financial help with medical bills

[Jen89]

I was just confirmed positive with hepatitis c and was told that the cost of treatment would cost at least $6000.00.  My insurance will not cover much(if any) of the costs.  I have applied for state medicaid, but I think that my income is too high.  Are there any programs out there to help cover the costs.  My credit is very bad...so a bank loan is out of the question.  I am veruy scared and desperate to get answers.  Thank you.

[Isobella]

You can contact the following for questions regarding patient financial assistance:

Pegassist (Roche Pegasys system): 1-877-734-2797

Commitment to Care (Schering- Plough PEG-Intron system): 1-800-521-7157

Rousch Pegassist Resource Center  877-734-2797

Healthwell Foundation  800-675-8416

Chronic Disease fund 877-968-7233

Shared Solutions  800-887-8100

Mnord  800-634-7207

Free procrit, call 1-800-553-3851

Just go to www.procritline.com

good luck :-)

[kittyface]

Definitely call the Pegassist people -- they'll donate the drugs for free even if you make a decent living and they're very gracious.  That's the only way I could treat since I have no insurance.  I got Alinia for free too.  For lab work, Quest Diagnotics will put you on a payment plan.  You'll need this as the PCR which measures VL is about $300 a pop not to mention all the other tests you'll need.

Also, be sure to apply for disability if the sx render you unable to work.  And if you don't have more than $2,000 in your bank account you can qualify for SSI.

Please ask if you have more questions.

Kittyface

[TexasKim]

Jen, I read this on one of the other forums today.
You can be treated for free at one of the teaching hospitals nearest you.
http://healthguideusa.org/teaching_hospitals.htm

[Jen89]

Thanks     I'll start looking into it tomorrow.  I'll let you know what I find.

[meki]

Jen - lots of folks get assistance --- but double check with your insurance... I'm surprised that they will not cover the HCV medications.

Mine covered it - and the medical care - I was very blessed.

But I had to talk to them --- call them and discuss it --- and get approved.

So don't hesitate to do that --- They may make you try to jump through hoops --- and if you're just not up to it --- get a friend or family member to help out.

They really should be taking care of you --- that is WHY you pay for insurance coverage in the first place.

Much luck!

Ps. - those numbers are AWESOME and they are a great help!

[IAmTheWalrus]

Read your insurance policy and get some assistance, if needed, in understanding it. It is too easy for a claims adjuster to say "I don't think that's covered" when you come down with an expensive disease. Make sure you are getting a good reading of the policy terms.

Good luck!