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For Canadian forum Members, I have some questions.

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/9/2010 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
My husband and I are wanting to move, and we have family up in Edmonton Ab, CA. We are not quite sure where we want to move to, but we are very cautious about where we move to. If we considered moving up to Canada, I was wondering how hard it would be for someone with a pre-existing condition to get the medication needed and the doctors. I think we'd most likely move to Edmonton, if that helps. Currntly we live in California, and have good medical coverage here, and am taking Humira for my UC.

Thanks!

Posted 5/10/2010 4:38 AM (GMT 0)
I live in Alberta, Canada and moved home after living away in the UK for many years. When I moved back, I got a GP who right away sent me to a good GI. After a couple of years of trying everything with her I just had the 2 surgeries with a very experienced JPouch surgeon and it has been successful (I waited only 3 weeks for the surgery). All for not a single penny (apart from drugs, which you can buy separate insurance for or you get it from your employer - for me - because I had preexisting medical conditions and we run our own business I get it through the Alberta Government for $82/month for whole family of 4 and never have to pay more than $25 for a prescription). Hope this helps. Good luck!
Posted 5/10/2010 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
That sure does help. Thanks!

Do you know if doctors in Canada would provide Humira medication for me to use? It seems to be the only drug to keep me in remission.
Posted 5/10/2010 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
I was never on it (I was not able to take Remicade due to poss. complications with existing neurological probs - however if I had needed it my GI was confident that there were options for getting it covered). Presumably if you are already on it then they will continue to give it to you or you would go in a flare. The precription would not be the issue and you could get the drug - the issue would be the insurance drug coverage for a drug not 'officially' for UC. However, I am sure there are ways around it. I am sure - that like the US - the drug insurance company would make the decision. If you or your partner get a decent job then chances are the drug company would cover it - if not you could try the government's drug insurance program. (The GP, GI, surgeon and all treatment is completely free - drugs are down to insurance or you paying for it yourself).
Good luck :)
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