Can anybody help with some new ideas. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Tonsil Cancer last July. I went thru the chemo and radiation treatments which ended in November. WHile in the hospital, since I couldn't work, my insurance coverage was cancelled. They wanted about $1,000 a month for COBRA. I'm not working, thus couldnt take the COBRA.

I am now working and going through what I hope will be the last of the treatment. Catscan showed the lymphnodes in my neck as still being larger than normal and scheduled me for a Modified Radical Neck Dissection for May 9. Since I am again working I do have insurance coverage, BUT I am considered a consultanta as I work for an agency, but get paid salary, not as an outside consultant. This company offers healthe insurance which is basically a limited policy.

I got a call from my doctor yesterday telling me they got a call from the hospital, that my insurance was only going to pay for $600 of the hospital bill, this didnt include what the doctor and anesthesiologist would bill in addition. I was asked how I was going to pay the difference, which I was then told was somewhere in the neighborhood of $25K. I have no clue. My doctor iw willing to work with me and do the surgery gratis from his end. But I need to find a way to have this taken care of. With what the insurance didnt cover of my treatment so far, I am in debt to the hospital and doctors for about $300K. I cant be worrying about this when I have to put all my energy into recovery. When I am working, as I am now, I make too much for them to consider me a charity case, although IU have looked into that.

I have no idea which way to turn anymore. Doctor said although he is not certain that the lymphnodes have cancer, he would rather be sure that he gets 100% of the cancer then not be sure and literally write me a death sentence, as if they do have cancer they can no longer be radiated or treated with chemo. Thanks for listening to me. I appreciate any and all ideas.If you would prefer to email me direct, instead of here at the forum, please do. My email address is [email protected]

May you all be blessed.
Fred

Dear Fred,

You might try contacting a social worker at the hospital where you are getting treatment, especially one in the oncology, and that person should be able to help you sort through your various options. It seems to me you should go through with the surgery and worry about paying back the money later, even if it means long-term loans. Your life is worth it!! Best of luck!

-Tricia

Yes I double that. At Moffitt they have a dept that is set especially to handle situations like yours so keep asking and be the squeaky wheel,

I do believe that if the social worker can't help you in this that they have to take what ever you say you can afford in payments. It worked for me that mway . I did get lucky with the Drs at ohio State> I sent a couple of years of copies of 1040s ans they did tel me to forget the DFrs statements and that they would write it off. I owe quite thousand to the Hospital there and didn't do any good with them yet, so I continue to send the $20 every month and will never live long enough to pay them.