help question

Hi
I am going to need a PM replacement in about a year but i have no insurance or enough money to pay for this,
is there any organizations that help with this sort of thing
i,m in fla. any info would be appres.
thank you
Rick

6 Comments

Hey Rick

by gldoble - 2008-06-17 01:06:02

Just after some quick checking I have not found anything directly from the web. However my NP had a couple of suggestions. (1) contact the hospital you had the device implanted at and talk to thier fiancial aide folks. (2) Talk to yor cardiologist and see if they can recommend anyone or an organization.

Here in CA, there is nothing for us except the good will of various hospitals such as Scripps, City of Hope & various teaching hospitals. I'll keep looking for you and everyone else, cause I got a feeling that by the time mine needs replacment, I'll probably be on disability and won't be able to afford it either.

Hang tuff, we'll find some help, so how.

Greg

Hi Rick

by Bionic Beat - 2008-06-17 01:06:27

I agree with Greg, let your medical people know, the hospitals have funds set aside (sometimes) for just these sorts of issues.

I'd also try the American Heart Association, they might be able to open doors for you.

Many of the Service Clubs, such as Rotary might help out also.

After those, I'd turn to Churches and The Salvation Army.

Don't get overstressed about the $$$, someone will have a connection for you.

It's always good to be very upfront with your own doc first, they have social workers who can access all information quickly.

Best of luck.


I feel fabulous!

Bionic Beat

single payer

by winesap - 2008-06-17 02:06:44

Rick,

It is absurd that you are even faced with this question in the USA but it is the reality we currently cope with. Opponents of socialized medicine or single payer as some like to describe it talk about the losing the freedom to choose or the possibility of care rationing. Clearly our current system rations care and you do not have freedom unless you have deep pockets and/or good insurance. I need to stop or I'll vector off on political topics not directly related to the purpose of this group. The suggestions by others make sense. Ultimately, the hospital cannot let you die and that is the result for us if we cannot get PM replacements when we need them. Take care - work on those options now rather than later.

public health

by Brooklynn - 2008-06-17 03:06:29

Have you tried going through your state? You pay taxes, that is exactly what it is for. My hospital bill neared $200,000...you cannot go at it alone..try to get all the help you can get=)

medicaid

by PreciousDays - 2008-06-17 03:06:49

If you are below the requisite income level you may qualify for medicaid. Check with your local health department for medical services - and go online to www.myflorida.com to apply for medicaid if you think you might be eligible. A year is a bit of time away - so you have a chance to research your options . (If worse comes to worse - and you ever end up in an emergency dept. needing treatment - they cannot turn you away for lack of ability to pay.....) Good luck - PD

Hi!

by tcrabtree85 - 2008-06-17 08:06:38

I also have no health insurance and understand exactly what you are going through. I lost my insurance right after getting my pm put it. On the bottom of my bills it always has a number saying with any questions please contact such and such. I contacted my heart office and also the hospital. They sent me forms and they helped me for a short while. I filed for disability but did get denied they say that b/c I have the pm I am good but jobs don't like offering insurance to you with the pre-existing condition. Though one of my dr.'s told me that they can only deny my pre-existing part. The other thing I can suggest is going through a side insurance company last month I spent a day calling a lot of them up asking questions I do not have my paper with me but can send it to you privately tomorrow. Anyways, they offer a health insurance plan for a single that is $99 they will cover your pre-existing conditions after staying with them 1 year. They don't cover as much but I would still think with the part you would not get covered the hospital would help you.
First thing is to contact your hospital. I know the stress behind not having insurance it is hard. I do believe a lot of people are facing problems just like yours. So never feel like your fighting a battle alone.
My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Tammy

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