Financial constraints

[Sierra28]

Got another pile of medical bills in my mailbox today. Already have 3 different payment plans going with 3 different medical providers. Probably owe about $4000 all told from visits/tests/MRIs from the last year.

We have gosh-awful insurance, but my husband is self-employed and its the best we can do. Work has also been slow lately, so we are REALLY strapped financially.

All this said, what's someone looking for a diagnosis to do?

I really want to push for 3T MRIs (and possibly an LP), but how could I possibly take more bills on? And I'm trying to get in to a specialist after two frustrating neuro experiences. I have an SSEP and another EMG scheduled for next week.

I really want to find answers...but we're just racking up more bills.

Any advice?

BTW we don't use credit cards

PS I'm also aware that if/when I get a dx it's got it's own bills, but right now life is so unmanageable without any answers.

[HVAC]

MSAA probably will not pay for a 3T they have limited funds. If you have had a 1T recently you are probably out of luck. They do not pay for LPs. NMSS does not pay for testing. I know what your saying I have MS and Cancer and Owe over $10,000. My copays on top of that are $70 and I see a lot of Doctors monthly. I owe three hospitals every month. This week my car broke down  and was $1000 and had to clear out all my savings to pay for it because I reached my credit card limit. I ran around from bank to bank clearing money out of three accounts. My friends are helping me with a fundraiser. You might try a fundraiser.

Alex

[essdipity]

If you have to skip something to make ends meet, make it the LP. It can be helpful but it's not necessary. Doctors will diagnose you without an LP but not without MRIs.

Good luck,
ess

[Sierra28]

Thank you everyone! I had no idea such resources were out there.

Going to check those out ASAP

I knew I was asking the right people!

[SarahL2491]

I hear you, we also do not use CC since on fixed retirement income.  

The LP will be much cheaper than the MRI, you might want to start with that but everyone has given you some good advice on things to check out....I was not aware of these help programs when I was trying to Dx.

Sending you good thoughts and support and we are here for support!
Sarah

[JaneK1975]

Haha. Great minds think alike, Lu. Another bit of advice I will add is that keeping a personal record of symptoms and communicating well with doctors can go a long way towards making the diagnostic process quicker and less painful.  I wish you the best.

[JaneK1975]

http://mymsaa.org/msaa-help/mri-diagnostic-fund

[Lulu54]

MSAA has a radiology fund for people who are NOT diagnosed with MS - it pays for the MRI for people like you who have little or no insurance.  There is a form to complete - of course - you can find it at

http://mymsaa.org/msaa-help/mri/

It is inportant to note you have to be approved BEFORE the test -they won't pay for existing bills.  Good luck with this next step, Laura

[JaneK1975]

Check the MSAA financial assistance website as well. They have an MRI assistance program that will help folks in the diagnostic process under certain circumstances.
Best,
Jane

[Sierra28]

Thanks for your reply!

Will they help even if I'm not dx yet?

I'll go check them out!

[rendean]

Have you tried contacting your local MS chapter? Many have funds and/or finanicial assitance plans for those without adequate funds. Some will even finance MRIs.

Sorry to hear about the mounting bills. Added stress doesn't make any symptoms better, MS or not. I hope you can get some help from either the NMSS or MSAA with your testing.

Ren