Wife was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and we do not have health insurance.

[steven]

I left my position with a company in 11/06 to work as a consultant on a very large, long-term engagement. The headhunter indicated that after 6-months, I'd likely be considered for permanent hire, but I now know that is open-ended in reality. In 11/06 we rolled the dice and opted not to get insurance in the interim. Alas, my wife has now been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is early, so her prospects are good, but will require surgery. The surgery, hospital stay and follow-up care will be extremely expensive, so we're searching for ways to alleviate the financial impact as best we can. The insurance carriers we have contacted will not cover "pre-existing conditions", so that includes us. So we're not sure what alternatives we have, if any, besides paying all of the expenses out of pocket. We're willing to have a very high deductible and pay a larger than normal percentage of the medical fees if necessary as long as the coverage is immediate. We reside in New Jersey.

[steven]

oops why no replies.

[Buttons2]

Options: go far into debt,sell property you own,get a huge loan???? First let me say that I truly hope your wife has caught this in time & will have a full recovery & then remission. The LAST thing she needs is more stress right? Are there organizations with funds for breast cancer? I'd sure check that out first. Most hospitals are required by fed. law to provide assistance to people without insurance,talk to the doctor's office & find out who to contact.

Also, bury the pride and apply for assistance from the state,there's got to be help out there! And please don't beat yourself up over what you didn't do in the past....how were you supposed to know this would happen? Plus keep in mind even WITH insurance these days you're still looking at alot of debt. You might also want to contact your accountant,see how much you'll save in taxes having huge medical bills.

Good luck & best of luck to both of you!
Buttons

[steven]

I am looking for affordable insurance that will cover doctors visits and surgeries.

[Buttons2]

Maybe you better find out just what kind of debt you're gonna run up. I had a breast cancer scare,the mammogram & ultrasound were covered,then came the kicker-refused to pay for the MRI. And I had deductable for the biopsy,well that alone was gonna put me into debt bigtime! I declined the biopsy,decided if indeed I did have cancer I couldn't possible pay for treatment anyway.

Now mind you this was several years ago & I actually had WORSE concerns @ the time.....but that's just my story. I later cancelled the worthless insurance,why have it if it doesn't even cover testing?

Shop around for insurance. Read the very fine print. Aren't there women's clinics in your area that can point you in the right direction?

I'd think time is of the essence with your wife? What did the doctor say? She has breast cancer but money is needed before we proceed?

I've never heard of an ins co that will cover a pre-existing condition so I wish you good luck.
Buttons

[steven]

I know of a health care savings program that can save 30-50% depending on the services needed. It is not insurance but a savings program so you will qualify. I do not want people to think this is solicitation or advertising so getting more info.

[steven]

Maybe you better find out just what kind of debt you're gonna run up. I had a breast cancer scare,the mammogram & ultrasound were covered,then came the kicker-refused to pay for the MRI. And I had deductable for the biopsy,well that alone was gonna put me into debt bigtime! I declined the biopsy,decided if indeed I did have cancer I couldn't possible pay for treatment anyway.

Now mind you this was several years ago & I actually had WORSE concerns @ the time.....but that's just my story. I later cancelled the worthless insurance,why have it if it doesn't even cover testing?

Shop around for insurance. Read the very fine print. Aren't there women's clinics in your area that can point you in the right direction?

I'd think time is of the essence with your wife? What did the doctor say? She has breast cancer but money is needed before we proceed?

I've never heard of an ins co that will cover a pre-existing condition so I wish you good luck.
Buttons
Thanks for your reply.

[Buttons2]

How did this turn out? Please update if you can. I'm sure others are in this situation also. Hoping your wife has a speedy recovery & beats this!

[Nana4&cntn]

Hi Steven,

If you go to a hospital social worker, they may be able to help you. did your wife ever work? She could possibly qualify for Social Security, ask the social worker, she/he will be your lifeline to services. This is not something that is broadcasted. But I would try that.

I wish I could think of something else,but I am at a loss.

You and your wife are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy

[Buttons2]

Yes,please update! I just read about a big insurance co in CA that refused a woman's last treatments for breast cancer,she sued & got a settlement of over 9million! And she had been convinced to switch her insurance coverage by some creep telling her she'd save money! I have to wonder how some of these creeps sleep at night?

Hope you wife has had treatment by now & is in remission.

[chelsea]

Sorry for that sad new steven.. I believe there are lots of strategy that you can use like you can ask help from a hospital social worker or you can apply for a loan. We will pray for your wife's recovery.Please update us on her status. Hope she'll be fine.

[CODDLING REQUIRED]

Hi Steven, I am so sorry that your wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer.I think that most all the insurance companies are going to have conditions limited for the pre-conditions.Some have it available 2yrs following her last all clear. Meanwhile you'd be advised to get on board with it now for you and her as many times other health crisises will arise that are unrelated but come about following treatment as it weakens your body.She is going to need you to be healthy to take care of her and to pick up the slack, so the last thing you need is to add to the situation by compounding the issue.
The good news is that there are many programs set up just for people without insurance.Start by getting a list from the main cancer site to direct you to local chapters in your area.You will be amazed.The Komen Foundation is one.Each one has a piece to the puzzle of needs.
Next, depending on your income,the hospital has options to help with costs based on low income-you have to ask to receive.
It is a full time job to handle all this and you will likely have to take over.Get a file started to begin to keep records along the way.A lot of things pile up fast.
I also have had my breast cancer experience and speak from knowledge. There is a thing called chemo. fog and having a partner to handle that really is a big help.It is great that she caught it early.Mine had reached my lymph nodes before it was caught but I am recovering, so far so good and my first diagnosis was Sept. 15, 2003.I had 2 surgeries,6 months of chemo.,6 weeks of radiation everyday Mon. thru Fri..By Sept. I will be cancer free for 5 years.
Best of luck to you and your wife.Don't be afraid to ask for help.Mary C. in Ohio.