinicaltrials.gov 
Posted 5/29/2013 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
Something to consider is if he doesn't get treatment under his current plan, how will his pre-existing condition impact his ability to get health insurance on his own if he doesn't land a job with benefits before COBRA runs out and Medicaid kicks in. Since he is already diagnosed the new insurance policy could very well have some sort of exclusion for his PCA in which case the entire cost of treatment could be out of pocket, in my case I'm up to about $40K YTD.
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