Hep.c in arkansas no insurance

[kay7777]

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.

[GSDgirl]

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

[HectorSF]

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

[working dog]

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

[Trish77]

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

[Trish77]

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