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Medical Cost Woes - I Could Use Some Moral Support
Hi everyone. I just got smacked with a $1,500 bill for my last set of MRI's, which I was very grateful to have done, but I'm wondering now whether I can truly afford. Last December I was in the middle of finishing grad school applications when I got my diagnosis. I had only been entertaining the possibility that I might have MS for about a month, so as far as long-term planning goes, it was quite a surprise.
The more I read about MS, the more I realized that over the long haul it will be an expensive part of my life for the rest of my life. I also read statistics about MS reducing the number of years an individual can work over their lifetime. I asked myself very briefly whether I should reconsider grad school, but to be honest I didn't really entertain the idea of changing the plan I had been working towards for several years. I decided I just won't ever let MS stop me, no matter how bad it gets.
The first six months of dealing with my diagnosis was overshadowed by the great responses I was receiving on my grad school applications. Every school I had applied to wanted me, and I even got a scholarship offer from the med school rated #3 in the nation for my program. Since I worked my way through my undergrad and I'm starting grad school with minimal loans, I decided to "go big" and pass on the scholarship to go to the school that I believe will offer me the best future opportunities. My academic advisor (who I am very close with and knew about my diagnosis) encouraged me in that decision, assuring me that over my lifetime I will more than make up the difference in cost via increased earnings.
Here I am now in my first semester, and in spite of all my research and budgeting, the money isn't adding up exactly the way I hoped it would. My federal Stafford loans didn't cover all of my tuition, so I took a considerable chunk out of what is supposed to be my living $$$ for the next two years to cover it. Before moving across country to start school, I quit my job and switched over to my husband's health insurance. The only insurance option that would cover me in my new state was a PPO, which I knew would mean extra out-of-pocket medical costs, but it was truly my best option.
I had my 6-month follow up MRI last month, the week before I left for school. I just received the bill, and it's going to take another big chunk out of my living expenses. Over the long run, I know I can take out extra loans to cover my needs, and I truly feel lucky that I won't have to starve or wonder whether I will be able to pay rent. But on the other hand, it's extremely stressful taking out these loans to pay for an education when I don't know how many years I'll be able to use it. I plan to work until I'm old and grey. Years ago. I decided I wouldn't have children so that I could focus more on my career. If MS robs me of my ability to work someday, I'm gonna be p!ssed...
I guess I could use some support from my friends who know how this feels. I have so many unanswerable questions. Am I doing the right thing taking on loans that will require a good ten years to pay off? After my diagnosis I realized that I've had MS since at least 2005. My last relapse left me unable to use my left hand (temporarily, thankfully). My balance is not what it used to be, but I still get where I need to go (again, thankfully). Is my Copaxone going to work? Is it going to work so well that 5 years from now some neuro tries to tell me my MS in benign and take me off it?
I just try to be as healthy as I can and take my shots religiously, because I guess that's all I can do. Six months from now I'm probably going to be having a serious talk with my neuro about whether I can push off my next MRI a few months to save $$$. Any other ideas? I seriously need to spend some time looking for scholarships, but I'm buried in textbooks at the moment :P
Hugs,
Jane
The more I read about MS, the more I realized that over the long haul it will be an expensive part of my life for the rest of my life. I also read statistics about MS reducing the number of years an individual can work over their lifetime. I asked myself very briefly whether I should reconsider grad school, but to be honest I didn't really entertain the idea of changing the plan I had been working towards for several years. I decided I just won't ever let MS stop me, no matter how bad it gets.
The first six months of dealing with my diagnosis was overshadowed by the great responses I was receiving on my grad school applications. Every school I had applied to wanted me, and I even got a scholarship offer from the med school rated #3 in the nation for my program. Since I worked my way through my undergrad and I'm starting grad school with minimal loans, I decided to "go big" and pass on the scholarship to go to the school that I believe will offer me the best future opportunities. My academic advisor (who I am very close with and knew about my diagnosis) encouraged me in that decision, assuring me that over my lifetime I will more than make up the difference in cost via increased earnings.
Here I am now in my first semester, and in spite of all my research and budgeting, the money isn't adding up exactly the way I hoped it would. My federal Stafford loans didn't cover all of my tuition, so I took a considerable chunk out of what is supposed to be my living $$$ for the next two years to cover it. Before moving across country to start school, I quit my job and switched over to my husband's health insurance. The only insurance option that would cover me in my new state was a PPO, which I knew would mean extra out-of-pocket medical costs, but it was truly my best option.
I had my 6-month follow up MRI last month, the week before I left for school. I just received the bill, and it's going to take another big chunk out of my living expenses. Over the long run, I know I can take out extra loans to cover my needs, and I truly feel lucky that I won't have to starve or wonder whether I will be able to pay rent. But on the other hand, it's extremely stressful taking out these loans to pay for an education when I don't know how many years I'll be able to use it. I plan to work until I'm old and grey. Years ago. I decided I wouldn't have children so that I could focus more on my career. If MS robs me of my ability to work someday, I'm gonna be p!ssed...
I guess I could use some support from my friends who know how this feels. I have so many unanswerable questions. Am I doing the right thing taking on loans that will require a good ten years to pay off? After my diagnosis I realized that I've had MS since at least 2005. My last relapse left me unable to use my left hand (temporarily, thankfully). My balance is not what it used to be, but I still get where I need to go (again, thankfully). Is my Copaxone going to work? Is it going to work so well that 5 years from now some neuro tries to tell me my MS in benign and take me off it?
I just try to be as healthy as I can and take my shots religiously, because I guess that's all I can do. Six months from now I'm probably going to be having a serious talk with my neuro about whether I can push off my next MRI a few months to save $$$. Any other ideas? I seriously need to spend some time looking for scholarships, but I'm buried in textbooks at the moment :P
Hugs,
Jane
The financial implications are scary, ain't they? If I lose my job I'm screwed. The infusion center bills my insurance company $6500/Month for my Tysabri. Where the he!l would I get that kind of money?
But, my friend JaneK1975, necessity is the mother of assistance program discovery and exploitation! Lulu and Shell offer sage advice. There is always a way.
The down side of medical insurance is the annual out of pocket max. The up side of medical insurance is the annual out of pocket max. For me it's about $5,000/year. This plus deductibles of another $1,000 mean that after about $6,000/year the money outflow stops. It's a big number but at least it stops. I've maxed out my Flexible Spending Account deductions so that, even though I'm the one paying it, it almost feels like I'm not.
Don't second guess your choices. These issues are going to exist no matter where you are, no matter what your doing!
Take a deep breath, go down to the Quincy Market and eat something for me :-)
Kyle
But, my friend JaneK1975, necessity is the mother of assistance program discovery and exploitation! Lulu and Shell offer sage advice. There is always a way.
The down side of medical insurance is the annual out of pocket max. The up side of medical insurance is the annual out of pocket max. For me it's about $5,000/year. This plus deductibles of another $1,000 mean that after about $6,000/year the money outflow stops. It's a big number but at least it stops. I've maxed out my Flexible Spending Account deductions so that, even though I'm the one paying it, it almost feels like I'm not.
Don't second guess your choices. These issues are going to exist no matter where you are, no matter what your doing!
Take a deep breath, go down to the Quincy Market and eat something for me :-)
Kyle
You know we'll give it to you straight!
Am I doing the right thing taking on loans that will require a good ten years to pay off?
Yes, Yes, and Yes.
Why? Because you Ma'Dear would be even more psss'd if you let MS dictate your decisions!
Is my Copaxone going to work? You won't know until you know :) And, if it doesn't work, you are going to switch to a different one! Right?
As for that bill...... Call billing, or visit them in person, and BARTER, BARTER, BARTER :) Insurance covered some, and get them to work with you. Tell them your bottom line amount you can add ontop of the insurance payment, i.e., I have $200 dollars I can give you now, but have nothing additional to give.
Now go get em, with all of what the others have said too, you little go-getter you!
((((Hugs)))
shell
Am I doing the right thing taking on loans that will require a good ten years to pay off?
Yes, Yes, and Yes.
Why? Because you Ma'Dear would be even more psss'd if you let MS dictate your decisions!
Is my Copaxone going to work? You won't know until you know :) And, if it doesn't work, you are going to switch to a different one! Right?
As for that bill...... Call billing, or visit them in person, and BARTER, BARTER, BARTER :) Insurance covered some, and get them to work with you. Tell them your bottom line amount you can add ontop of the insurance payment, i.e., I have $200 dollars I can give you now, but have nothing additional to give.
Now go get em, with all of what the others have said too, you little go-getter you!
((((Hugs)))
shell
Thanks, Kelly. It is a career change, although it is related to my undergraduate degree. I worked for almost ten years in a field totally unrelated to my bachelor's and finally decided I needed to go into the field I was meant for. It will mean more money and more stability, and part-time work is plentiful in the field if I ever need to reduce hours.
I would never go back on my decision to go, but this is reminding me that I need to set aside some time to look for funding every semester or so. It really does mean a lot to know that others have felt this way. I appreciate your comments.
Wishing you all the best,
Jane
I would never go back on my decision to go, but this is reminding me that I need to set aside some time to look for funding every semester or so. It really does mean a lot to know that others have felt this way. I appreciate your comments.
Wishing you all the best,
Jane
I can understand your concerns. My medical expenses have really been addding up and I've been looking into what I can write-off on my taxes for my medical expenses.
I was wondering if you are continuing in your same career or if grad school is to start a new career doing something totally different? It must be difficult with everything that is going on - an MS diagnosis, getting married, moving across the country, and now financial issues. I know when I was in the middle of grad school, my mom was dying of cancer. I had to stop and really think whether or not my graduate degree was necessary for my career. Plus, even with numerous scholarships, I still was going to be owing thousands and thousands of dollars that I had to re-pay from numerous loans. I know it must be stressful for you.
Like you had mentioned, maybe you can just ask your neuro if you can spread out your MRIs, so you're not getting them as often. If your degree will lead you to a career where you will be making quite a bit more money then you had been, that would be an big benefit of continuing. Then, if down the road, you do start to have issues related to your MS, you can at least lower the amount of hrs that you are working, yet, still make more money than you would have otherwise (if you had made the decision not to continue to pursue your grad degree). You know what I mean?
Take care,
Kelly
I was wondering if you are continuing in your same career or if grad school is to start a new career doing something totally different? It must be difficult with everything that is going on - an MS diagnosis, getting married, moving across the country, and now financial issues. I know when I was in the middle of grad school, my mom was dying of cancer. I had to stop and really think whether or not my graduate degree was necessary for my career. Plus, even with numerous scholarships, I still was going to be owing thousands and thousands of dollars that I had to re-pay from numerous loans. I know it must be stressful for you.
Like you had mentioned, maybe you can just ask your neuro if you can spread out your MRIs, so you're not getting them as often. If your degree will lead you to a career where you will be making quite a bit more money then you had been, that would be an big benefit of continuing. Then, if down the road, you do start to have issues related to your MS, you can at least lower the amount of hrs that you are working, yet, still make more money than you would have otherwise (if you had made the decision not to continue to pursue your grad degree). You know what I mean?
Take care,
Kelly
I promise to never give up so we have a deal! Forge ahead and show the world your gifts and talents!
As for the cognitive stuff, even though they had no baseline other than "high-average" or "above high average" depending on the doc ding the neuropysch exam, I atill test in the "normal" range even though I know I have deficeits. all my firends, just say now you know how e feel. I can still work and have been offered some freelance work that fits under the max allowed under SS disability. So, don't fret the cognitive stuff. Noww, my typing is another matter,lol.
Best,
Ren
As for the cognitive stuff, even though they had no baseline other than "high-average" or "above high average" depending on the doc ding the neuropysch exam, I atill test in the "normal" range even though I know I have deficeits. all my firends, just say now you know how e feel. I can still work and have been offered some freelance work that fits under the max allowed under SS disability. So, don't fret the cognitive stuff. Noww, my typing is another matter,lol.
Best,
Ren
Ren, thank you. You are such a dear friend to me. You are right, Copaxone is only my first DMD. I need to remember that this road is long and I have a lot of tools to use over the years. Five or ten years from now, there will probably be even more.
I will definitely look into fastweb. Thank you for mentioning it. I'm going into speech-language pathology, which can be done remotely in some cases. Mobility problems would not stop a speech-language pathologist from working. To be honest, it's the cognitive stuff that scares me.
I will never give up. Promise. As long as you promise the same.
- Jane
I will definitely look into fastweb. Thank you for mentioning it. I'm going into speech-language pathology, which can be done remotely in some cases. Mobility problems would not stop a speech-language pathologist from working. To be honest, it's the cognitive stuff that scares me.
I will never give up. Promise. As long as you promise the same.
- Jane
Hi Jane,
I was reading about your dilemma and my heart goes out to you! My 3 kids are in college so I know what the loans run and I am acutlely aware of the cost of MS care.
You mentioned grad school at a medical school, what grad work are you doing? Is it something that can be done remotely, at least partially, in the future? My work can all be done remotely if there was an employer out there willing to do so, unlike my last. The brain is still there even if my left hand is slower than my right and makes many typos due to the slow response of my fingers BUT the mind still works.
You are one sharp cookie and I have NO doubt that you will be functioning long after your loans are paid off. As for schlorships, check into Fastweb.com.
Fastweb offers all sorts of schloarships and the search is tailored to your needs. It's a free site that my kids used. There are also graduate scholarships available as well.
If the Copaxone doesn't keep your MS at bay , there are several other choices on the market and more on the way. Time is on your side. Great strides are being made in the MS field.
Concentrate on your studies and the rest will fall into place. Don't forget to inquire into all the MS associations about continuing ed scholarships as well.
Hang in there! It will work out and you have done some huge life canges lately so you're bound to be stressed about new problems on the horizon.
Sending hugs and support,
Ren
I was reading about your dilemma and my heart goes out to you! My 3 kids are in college so I know what the loans run and I am acutlely aware of the cost of MS care.
You mentioned grad school at a medical school, what grad work are you doing? Is it something that can be done remotely, at least partially, in the future? My work can all be done remotely if there was an employer out there willing to do so, unlike my last. The brain is still there even if my left hand is slower than my right and makes many typos due to the slow response of my fingers BUT the mind still works.
You are one sharp cookie and I have NO doubt that you will be functioning long after your loans are paid off. As for schlorships, check into Fastweb.com.
Fastweb offers all sorts of schloarships and the search is tailored to your needs. It's a free site that my kids used. There are also graduate scholarships available as well.
If the Copaxone doesn't keep your MS at bay , there are several other choices on the market and more on the way. Time is on your side. Great strides are being made in the MS field.
Concentrate on your studies and the rest will fall into place. Don't forget to inquire into all the MS associations about continuing ed scholarships as well.
Hang in there! It will work out and you have done some huge life canges lately so you're bound to be stressed about new problems on the horizon.
Sending hugs and support,
Ren
Sonia, I just saw your post after submitting my response to Tom. Thank you for your kind words. I am proud of you as well. I have seen you here and your strength shines through in all your posts. It makes me stronger, too.
Thank you so much, Tom. You're such a great contributor on this forum. There are no easy answers, so I know there's nothing anyone can say to make this better. It means a lot to me just to know that I am not the only one feeling this.
More than anything, I just needed to get it off my chest. I try not to share these feelings with my husband or mother because I know they're reaction would be to want to solve the problem - but since the problem is "unsolve-able", they would end up feeling guilty. I won't do that to them. In many ways, my MS has been harder on them that it has on me.
Wishing you the best as well,
Jane
More than anything, I just needed to get it off my chest. I try not to share these feelings with my husband or mother because I know they're reaction would be to want to solve the problem - but since the problem is "unsolve-able", they would end up feeling guilty. I won't do that to them. In many ways, my MS has been harder on them that it has on me.
Wishing you the best as well,
Jane
Wow...I have such a huge amount of respect for you considering what you have been through the last few months. You are a pretty tough cookie! And it is totally okay to be frustrated and angry. The amount of money that people have to pay for healthcare/tests is just ridiculous sometimes. Hang in there.. wish I had better advice too. Just remember to press forward...one day you will look back on all of this and be so glad you did...and be so proud of yourself!!!
Hi Jane,
I wish I had some encouraging words for you that would totally make it all better. I feel like if Itried that it would just sound superficial.....
I am however sorry to hear that you are struggling with anything at all because of MS. I absolutely hate the disease. I hate the way it wreaks havoc in the lives of people. I know staying positive is key but it is hard sometimes....
I hope that you find some solutions to your dilema soon. If I stumble accross anything at all that might be of some help I will let you know.
Best,
Tom
I wish I had some encouraging words for you that would totally make it all better. I feel like if Itried that it would just sound superficial.....
I am however sorry to hear that you are struggling with anything at all because of MS. I absolutely hate the disease. I hate the way it wreaks havoc in the lives of people. I know staying positive is key but it is hard sometimes....
I hope that you find some solutions to your dilema soon. If I stumble accross anything at all that might be of some help I will let you know.
Best,
Tom
Thank you, ladies, for your comments. The support means so much.
LilMinnie: I haven't been contributing much here recently because I just haven't felt that I've had a lot to contribute, but I have seen your posts and my heart goes out to you as you navigate the diagnosis process. It can be so difficult and feel like such a lonely place. I am always wishing you the best. I trust that someday soon you'll have an answer.
Lulu: Thank you for mentioning the MSAA program. I did not realize they offered assistance to people who have insurance, and I will DEFINITELY look into it before my next MRI. You are right that I will be okay and I know I am doing the right thing. I guess I just get angry sometimes, although I know so many people have to deal with much worse than I do, not just with MS.
Hugs to you two. I hope you have a wonderful Sunday. Thank you for being with me as I move through this first year after diagnosis. It really means a lot.
- Jane
LilMinnie: I haven't been contributing much here recently because I just haven't felt that I've had a lot to contribute, but I have seen your posts and my heart goes out to you as you navigate the diagnosis process. It can be so difficult and feel like such a lonely place. I am always wishing you the best. I trust that someday soon you'll have an answer.
Lulu: Thank you for mentioning the MSAA program. I did not realize they offered assistance to people who have insurance, and I will DEFINITELY look into it before my next MRI. You are right that I will be okay and I know I am doing the right thing. I guess I just get angry sometimes, although I know so many people have to deal with much worse than I do, not just with MS.
Hugs to you two. I hope you have a wonderful Sunday. Thank you for being with me as I move through this first year after diagnosis. It really means a lot.
- Jane
Jane,
It is not a surprise that you are dealing with all these doubts and questions right now - you have moved across the country, you have changed your entire life with the new location, friends, support system and school. It is only natural that you would be questioning all of this and then toss in that bill for the MRI and that increases the doubts.
The long term prognosis for people on Copaxone is excellent - their 18 year follow on study showed a huge number (I forget it right now, but over 75% I thnk) of people remaining ambulatory for the entire time.
You will be excellent at your career choice and it is costing you a bunch to follow that dream, but it should pay off. In the future, investigate the MRI asisstance plan through MSAA BEFORE you have the imaging done. They can't help with past ones, but they have a plan to pay for future scans. I can give you the details when you get close to that time.
Stick with the plans - school and treatment. Please make no rash decisions until you get settled in and have the chance to get into this new groove. I just sense you wll be ok, but it will take time to convince yourself.
hugs,
L
It is not a surprise that you are dealing with all these doubts and questions right now - you have moved across the country, you have changed your entire life with the new location, friends, support system and school. It is only natural that you would be questioning all of this and then toss in that bill for the MRI and that increases the doubts.
The long term prognosis for people on Copaxone is excellent - their 18 year follow on study showed a huge number (I forget it right now, but over 75% I thnk) of people remaining ambulatory for the entire time.
You will be excellent at your career choice and it is costing you a bunch to follow that dream, but it should pay off. In the future, investigate the MRI asisstance plan through MSAA BEFORE you have the imaging done. They can't help with past ones, but they have a plan to pay for future scans. I can give you the details when you get close to that time.
Stick with the plans - school and treatment. Please make no rash decisions until you get settled in and have the chance to get into this new groove. I just sense you wll be ok, but it will take time to convince yourself.
hugs,
L
Hi, I think it's great that you're going ahead and following your dream. Like I tell my son, you don't want to be one of those people like me who wakes up to find themselves in the mid forties saying, "If only..."
I definitely understand about the costs of tests and doctor visits even though I'm not diagnosed with anything. It does get costly, even with insurance. I think it is a good idea to talk to your neurologist about the frequency of your MRIs and see if a little extra time in between will be OK.
Best of luck and go get 'em!
Hugs,
Minnie :)
I definitely understand about the costs of tests and doctor visits even though I'm not diagnosed with anything. It does get costly, even with insurance. I think it is a good idea to talk to your neurologist about the frequency of your MRIs and see if a little extra time in between will be OK.
Best of luck and go get 'em!
Hugs,
Minnie :)
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