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Gallbladder pain and PBC

I have no health insurance, lost job and eventually coverage several years ago. 55yr, white,f emale  I developed pain in rt quad. after planned weight loss.  Pain led to ER visit which dx was UTI, but ultrasound showed gallstones which Dr. later said was 'sludge'.  Opted not to have gallbladder removed, changed diet.  My mother was diagnosed with PBC in 1971, and passed in 1979.  Without putting us into the poorhouse with diagnostic, medical procedures is there any way I can determine if PBC is involved?  How can I help myself?  There are so very many stressors in life that involve money and the biggest is healthcare.  I do my best to keep healthy, but wonder if there is something I can do for myself.  I do not have the 'typical' PBC symptoms.  I continue to feel this is a gallbladder issue, but i'm no doctor and know this isn't the best way to proceed.  I also realize that without getting involved with a healthcare provider I am not doing the best I could.  How does one weight the costs to determine care vs. not putting family into 'forever debt’?  I know I am not alone on that thought, but what if it is nothing more than stones?  I can live with the occasional bout of pain and I do stay away from trigger foods etc.  I really appreciate being able to sit and type this to someone.  I cannot express all this to the family as everyone says, "just get the work-ups done and don't worry about the costs."  This is sooooooo much easier said than done.  It is also very easy for someone with health insurance to say that.  Until you actually are liable for the huge bills that come from simply one ER visit, you don't really understand the enormity of "just get the work-ups done."
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Avatar universal
Thanks HectorSF.  The helpful information you have given is appreciated, but more than that your kindness by extending yourself to consider my situation is so heartwarming.  I really appreicate all your good advice, and your empathy for the situation I find myself in.

Are you someone who suffers from PBC?  I sure do understand its implications and hope that what my mom went through (she was studied at Bethesda Naval Hospital and the Mayo Clinic as well,  always willing to have dr's and interns examine her for knowledge gained) has helped someone.  It has been a lonely life without her, she died when I was 20, and I have always hoped others wouldn't have to suffer watching their loved one deal with the affects of this disease.  I will pray for you as I feel certain you are someone who deserves something good to come your way.  Sincerely, Kathe
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446474 tn?1446347682
Hang in there.

It you tell me where you live I can probably recommend where you can go. Your profile says Connecticut. I am originally from Connecticut and familiar some of the health care services there.

Many health services are not based on assets by whether you have insurance or the amount of income.
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Here is the link to - "Connecticut’s Health Insurance Marketplace"
This is where you can get health insurance for the future. Jan. 1, 2014.

http://www.accesshealthct.com/

"Connecticut Races To Reach Uninsured, Open Health Insurance Marketplace"

The marketplaces open nationwide Oct. 1 and are key to the health law’s expansion of coverage to millions of individuals and small businesses.  In Connecticut – one of 16 states slated to run its own marketplace, also called an exchange – the goal is to sign up 220,000 people by next March, or two-thirds of the state’s uninsured.

When you can enroll?

The first enrollment period begins October 2013 and ends March 2014. Like other insurance programs, there will be an annual open enrollment period going forward.

Won’t the enrollment process be complex and time-consuming?
No, we’ve made it as easy as possible. On average, it will take about 30–45 minutes to review all the plans available and complete the enrollment process. Given how important health insurance is to your security and well-being, we think this is time well spent.

Will this really be affordable coverage?

In the U.S., the reality is that health costs and insurance costs are high. But Access Health CT will be making robust health insurance plans available for the lowest possible cost. Competition between insurance companies in this new marketplace will help keep costs down. In addition, many people will qualify for discounts on their health insurance costs.

How do I know whether I qualify for Medicaid or a discount on health insurance?

It will depend on your income level. Thanks to an expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, all Connecticut citizens in households under a certain income level – up to $15,400 for a single person or $31,809 for a family of four – will be eligible for Medicaid. Connecticut citizens above this income level may be eligible for discounts on a qualified health plan purchased through Access Health CT.
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Hope this helps!
Hector
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments.  I will look into what might be available to me.  I had imagined that since we "own" or 3/4 own our home that would make us ineligible for any assistance.

Also, I will get onto the gallbladder community here.  Thanks again.  It helps simply not to feel so alone with ones thoughts.  
Peace. Kathe
Helpful - 0
446474 tn?1446347682
Also you might want to post in the Gallbladder Community where they can help you with gallbladder disease.

Hector
Helpful - 0
446474 tn?1446347682
The only way to get a proper diagnosis is is to see a doctor. How you do that is up to you. There are state or city funded free or no cost health care services available in most places in the country. Find one near you. They are usually located in larger cities.

A few blood tests including antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) and Alkaline phosphatase can determine if you have PBC. If you do you will need medicine (ursodiol) to slow the progression of the disease. Medicine cost money in many instances.

In October you should sign up for with your state's new Health Insurance Marketplace. You will be able to get help paying for low cost health insurance or if you can't afford insurance then may be eligible to receive Medicaid stating Jan 1, 2014 depending on your state.

Good luck.
Hecotr
Helpful - 0
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