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Hep.c in arkansas no insurance

Last week I tested positive to hep c.  I'm over 40 and for the last few years have dealt with fatigue by caffiene ect..
This year was exceptionally bad.  I though I had arthritis but pushed with exercise even taught aerobics and yoga last year.  However, my feet started tingling and joints hurt, numerous ankle sprains.  I went to the doctor, had increasing enzymes (Liv) about 4 times on a blood screen.  I had an open mri-definately enlarged kidney they said my liver looked o.k. and tested positive for hep c antibody.  Now my Doc. wont even return my phone calls.  I know the treatment is ridiculous and everyone says " stupid for no insurance".  I'm contract labor and almost just was in the process.  No insurance, no doctor, liver pains.  My doc's office called me and said they couldn't get me in treatment anywhere since  I'm self pay.  I depend on myself.   I've paid taxes all my life and never asked the gov. for anything but they come down on me for everything.  I'm solely dependant.  I need help.  I'm really don't even no how to act.  There is a charitable christain clinic up the road, which I'm trying to get in.  But my income last year is higher than most charitable christain clinic (welfare).  I made 40,000 and paid out 15,000 to labor.  This year was going to be my big year.  I really could use suggestions.  I will make a strong advocate for hep c.  Just any place to get help would be great.
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Avatar universal
Yes, you did say there are costs.  Dunno how I missed that and thanks for pointing that out.  As much as the inadequacies in our universal health care system in Canada are upsetting to us, the alternative is worse.  Doesn't mean we should accept things as we are...but rather at least be thankful for the good things we DO have.  Take care.

Trish
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Trish

I said there ARE costs for blood tests and biopsy.  People in the US without medical coverage often go to the emergency room for short term treatment of illness because most hospitals must treat a person whether they have insurance or not.  As far as long term treatment I really don't know other than seniors have medicare which is part of the social security program and those on government assistance have medicaid.  I'm pretty sure there are assistance programs or at least I hope so.  It's becoming quite a problem in this country, not sure how many currently do not have insurance but it's in the millions.  I wouldn't mind socialzied medicine in this country.  If we don't do something soon about healthcare we are going spin totally out of control if we haven't already.  It's a shame greed drives so many of our healthcare systems.  
Trinity
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
When you say there is no cost for blood tests or biopsy, can you clarify please?  Is that available to anyone in the U.S.?  Asking because I know someone who needs a PCR but feels they aren't able to get one.

What DOES a person in the U.S. do when they have no insurance and require medical care?  

Obviously I'm not in the U.S. ..I'm in Canada. Thanks.

Trish
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190885 tn?1333025891
if you drink alcohol stop all the way..i'm stage 1 to 2 grade 2 and waiting for hopefully better treatments..good luck....billy
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446474 tn?1446347682
You came to the right place!

Don't give up. Don't take "we can't help you for an answer". Maybe THEY won't help you but other people will. Keep believing. You deserve adequate healthcare in the wealthiest nation on earth.
Hopefully someone else here knows of resources in Arkansas.

Please try to take it step by step:

Do you have HCV RNA? Is there active virus in you now? Or were you exposed to the virus and cleared it yourself?

What Genotype is the virus?  Important to know regarding chances of clearing the virus and duration of treatment.

Get a liver biopsy. This will tell you how healthy your liver is. If your liver is at stage 1 or 2 you may not have to treat now. You can wait for better more effective future therapies. Remember it usually takes many decades for this disease to cause advanced liver disease.

Try to find a Hepatologist (best) or a Gastrointerologist to help you if you have the virus/

Many Americans do not have insurance for healthcare services and/or prescription coverage. In order to provide free or low cost medicines to those who qualify, patient assistance programs were created by the pharmaceutical industry.
In addition to these services some pharmaceutical companies will work with patients to see if the prescription for their drug is covered by the patient’s insurance company or other drug plans.

The patient assistance programs also offer other services for people undergoing treatment with their respective medications. Schering and Roche provide services such as a 24 hour nurse on call, motivational information to help patients adhere and
stay on the medications as well as various tips on side-effect management. These services can be accessed on the web or by calling the pharmaceutical company (see information below).

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance was formed because many Americans do not know that they may qualify for free or low-cost medication. A centralized location makes it easier for patients to locate assistance programs. The goal
or mission of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance is to bring about more awareness of the patient assistance programs and to help put people in touch with these programs.
To find out if you qualify for an assistance program go to the Partnership for Prescription Assistance Web Site https://www.pparx.org or call 1-888-477-2669 (toll free) for more information.

You may find this link helpful as you begin your journey of learning about this disease and how you can best take care of yourself.
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Newly%20Diagnosed.pdf


All the best.
You will find a way to overcome these obstacles.
Hector
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Contact the Commitment to Care program sponsored by Schering-Plough Drug Company.  The 800 number is listed on their website.  If you don't have coverage they will provide the meds at no-charge.  They require you to submit an income statement but they are very liberal.  Google Schering Plough and it should come up.  All your doctor will have to do is write the prescription.  You say you tested positive for the hepc antibody.  Have you been told you have the active virus as well?  Not often, but some do clear the virus on their own and only have the antibodies show up. There are costs for blood tests and a liver biopsy which your doctor will probably require before treating you. Also, you might consider trying to get in a clinical trial for hepc treatment in your area.  Most teaching hospitals have them and I'm thinking maybe Little Rock since you are in AR?  Hope that helps.
Trinity
Helpful - 0
475300 tn?1312423126
I am also self employed but luckly have insurance. I'm not being nebby but if you made 40k and paid out 15 k out to labor I am sure there are more write offs plus taxes.  So that takes you down to 20 k at most, in Pa that is welfare level where the state would pay for ins.  Because we had ins I could not get any help with the meds BUT if we did not have ins the manufacturer would have paid for the treatment meds.  We had just gone to a high deductable ins as we could not afford the 1000.00 a month for the better plan.  

I am sure someone else on here can point you in the right direction to get the help form the state that you need.  Good luck & this is a great site for the info that you will find very helpful.

Denise
Helpful - 0
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