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Wanting surgery but no insurance

Thu, October 09, 2014 4:03 PM

I have had UC since I was 12. That's 36 YEARS! I've spent most of my life in a flare up. Granted, I am on Lialda, and the UC is "under control". I had a colonoscopy a few weeks ago that showed some changes in my colon. My RX was upped in dosage and the doc prescribed a steroid that cost $1400. I could not afford it so I didn't use it, which I don't regret because I hate the side effects. I am always just managing this disease, really its managing me. I have had so many troubles that at times I can't make it to church 7 minutes away, let alone traveling across country. I just don't. I have severe panic attacks because I am so "traumatized" by previous lack of bathroom experiences.
I am 48, I want to live free of this disease. My mom had an illestomy surgery 3 years ago. She is 68 and had UC since her early 20's. Her docs suggested the surgery when she was in her 40's. She didn't want it because of the stigma that came with it. She waited so long that she had no choice. She recovered really well. Her life is SO different. She travels by plane, motorcycle, and road trips. She says that if she would have known how this surgery would improve her life she would have done it a long time ago.
That's where I am. I want to have the surgery, now before I have no choice. I want to live with out a toilet chained to my ankle. I want to travel, even if it's to a restaurant that's a one seater (we all know what a panic inducer that one is!)!
I do not have insurance because the UC is a pre-existing condition. Yes, I know I can't be denied insurance but they won't cover any UC related stuff.
Ideas on how to pay for the surgery? Is there any programs out there that help? I have another colonoscopy in 6 months. I know where this is leading. I know now it would be considered elective vs. later as necessary. But why would I wait till later, when I'm in a serious flare and prescribed drugs I can't afford?

1rubberducky
Joined Oct 9, 2014

Thu, October 23, 2014 12:13 PM

Obtaining health insurance or financial assistance to cover healthcare costs can be challenging for those who need it most. However, there have been a lot of recent changes in access to health insurance in hopes of trying to help individuals and families gain access to affordable healthcare. Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Health insurance plans within the Marketplace cannot deny you coverage or charge you more due to a pre-existing health condition. Coverage for your pre-existing condition(s) begins as soon as the insurance plan is in effect. This is true even if you have been turned down or refused coverage due to a pre-existing condition in the past.

The Health Insurance Marketplace is a new way to find quality health coverage in one place. Within the Marketplace you can learn about your health insurance options, compare insurance plans and submit an application. This will be helpful if you do not have coverage or would like to explore more cost effective options. Further, all plans are considered “Qualified Health Plans,” meaning that they must cover certain essentials, including but not limited to: ambulatory patient services, emergency services, hospital coverage, behavioral health, prescription drugs, lab services, and chronic disease management. For more information about the Marketplace or to apply for coverage, visit: www.healthcare.gov

administrator
Joined Oct 12, 2017

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