Cancer Treatment Options Forum - April 21st, 2010 - 5 Comments
Are there any options for people who get cancer and don't have health insurance?
I got diagnosed with testicular cancer. I lost my health insurance last month. The doctor told me I need surgery among other things. Are there any options for people like me? Free clinics where i can get treatment maybe? I live in New York. Maybe their are state programs? Any help would be appreciated.
You should contact your previous insurance coordinator through your last job and ask them about you paying through COBRA. That’s what my husband did when he changed jobs and then I was dx with cancer. Other than that, if you have no job or an extra low paying job, apply through social security for medicaid.
Dude…..my gram died of cancer and lost her insurences…..then died………..your screwed till ya die……but her is my advice…..if you have money blow it all of before ya die
Ok, the answer above me is just ignorant…
My husband was just diagnosed w/ Testicular Cancer, luckily for us I have insurance. But what you can do is go to the Emergency Room. They can perform all the surgeries and test you need. You’ll get a whopping medical bill, but your health will be better.
How were you diagnosed? Did you have an Orchiectomy (removal of testis)? If you need Chemo, the hospital can do that as well. Do some research on fund raisers and such to help you as well.
◘Good Luck◘
I agree with the person saying call the insurance coordinator from your last job.
But if you have none then you have to contact the city of hope (www.cityofhope.com) they help a lot of people with cancer.
Also look up http://www.clinicaltrials.org – they do advanced research using volunteers and use medicines not even available to the general public for years! And they are free if you meet the criterion of their trial.
How did you lose your insurance? If it was because you lost your job and had employer-sponsored insurance, you need to contact your former benefits representative about COBRA. They should have already, as it is a legal requirement that they notify you of your eligibility for continuation of coverage. It is expensive, but if you need treatment for cancer, you will need the coverage!