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#52752 08-27-2003 04:24 AM
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I thought this was worth repeating...

If you are considering changing jobs and are concerned about pre-existing condition exclusions, you should consider COBRA coverage (you may want to consider trying to negotiate an increase in salary with your new employer to cover the cost rather than insuring yourself through them). Please keep in mind that COBRA coverage is temporary coverage). For more on COBRA coverage and rules, visit:

http://www.cobrainsurance.com/

Generally, you should continue your health coverage under COBRA if you...
> have had comprehensive benefits and don't mind paying more for them
>want continual, guaranteed coverage at a higher cost
>have had recent health problems
>have had ongoing health problems
>are taking expensive medications
>have been declined for private insurance recently
>have a history of medical problems
>have had an accident within the 60 day window of enrollment
>are pregnant or planning to get that way
>got a job and your new employer does not offer a health plan


Amy
#52753 03-31-2004 08:48 AM
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I signed up for COBRA coverage and when I was elligible for enrollment in a new group policy I declined because I had already met my annual deductible on the COBRA policy and had already started chemo and radiation. I was diagnosed in July. In November the COBRA policy was changed from $1 million lifetime max to $250,000 which by the way, I had already reached. I was advised by the insurance company in late March that I had exceeded my lifetime max. The new company that was carrying me on self funded short term disability would not let me sign up for their group policy because I had to be "at work" in order to sign up. The new company called me Friday last week to tell me I would receive my last short term disability check today because they had sold to another company. The long term disability insurance I have been paying for has a 6 month waiting period and because I tried to get back to work October and November last year, I am 15 weeks from elligibility and COBRA will not cover this policy. Talk about feeling exposed right now. I have just passed my 6 month PET scan but if the cancer comes back I will need a neck dissection and wonder how I will pay for this. The state of Texas can put me on their risk pool plan and I only need about $700 per month with no income right now other than the $35k my wife makes. I was in a $110k job. What great news, huh?

Ed


SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
#52754 03-31-2004 05:33 PM
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Thanks for the reminder, Amy!

I feel with you Ed, My Minnesota "Care" was supposed to be the new solution for very small business and folks that didn't qualify for other insurance. In August 03 we got a letter from the state: we no longer qualify (because they changed the rules) and would not have coverage. The gave us two weeks to find something else! (the great state kicked some 10,000 people off all at once). We did find something short term and now my wife went back to full time work at a company with full benefits and took me on even with my history. I completely know what you mean about feeling exposed.


Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
#52755 04-02-2004 07:18 AM
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When changing employers, HIPAA regulations can often eliminate any preexisting condition exclusion, so you don't necessarily need to elect COBRA if you are "HIPAA protected". When joining a new group plan, you get credit for previous health insurance coverage and can use it to reduce the exclusion period. This is one of the reasons why electing COBRA if you are NOT leaving for other employment is so important...it will continue your creditable coverage so that when you DO get another job, you won't have to wait out the preexisting condition period.

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/hipaa/hipaa1/content/hipsteps.asp#Step3

#52756 04-03-2004 06:23 AM
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Here's another COBRA related question: When my husband dies (soon, we are told) I will no longer have health insurance because he carries me and my daughters on his plan through his employer. I will have to continue with COBRA coverage, but it will be 4X what my husband pays now. Imagine--I will be reduced to one income, and COBRA will be nearly half my monthly take-home salary as a public school teacher. Alternately, I could take on coverage through MY employer during open enrollment in the fall, but even there a family plan costs almost as much as the COBRA will cost.

My question: will I be able to seek out health insurance through an independent company rather than my empoyer? And if so, how do I know if I'm getting a "good deal" and reliable coverage? I'm so worried about this. Right now, my daughters and I are healthy and always have been, but I'd be terrified to go one minute without coverage, yet I can't afford to pay the outrageous prices that a family plan costs. (We really had a good deal through my husband's employer.)

Christine


Wife of Scott: SCC, Stage I retromolar 10/02--33 rad; recurrence 10/03--Docetaxol, 5FU, Cisplatin; 1/04 radical right neck, hard palate, right tonsil; recurrence 2/04--mets to skin and neck; Xeloda and palliative care 3/04-4/04; died 5/01/04.
#52757 04-03-2004 06:58 AM
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Christine, my understanding of COBRA is that they can only lawfully charge 105% of the original premium. I am amazed that you don't have great coverage as a teacher. I was a classified employee for a school district for several years and the one thing they didn't scrimp on was health insurance coverage. We had a choice of 3 different health plans. You can always reduce your premium costs with higher co-pays. If you and the kids are really healthy you may be able to find a plan as low as $400.00/mo but with a $50.00 co-pay. It probably wouldn't hurt to talk to a broker and see what they do for you.

My wife and I are paying around $1,000.00/mo. for medical coverage (we have a $5.00 co-pay) it has vision and dental also. We are both self employed.


Gary Allsebrook
***********************************
Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
________________________________________________________
"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
#52758 04-03-2004 11:40 AM
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I believe you are correct on the 105% Gary, but the employer is not required to pay any part so you are required to pay the total amount including what the employer used to pay. Cobra is usually no bargain unless you have no other choice. It is however an important in-between coverage to keep while you are changing insurance. Many companies will waive a waiting period if you have had continuous coverage.

Christine, My wife and 3 kids were pretty resonable through a private (Blue cross) plan. The best prices are policies with high deductable and co-pay amounts. Check with the agent you buy homeowners or auto insurance. They might be able to offer something. Thank you for the update on your husband. Give him my best regards, and I am sorry I'll not be able to meet him on this side.

There was a time when I considered the reality that we could go broke paying for insurance, or go broke if we got sick. It isn't a very good choice to have to make.


Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
#52759 04-04-2004 01:52 PM
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Mark, apparently my husband's employer does cover huge amount of his insurance for COBRA to be so high (and for his share to be so low now).

And Gary, as for public school teachers' insurance--it really stinks out in here in VA. There may be some school systems that offer good benefits for teachers, but the two I've worked for in the last few years have both had horrible "benefits" and sad pay compared to the rest of the state. I live in the "country" and the tax base can't match up to that of school districts near Washington, D.C or Virginia Beach, for example.

I have another question about insurance. I've seen on this board where several times some of you suggest folks get life insurance and other forms of protection before a possible cancer diagnosis. I have been worried about one policy my husband and I took out just after we were married and only two months before he had a doc look at a lesion in the back of his mouth that turned out to be T1 SCC.

At the time we took out the policy, the insurance salesman made us fill out tons of forms answering questions about habits (drinking, smoking, exercise), health, etc, then told us the rates for our coverage--mine a pittance for a larger policy since I don't smoke and never have; and a heftier price for a smaller policy for my husband who had smoked a pipe for a number of years. We also had a health worker come to our home a week later to draw blood and take urine samples, then we visited a doctor for a physical exam.

Well, I've been worried about that policy because of all the hoops they made us jump through to get coverage. Since my husband's cancer was diagnosed so soon after getting it (like I said, around 2 months) I worry about whether I will be able to depend on that policy to help pay off our home (that we had JUST BOUGHT at that time). I'm just worried that they will try to wriggle out of honoring the policy even though we really had no idea that Scott would soon learn of cancer. I know it's silly to worry about this now, but my husband and I have been forced to "take care of financial matters" with his terminal prognosis and we're hoping my daughters and I can stay in our home. (I could never pay the payments on my teacher's pay, esp. not with the probable higher cost of health insurance!)

Christine


Wife of Scott: SCC, Stage I retromolar 10/02--33 rad; recurrence 10/03--Docetaxol, 5FU, Cisplatin; 1/04 radical right neck, hard palate, right tonsil; recurrence 2/04--mets to skin and neck; Xeloda and palliative care 3/04-4/04; died 5/01/04.
#52760 04-04-2004 03:44 PM
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Christine,

I am so sorry you have to deal with so much right now. My heart goes out to you. Find the insurance policy and read it. Many policies have a period of time that prevents claims from being allowed. For example, much of the AFLAC cancer policies have an exclusion if cancer is diagnosed in the first six months of the policy. Most credit life insurance has a three or six month exclusion period. My life insurance does not have an exclusion period but I have had it for four years. You can also contact the American Bar Association and request pro bono legal advice. When you give them your circumstances, you will most likely get the answer you need without cost. Please keep us posted. I wish you the best.

Ed


SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
#52761 04-05-2004 05:50 AM
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Christine...would your kids possibly qualify for health insurance through the state? I know people who've been unable to afford private family insurance who've gotten the kids on state provided insurance and just bought an individual policy for themselves.

http://www.vhcf.org/Child%20Health/Child%20Health.htm

#52762 04-05-2004 11:29 AM
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kwl718--I'm not sure about insurance through the state, but I'll check it out! Thank you.

Ed, I looked over the policy, and I cannot find anywhere that says there is an exclusion for illness/cancer that is diagnosed during an initial set period. Hopefully that means we are OK. I've thought about calling our agent and just asking him, but I don't want to get into all that while my husband is still struggling with cancer. If it turns out that the policy will not pay because of the cancer diagnosis so closely following taking out the policy, I'd rather Scott not know about it. He has enough to worry about right now. I guess if I knew for sure now that the policy won't pay, my actions might cause him concern and I'd end up telling him.

Guess I'll put it all aside until the time comes; I'll know soon enough. I really hate thinking about this stuff, you know? I'd rather have him than any amount of money, of course, but knowing I'm going to lose him, I'd at least like for my daughters and me to be able to remain in the house Scott and I worked so hard to make our family home--that's why we took out that policy. Guess we should have asked some "what if" questions of the agent at the time. After all, life insurance is supposed to offer "peace of mind." Right.

C.


Wife of Scott: SCC, Stage I retromolar 10/02--33 rad; recurrence 10/03--Docetaxol, 5FU, Cisplatin; 1/04 radical right neck, hard palate, right tonsil; recurrence 2/04--mets to skin and neck; Xeloda and palliative care 3/04-4/04; died 5/01/04.
#52763 04-05-2004 04:28 PM
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Christine,
Two thoughts, first it may be "weighing" on him already and you might find out you are covered. Second, the fact that he is alive and able to make a statement about his lack of knowledge might be helpful if the insurance company wants to argue. See an attorney right away.


Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
#52764 04-05-2004 05:40 PM
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Christine,

Try the ABA in your area. I really think they would help you. You could also try Legal Aid in the yellow pages. I would be glad to make a call to your insurance company for you if you want. Anything I can do I will be glad to help you out. I am so sorry you have to deal with this right now on top of everything but you may want the answer as soon as possible to plan out your strategy. I found out in Texas, for example, they can start foreclosure proceedings after missing your second payment and it takes a few days to completely boot you out of your house. It is the fastest state there is. I just lost my job before I could get back to work and it is weighing heavily on my mind. I have been looking hard for a job the past week and am trying not to think about it.

Ed


SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
#52765 04-06-2004 02:16 AM
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Ok, Mark and Ed, you've given me the guts to check on it. I'm getting in touch with our agent today; what to do from there depends on what they tell me!

Christine


Wife of Scott: SCC, Stage I retromolar 10/02--33 rad; recurrence 10/03--Docetaxol, 5FU, Cisplatin; 1/04 radical right neck, hard palate, right tonsil; recurrence 2/04--mets to skin and neck; Xeloda and palliative care 3/04-4/04; died 5/01/04.
#52766 04-06-2004 05:32 AM
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HUGE RELIEF. Our insurance agent was so helpful..immediately put our minds to rest. He said some companies are pickier than others, but that we are OK since Scott didn't have a diagnosis until after the policy was approved and since we both "passed" our blood tests and physicals that were required at the time. This agent was compassionate, offered help, advice, prayers, whatever we need him to do. I'd forgotten what a great guy he is since I only met him once when we had him come to our home to take out the policies. He said do not worry about this another minute.

Thanks Mark and Ed. I can't believe I was such a chicken.

Christine :p


Wife of Scott: SCC, Stage I retromolar 10/02--33 rad; recurrence 10/03--Docetaxol, 5FU, Cisplatin; 1/04 radical right neck, hard palate, right tonsil; recurrence 2/04--mets to skin and neck; Xeloda and palliative care 3/04-4/04; died 5/01/04.
#52767 04-06-2004 07:40 AM
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HOORAY! I am so happy to hear the great news. God is really so awesome! You rest easy now and give yourself a little TLC! I will certainly be praying for you and your family.

God Bless!

Ed


SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
#52768 04-06-2004 07:51 AM
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Hi Christine
Good that you managed to deal so well with that.. that's one thing less to fret over
Love and Hugs
Helen


SCC Base of tongue, (TISN0M0) laser surgery, 10/01 and 05/03 no clear margins. Radial free flap graft to tonsil pillar, partial glossectomy, left neck dissection 08/04
#52769 04-07-2004 05:02 PM
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smile


Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
#52770 04-08-2004 02:34 AM
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Good Job Christine! At my house we call the process to doing something uncomfortable, difficult and dreaded (please don't be offended) Sucking it up and doing the "big girl" stuff. (I have two teenage daughters who also have to remind Mom to do it too, sometimes.) I commend your bravery to confront this issue, and am so very pleased that at least one of the issues facing you has had a positive outcome.

Sincerely,
Lisa


Lisa
SCC of Tongue Stage 1 (T1,N0,M0)
partial glossectomy,modified neck dissection 4/14/03
#52771 05-23-2004 02:40 PM
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Christine you sound like I do my husband is terminal and we are trying to insurance together for our family as well. Life insurance we took out before he was diagnosed has a two year clause before death almost there, what really agrevates me is in the manner that his employer treated him after 27years of service and they let him go for a made up reason at the time he was not this sick and still going to work everyday but we took out Cobra also and I had to go on mine at work it really cuts the paycheck its bad enough to know you have Cancer but then you have to fight for your job and respect too. Bobbie


bobbie jensen
#52772 05-24-2004 04:04 AM
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Christine-
I'm so sorry you have to deal with so much right now, but just a note on your medical insurance. Most medical rates are separated by "employee" "spouse" "employee with children" than "family rates". Family rates are always higher as they include a spouse. You will find that the employee with children rates are considerably less. When your husband passes on to a better place it is in the insurance world considered a "qualifying event" and you should be able to go to your employer to sign up without waiting for your annual enrollment period. The employee with children rate will be less than the Cobra for family rate. Let me know if you need more information. God bless you during this heavy time. - Kris


SCC Stage IV left tonsil neck disection 3/02 radiation finished 6/02 chemo finished 9/02
Stage 2A left breast cancer 3/09, chemo and radiation, finished treatment 2/7/10 -Stage 2 right beast cancer 10/14 chemo and radiation
Every day is still a gift :-)
#52773 05-24-2004 07:24 AM
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Bobbie,

I am sorry with all you have to endure that you also have to struggle with a heartless employer AND an insurance company. Remember the insurance company is in business to fight your claim and they are not on your side. As your husband is diagnosed terminal, he may qualify for Social Security Disability if you are not already receiving it. You, too, are entitled to benefits if he is qualified plus any children under 16 in the home. Further, he may qualify for health coverage which would allow you to possibly get reduced rates as Kris mentions below your post. If you need a lawyer to help sort some of this out, the American Bar Association may be able to refer you to one that will take your case pro bono. There is also legal aid based on ability to pay in most cities.

Enlist the help of others for the things you don't feel like you are best able to fight with all you have going right now. And don't let any schmucks ever let you or your husband believe for a second that you have lost any of the respect you have earned in life. They are not worth it!

Ed


SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
#52774 05-27-2004 04:08 PM
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Bobbie,

I only just noticed the COBRA thread. I'm ashamed that it has taken me so long to notice. You damned right its WRONG and flat out unethical! I am convinced that whatever people put out into the world will come full circle. We may never know the hardships they'll face but I know without a doubt it will bite them...someway. That's karma! You hang tough and perservere. We're all going to get through this one way or another and STILL come out okay.

I don't know your specific circumstances but there may be a catch...

Some things you may wish to investigate...
Was your husband on disability with his company at the time they terminated him? Contact your local department of labor and/or the EEOC regarding his former employer's potential liability for terminating him while disabled.

Secondly, anyone that currently has group coverage - keep group coverage for as long as you can. DO NOT let it laps for any period in excess of 63 days or you will most certainly fall into the pre-existing conditions and waiting periods. If you have come from a group plan to an individual plan - you are subject to any and all exclusions/waiting periods they have written into the plan. Your certificate of insurability means nothing in that case because you are changing plan types. FYI: Most private/individual plans are NOT major medical. Look hard into the details. They usually carry significantly higher deductibles, copays, limited formularies for Rx's, uncovered procedures, etc.

Because I have worked with medical insurance plans as part of my work - I have been mentally going bug-shit (forgive the term) with our situation. (Knowledge is not necessarily power it can make you crazy, too.) Keep your ear to the ground and if insurance companies and employers think they can get away with something - I promise, they'll try. Sorry to sound so cynical but I've learned the hard way...

I empathize with the sense of being so vulnerable. It costs nothing except time to speak with those agencies and they may be able to help alleviate some of the burden/answer some questions.


Caregiver to Uptown/Ed, SCC Stage IV, Base of tongue - Completed Chemo (Cisplatnin/5FU) and 45 days' simultaneous Radiation 10/08/03
#52775 05-13-2005 11:58 AM
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I was terminated by my employer when my Family/Medical Leave Act ended and on 5/1/05 I elected COBRA. I was surprised today when I filled two prescriptions, where my co-pay would be $45, and was informed that I would have to pay full price for each (total of $185) and seek reimbursement through my insurance which is a Cigna HMO. Neither my former employer or the COBRA coordinator informed me about this. Is it standard practice?


Be well. Zenda
12/04 SCC Tonsil, Stage IV T3N2BM0. Mod RND, resect right oropharynx, free-flap, resect right tongue base. Erbitux,Docetaxel,RT X 33. 6/08 Mets lung, hilar lymph node:Carboplatin, Docetaxel. 2010 2nd clinical trial:lung clear, node stable. ORN,trismus,dysphagia. 8-10/2012 cryoablation,brachytherapy,cyberknife to lymph node. 12/12 NED. 6/13 Mets RLL lung: 8/13 cyberknife. 11/13 NED.
#52776 05-13-2005 12:35 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
Senior Member (100+ posts)
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Senior Member (100+ posts)

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
I neglected to state in my prior post that I paid my May premium for COBRA in April to assure that I would be "in the system" on May 1. My former employer assured me that I was "in the system." Doctor appointments since May 1 have been no problem and I have paid the pre-COBRA co-pay.


Be well. Zenda
12/04 SCC Tonsil, Stage IV T3N2BM0. Mod RND, resect right oropharynx, free-flap, resect right tongue base. Erbitux,Docetaxel,RT X 33. 6/08 Mets lung, hilar lymph node:Carboplatin, Docetaxel. 2010 2nd clinical trial:lung clear, node stable. ORN,trismus,dysphagia. 8-10/2012 cryoablation,brachytherapy,cyberknife to lymph node. 12/12 NED. 6/13 Mets RLL lung: 8/13 cyberknife. 11/13 NED.
#52777 05-13-2005 02:03 PM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 837
"Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
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"Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)

Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 837
Zenda,

I am not an insurance expert, so I can't give you a definitive answer on this. However, I was on COBRA coverage from September of 2003 until February of this year, and when I first started on COBRA there was no change in the way my prescriptions were handled, compared with the system under my prior employer.

Cathy


Tongue SCC (T2M0N0), poorly differentiated, diagnosed 3/89, partial glossectomy and neck dissection 4/89, radiation from early June to late August 1989
#52778 06-08-2005 05:16 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 2
Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
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Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 2
Zenda,

Nothing should change in terms of coverage when you elect COBRA coverage. It may be a case the pharmacy was not on the preferred provider list. Make sure and ask your customer service rep for future reference. The number should be on your card.

Ed


SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
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