Reconstruction

[nancybl]

I am a mother of 4 that lost both breasts due to cancer. For 16 years I have been trying to find an Insurance company that will pay for reconstruction. I have found none. I live in Florida, and now that my children are grown and gone, I thought I could search for help. Unfortunately I can't afford the procedure. Are there any Plastic Surgeons that would help someone like me with pro bono work? I am very interested in having the procedure done. I have no insurance, and after my bilateral mastectomies, my husband left me. Is there any hope?

[Archibald S Miller III, MD,FACS]

The problem is since you have already had the mastecomies no insurance company will allow the reconstruction in the first year of coverage because of the pre-existing thing. But, some will after a year of continuous coverage. Now, there are many programs in the country that help with reconstructions Contact your local Y-ME corporation or Koman foundation and ask if there are programs near you.

                                     arch s miller ms md facs

[Archibald S Miller III, MD,FACS]

I reiterate that you can go to local organizations and seek help. There are many that will. Again, if you wait one year after you get your insurance, many companies will cover procedures. Good luck.

           arch s miller ms md facs

[nancybl]

Hi; I feel really bad for both of us. It is a shame that we pay our premiums but get nothing in return. Good luck, and stay strong. We have to do it for ourselves.

[butterflyfuller]

I am in the same position as well. I have insurance but they pay very little. They paid two thousand on the  mastectomy. I interviewed for a position at a state mental hospital today. I am hoping that Blue Cross and Blue Shield will help with the reconstruction. I am afraid that they will not.. preexisting condition. Someone told me they have too after two years.. but I do not know.  I think my present insurance company is required by law to pay.. but they wilo probably pay two thousand. It is going to cost seventy thousand. I am trying to find a facility out of the country . I have not found one yet. I think it is a damn shame that in the US.. we can not get adequate health care without filing for bandruptcy. My ex husband  kept his good insurance.. divorced me and changed my insurance and that is legal .  I really feel like a minority now. Hopefully my new position will help me regain some of my power.

[nancybl]

Hi, I was told the same. I'm in Florida, and I've had the runaround for years. Now they are saying that if it was a pre existing condition, there is no way. Thanks for the well wishes, and I hope everything go's well for you. I know you must be very excited.

[recrdpxi]

Hi,
I thought that it was mandatory now for Insurance to pay for Reconstruction. I am getting ready for mine and that is what I was told.  At least maybe here in California.
Good luck...hopefully you can get this done.