Can you believe?

I am so pissed off, beyond pissed off would be the word. I called my hematologist's office today, and I explained to them the situation with my insurance ending on Dec. 31, 05 because my husband won't have ins. yet with the new job until 4/1/06. I said because of the dose that I am on can you call me in my coumadin for 10mg and 5mg rather than me take 3 (5mg) pills a day. She told me I would have to talk to there insurance lady. So this lady gets on the phone and I am explaining it to her, and she told me no they were not allowed to do that. That is just me wanting to get out of paying for a prescription. I was so mad, I explained to her every dr. does this because instead of me taking 5 mg I could take 1 (10 mg) and 1 (5mg) which would be easier. She told me no. I also said well I have to get my labs done also, and with no insurance, I don't know what I am going to do. She then told me that Wilmington hospital has an Adult Med. Clinic. but if you make over $12,000/yr there is no help for you. So I called the Med. Clinic for them to tell me I have to see their Adult Medicine Clinician and then he will send me to a specialist and then they will prescribed the med for me. HELLO is anyone listening. I wanted to say I have a dr. I just need the help with the medicine. So I said ok thank you. I just had to vent, I could not believe that my doctor's office was that ignorant that they could not even help me out with samples. Thanks for listening if anyone has any ideas, I would greatly appreciate it. Christie

Hi Christie, Sorry to hear about your problem. I would suggest calling the pharmaceutical company that makes your medicine. Most usually have patient assistance programs where they can give you free meds for up to three months or more if needed. Your Dr. will have to write a letter probably, but call them first to make sure this is what they will need. Good luck to you! Unbelievable!!! Maybe you should consider changing doctors after this issure is resolved. Hope this helps. Rosa

is there anyway your primary care doctor could give you the samples you need maybe the other doctors you have could help you with this i am so sorry you have to go through this i wish you all the best keep your head up and all will get better your friend vickie

Christie, This sucks. I feel like I was always fighting with the nurse's and office Mgr's. Usually after the episode I started hunting for a different DR. Then I'd write a letter to the DR to tell him why I was leaving and name names of their office personelle that were the reason for it. If nothing else I felt better and moved on. I've had to do this 3 times in the last 15 yrs. Now if I enounter a problem like this, I make an appointment with the Dr himself, and go to im directly. He can prescribe whatever you need. Go around the office staff. 9 times out of 10 he is not aware of their ignorant behaviour. Try it and let us know how you make out. It'll work. Elissa

Christie, this totally sucks big green you know whats!!! I can't help with any advise. it really sounds like you're gotten some good ones already but I just want to give you a big... {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Please consider extending your coverage self pay for 3 mos with the cobra plan. they have to offer it. It will be expensive, but with your medical problems you won't have a lapse in case of emergency and will have coverage. Hope all goes well for you Carol

Just a word of warning. If you have a lapse in insurance coverage, pre-existing conditions do not have to be covered by the new insurance company. I would make sure you use COBRA to ensure that there is no lapse. With the lapse you could be in for a rude awakening when you get the new coverage.

Hi Christie, I just jumped over from the PA board. I do not know your insurance issues but you have to look into COBRA. I am in HR and the gentleman before is correct. If you have a lapse in your coverage you may face bigger problems in the next few months. If you have questions feel free to email me but DO NOT GO WITHOUT INSURANCE! Cherokee

Thanks for all the replies. Cherokee, can you email me directly. i could not find the link to email you directly. They told us about Cobra, but I don't have $1,000.00/a month to pay it. Things are tight as it is now. I think I may be able to get some assistance now with help from the pharmacutical co. Christie

Christie, If there is no income in the house, get on medicaid, if nothing else it keeps you from having the lapse in insurance. Also, on medicaid you have a $3 copay for meds (my one is a $1500/mo expense without and I pay $3 on medicaid) they can't turn you down and it qualifies as staying insured. Hope this helps you some!!! Rachel