Hi Scootersmom... The doctors office was gonna check with some other ENT's the problem is I have no insurance and basically no income... my husband is self-employed and he has not worked but a couple of small jobs in the past 6 months and we no longer have any savings! We have been trying to do odd jobs and haul off scrap metal just to get by. I was turned down by medicaid because we had made just a little over the limit for our household size, but I am going to appeal it and see if they will go by what he is making now and not what he made last year. Hopefully they approve me... I just hate waiting, especially since now I have had a second lump pop up over the past week or so.

Thanks again for all your support and advice... I would go nuts if I hadn't found this support group!
Shannon

Here in Florida I have been able to get a few people to our COUNTY's run health clinic and they made a referral to a specialist. There must be some similar agency where you live. Try calling the local government phone lines and keep asking.

Hi David... I have been to one of our State run clinics and they did refer me to an ENT but since I have no insurance the ENT will not see me unless I pay for the visit up front and that will cost a minimum of $95 to $180 not including any tests or x-rays and at the moment we basically have no income coming in so there is no way I can afford that. Plus this ENT can't even get me in until May 27th! I am checking into other avenues to get this checked out though... it is just very aggravating that there seems to be all kinds of help for those that are seeking help for other types of cancer!

Thanks for your advice
Shannon

I am surprised that there aren't more free services available. The ones that went through our County's clinic got all their cancer treatments totally paid for and even were given some cash to help out in the supply arena.

Shannon,

I put off getting my tongue checked because I don't have health insurance either. I actually went to a wellnes center where I get my pap smears done. I didn't know where else to go. They referred my to an oral surgeon that set me up on a payment plan. When my biopsy came back positive, the oral surgeon sent me over to my Ear Nose and Throat doctor at Aurora Hospital. After my doctor's visits and surgery my medical bill was over $27,000. Yikes! However, I applied for Financial Assistance through the hospital. I sent in my 2009 taxes and all of my current bills and such. I just got a letter back in the mail saying my medical bills have been 100% covered by Helping Hands Financial Assistance. Now, you may not be able to get 100% coverage if your income is too high, but they can drastically reduce the amount of money you owe. And then you will be set up on a payment plan. Be very persistant about finding a doctor that will treat you! I found my cancer quite early and my doctors are very optimistic about my situation. You deserve health care and don't expect any less! I love our country, but for God Sakes, shouldn't every person be entitled to health care? Hang in there. I know the waiting game is the worse part!

Ashley

Thanks Ashley... I will be going to the ER later today because I know they cannot refuse me treatment... The problem with most doctor offices around here is they will not see you unless you make a payment before you are seen by the doctor. I know once there is a diagnosis that there are many places that will help me out but it's just getting the diagnosis that is hard if you are uninsured and have little to no income... I swear I was tempted to get a divorce just so I could get medicaid... LOL not really though

I wish you well and thanks again!
Shannon

Shannon, It breaks my heart to hear what you are going through. Bad enough you have health issues & not knowing for sure what it is right now is so stressful...then on top of that you have financial worries. I am a single mom, I know what "disconnect" "termination" etc. is like to live with. I am glad your going to the ER at least you will get some help. If it is cancer - time - is not your friend. Sooner you get help, the better. I am sending all good thoughts your way & wish you tons of luck. You sure will be in my prayers today. Just me thinking out loud "Isn't it amazing how America runs to the aid of sooo many causes, but we can have citizens here in this kind of panic & neglect?"

Shannon,

Good Luck at the ER. Let us know how everything works out afterwards. If you're thinking about getting a divorce, (which I know you were just kidding) maybe you could marry a Canadian just for the health benefits:) Hope to hear an update from you soon. Take care.

Thank you Dianne MH
LOL @ Ashley... Actually my hubby has an appt with the National Guard recruiter (he is prior Navy) while he is in training we should get full benefits so if something isn't done before that takes effect I will get it taken care of then.
The ER was a waste of time!!! After waiting 5 hours all the doctor said was I don't know what it is and you will have to go to an ENT... Well duh!!! I already knew that! He acted as if it was no big deal and he kept saying if it doesn't hurt and it isn't changing then it is probably nothing or maybe an infection, even though I had told him that it has been changing! Some days it seems swollen and has a white top and others it doesn't... needless to say the ER doc didn't listen to a word I had said!
I am gonna call some other ENT's and see if I can get in sooner and if they will work with me on a payment.
Oh I also talked to the receptionist at my kids' dentist and they refer all biopsy's to an oral surgeon.

Feels like I am running in circles!... LOL
Shannon

Shannon, To bad the ER was a waste of time. How frustrating for you, & the wasted time. What is it going to take to get you checked out? I wish I had answers for you. Can you try applying for Medicaid again? Bring you bank statements & every bill & receipts you can find. There just has to be some help for you. I hate to see wasted days going by (IF you need care) Good Luck!