My brother has cancer of the esophagus and no health insurance.

[alstephenson]

He's 54 years old - admitted to ER two days ago coughing up blood. Golf ball size tumor, biopsy shows cancer. PET scan says in lymph nodes. The hospital won't start treatment because he has no health insurance. They discharged him last night. His doctor is helping him to apply for emergency medicaid (he is in California). Does anyone know anything about the process in California, or where he might receive treatment for free or reduced price? We are desperate to get him treatment.

Finding out your brother has cancer is bad enough - knowing he can't receive treatment because of a lack of money is making me crazy. If he lived in Canada, or if he were 65 years old and on medicare, he would be in treatment today.

[Forkboy]

1. This is just horrible. WTF is wrong with this country?

I am so sorry to hear about this. I wish I had some info to give you, but I'm in Mass and know nothing about how things work out there. If Cali's health care is like mine (MassHealth) it might cover everything. I really hope it does for your brother as well.

All my best wishes to you both.

[alstephenson]

2. Thanks, Forkboy.

I really appreciate the support.

[Forkboy]

3. I tried to find out any info for you but didn't come up with anything useful.

Looks like Medi-Cal covers breast and cervical cancer, but I couldn't find info on other types.

Hopefully you can find out more info this week. Besides the doctor that is helping, most hospitals have social workers that can also offer advice or direct you to some useful info. I'm sorry I couldn't help more.

[Auntie Bush]

5. What's wrong with our country? Republicans!

[sinkingfeeling]

4. Try some of the sites linked to from these.

http://cancer.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Conditions-and-diseases/Options-for-the-Uninsured-Person-with-Cancer.htm

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/financial-legal#Getting+Financial+Help+for+Healthcare

[Auntie Bush]

6. I hate to tell you this ...kind of personal...but I know how to get treatment without health insuran

Tell them you're an organ donor! My son was in an auto accident and taken to the hospital. First and only thing they asked when I arrived was, Is he an organ donor? I told them yes.
They never even asked if he had insurance...he didn't! No one ever got such excellent 24/7 care. He was never left alone for one single minute.

I know this is too soon for your brother...but if he or ANYONE else is ever in serious need of hospital care...let them know you are an organ donor. I'm taking this opportunity to give everyone this important information...even though it it doesn't apply to your brother. I hope this post doesn't upset you and the very best of luck to your brother. :hug: