I'm really depressed

[CatWoman]

I have developed a condition in my right eye which calls for monthly injections in it.

Today was my second injection and my third visit to this doctor. He says I have to keep up this treatment for at least a year.

As if the injections aren't bad enough, today his staff presented me with my share of the bill -- $750!!

I had to set up payment arrangements to the tune of $100 monthly.

That's in addition to $30 per office visit. After each shot I have to return the following week to check for infection and monitor my progress.

I'm just praying that nothing else happens to me.

Blue Cross can go fuck themselves.

[w8liftinglady]

1. a big hug! I've been there.

pm me. I can help a little,if you need it.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Oh, NO.

That sounds painful. I'm so sorry.

I hope the injections work!

I agree about Blue Cross.

:hug: :hug:

[seabeyond]

3. i am so sorry cat. our bluecross turned to a hsa and 15,000 deductible, per year

i have to pay for fuckin everything. it is so hard. my son has been having an eye problem and been to doctor at least five times in 6 months. i wonder what we are going to do with him. three different drops, little bottle, 100 per bottle.

outrageous.

you experience sounds bad. then on top of the price...

i am sorry

[loudsue]

93. Blue cross is screwing with us, too. Rates are through the roof. Every couple of months there's an

increase. Insurance costs as much as a MORTGAGE!! And the whole reason health care costs are so high is BECAUSE of insurance.

We really need to start fighting the insurance companies. Insurance shouldn't even BE part of the health care system...not doctor liability NOR people's health insurance. It's a huge level of bureaucracy that the health care system DOES NOT NEED. If we need to pool our risks as a society, we shouldn't be spending TRILLIONS on the CEO's that are killing people.

[seabeyond]

97. we were paying 1,400 a month for family. company bought husband out so they changed to this

the upside? instead of our money going to inusrance it goes to hsa. i can pay medical without taxes.... but fuck, the cost is out the roof and doctors and hospitals are screwin ya too. it is an all around screwin.

[glinda]

107. Dropped to a lower coverage five months ago. They just raised it to almost the same amount again.

I fucking hate them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hate them hate them hate them!

[seabeyond]

118. I fucking hate them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hate them hate them hate them!

that about says it.

[Divernan]

99. Penn.Highmark Blue Cross has record profits & $3.7 billion surplus

and it is one of those "non-profits" which pays no state taxes. Beyond inhumane and outrageous!


Highmark's ledger: Profits jump while the Blues abandon adultBasic
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The region's leading health insurer, ostensibly a non-profit corporation, had a very good year in 2010. Its revenue of $14.6 billion, a $1 billion increase over 2009, made it the third-largest Pittsburgh-based company, behind U.S. Steel and PNC Financial Services. Net income, or profit, was $462.5 million, a 146 percent jump.

By the end of the year, Highmark had a $3.71 billion surplus, even after providing bonuses to many employees and contributing $175 million to community-related activities including those intended to expand access to health insurance for low-income families and older adults.

On the other side of Highmark's ledger, though, were its decisions to outsource work to India and STOP contributing to the state's adultBasic health insurance program for poor, working Pennsylvanians. Highmark and its three sister Blue Cross-Blue Shield companies in Pennsylvania ended their six-year commitment when it expired at the end of 2010, and 40,000 adultBasic subscribers were cut off on Feb. 28.

The alternative coverage that Highmark offers is more expensive and less expansive. Where adultBasic was $36 a month, the Special Care plan costs $162, plus imposes more restrictions on doctors' visits.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11095/1136955-192.stm#ixzz1Ifjbpvq0

[BREMPRO]

117. profit should be made ILLEGAL for health care period. no one should profit from sickeness

it leads to perverse incentives. sickness, high co-pays, more "treatment" for fee, and denial of care= profit to company and shareholders. should be WELLNESS= profit and return of any profit to citizen in the form of lower rates.

[girl gone mad]

4. That sucks.

I think eye tissue heals faster than most tissues.

(That was the only silver lining I could come up with.)

:hug:

[blondeatlast]

5. Oh, CW, so sorry. I can certainly sympathize.

It sucks to be sick in this country. I have insulin dependent diabetes and just refilled my well-covered RX for insulin. Recently the refill service has started sending a year's worth at one time instead of three months worth.

$900 out of pocket in one fell swoop, just like that.--and still, every time, I'm so damn incredibly grateful I have coverage. If I didn't, i'd very likely be dead. Period.

[CatWoman]

8. I don't know which shock is greater

the trauma of the shot, or the bill :(

[blondeatlast]

12. Exactly...

Prayers for the best of outcomes, :hug:

[madokie]

19. I'm sure its the shock of the bill

if it wasn't for the VA I'd already be a goner. I worked construction all my life and never had any insurance and when I finally did start having medical problems I turned to the VA and they've been wonderful. I wish everyone had care like I get at the VA's socialize medicine.

:hug:s well wishes and good vibes coming your way.

[CoffeeCat]

87. I am so sorry sweetie...

I don't like shots either. And shots in the eye would be very hard. It just stinks. No
way around it.

Do you have a friend who would go with you when you get the shots? Sometimes it helps to have
someone distracting you and taking your mind off of it a little bit?

Too bad you can't take those gorgeous kitties in with you, and snuggle with them when this is
happening!

Thinking of you...I know how hard this must be and I truly empathize with you and care! :hug:

[CatWoman]

131. my appointments were at 7 a.m.

I had them changed to the afternoon (starting Monday) so that a coworker can drive me.

It's really nerve wracking trying to drive on the highway with impaired vision.

[loudsue]

111. You're really brave, CatWoman.

Sending you a big hug... :hug:

Hang in there.

[CatWoman]

132. thanks, Sue

:hug:

[provis99]

6. what a weird coincidence...

I just got back a half hour ago from taking my Great Aunt Violet to get an injection in her eye to save her eyesight. She was paying $1500 a shot, which killed her financially, but she's glad for getting the shot.

I'm glad you're getting the shot to save your eyes, though I'm sad that the bills are piling up. I had to watch my dear old grandmother go blind; she had been illiterate all her life, but was learning to read in her 80's when this blindness hit her. I wish the shot would have been available then.

[CatWoman]

7. he said that it I left it untreated, I would lose vision in that eye

:(

[Red State Rebel]

83. Have you contacted the drug company?

A lot of them have special pricing for patients that are financially disadvantaged.

[CatWoman]

133. I'm still researching options

thanks for the suggestion :hi:

[femrap]

96. Keep your eye.....

and pay what you can when you can. Drop it to $50/month if need be. Does Blue Cross pay anything for the shot?

I have a bill and I only pay $20/month....and I make them call me if they want their money. Lately, a tape recorded message calls me and tells me to call to make a payment. Well, I want people to have jobs so I make a real live person call me or I don't pay.

Greedy sons of short dicks!

[ixion]

9. very sorry to hear that, CatWoman

:(

[mattvermont]

10. I feel your pain

My scenario is that my daughter was recently in a horse accident...long story short, she was airlifted 45 miles and declared ok.
She was sent from a hospital that has an agreement with my BCBS plan, and from previous experience, an ambulance ride to the same destination was covered but for 50 dollars.
So one would assume that whatever the ER doc is calling for would be covered. I recently received the bill for the airlift......$25,000.
To BCBS credit, they are trying very hard to get the service provider to be reasonable, and BCBS will cover at least 14,000, but the Publicly traded helicopter company has no such agreement with BC, and therefore can attempt to balance bill me. As there is no blood in a turnip, they speculated wrongly that my insurance would cover whatever number they pull out of a hat. A similar ride for someone else to the same hospital, the same distance, by the same company one year ago was billed 7000....go figure

[CatWoman]

14. the whole thing is nothing but a fucking farce

a ripoff!!

Hope your daughter is ok

[mattvermont]

18. thanks so much

she will be fine, and it could have had a very different outcome. I weep everytime I think of the great work the EMT's do...such an accident gives one such gratitude for those who deal with that all the time.
The eye shots sound utterly unbearable...will the therapy save your sight? One thing I learned in all my troubles is that do not simply accept what you are being charged. Educate and Retaliate.
Most people do not bark, so the one that demonstrates that they wont take it lying down, will often get extra consideration. Good luck to you.

[CatWoman]

20. my vision has slowly become better

but I need to research and find a cheaper doctor, or something.

[truedelphi]

64. Did you know that in this country of ours,

The Hospitals, clinics and other sectors of the HC world are they only entities that can charge one price for one group of people, and another price for some one else?

And this is not allowed by any other industry - just HC industry, due to the great lobbyists the HC industry retains.

So if you have a procedure (or a helicopter ride) and it is covered by insurance, it might only cost your insurer some five thousand bucks, but if you are an individual paying out of pocket, the same exact procedure is apt to cost more than twice that amount!

By law that is illegal, except for those in the health profession. Karl Denninger had a brilliant piece about this last month - and in it he related how the state of New Jersey has actually had their State's Attorney's office go after some big offenders, even though the law is on the books that the medical professionals can charge as they want to.

Dig this: one doctor charged a hospital patient over 35K for one consultation, in which he sat at the guy's bedside and "consulted."!!!

[blueamy66]

76. similar story, but not as expensive

I took my fiance to a BCBS approved ER/hospital. Funny thing is, the ER doc didn't accept his BCBS.

I told him to go fuck himself when he sent a bill to us.

[WillyT]

11. (((((((HUGS)))))))

I'm so sorry Cat...

:grouphug:

:loveya:

:pals:

[CatWoman]

15. thanks, Willy

:hug:

[badhair77]

13. I'm very sorry to hear of everyone's problems.

So much suffering. It's bad enough to have the physical issues but the stress of the financial difficulties makes it worse and can't aid in healing. My good thoughts go to all of you who are hurting.

[tpsbmam]

42. Welcome to DU, badhair77.

You sound like a kindhearted person -- it's always nice to see in this freakishly selfish USA we're living in right now. You've found a place where there are many kindred souls.

:hi:

[badhair77]

52. Thanks for the welcome, tpsbmam.

We need all the kind hearts we can find. I came here in 2004 after Bush won re-election. I've been lurking and reading faithfully since then and I just never had time to post till now (it's more like time to think about what I was posting). I retired from 36 years of teaching so it's nice to have a sympathetic place to land. There are many good souls here. Thanks again for your kind words. I appreciate it.

:hi:

[stockholmer]

103. welcome to DU and all my thoughts to CW

:hi:

[badhair77]

105. thanks stockholmer

happy to meet you

:)



CW - please let us know your progress with your eyes and your bill

[blondeatlast]

54. It really is. Glad you found your way to DU--Welcome! nt

[badhair77]

88. Thanks, blondeatlast.

Just look at the support on this thread. It's lovely in this cold world.

[dixiegrrrrl]

16. I don't know which would hurt worse, the bill or the shots.

A needle in your eye?????

[CatWoman]

21. i have nightmares about those fucking shots

:scared:

[Habibi]

17. Oh, CatWoman, I'm sorry to hear of this.

Sending you good eye health vibes and good financial vibes, too.

:hi:

[CatWoman]

22. thanks Habibi

:hi:

[salin]

23. Prayers for your healing.

our system is broken. Your story just exemplifies its brokenness.

[CatWoman]

24. Hi Salin

always good to see you :hug:

[salin]

30. likewise, CatWoman

just sad that the connection is on such a sad note. :hug:

[Rhiannon12866]

25. Oh, my friend, I am so sorry!

It sounds like a nightmare and the cost adds insult to injury. :hug:

But at least you have some insurance. I lost mine four years ago and live in fear of something happening. I went to the doctor's just last week for a check up, since they called me 3x to remind me, and it cost me $60 for just an office visit, and that's if you pay in cash. :(

[CatWoman]

27. those guys give the Mafia a bad name, don't they??

:hi:

[Rhiannon12866]

33. They do, LOL!

I knew it had gone up, but I had no idea how much, and it took every single dollar I had on me, literally... And he also gave me two prescriptions which were not inexpensive. *sigh* :( :hi:

[Lars39]

26. I'd have to take a tub of valium before each shot.

Hope everything goes well for you,CW.:hug:

[The Backlash Cometh]

28. Blue Cross is sucking us all dry.

[terip64]

29. That sucks. Sorry, Cat Woman. n/t

[Forkboy]

31. I'd take the injections for you if I could.

:(

Sorry you have to deal with all this. :hug:

[CatWoman]

34. to quote this rather large lizard I've come to know

"promises, promises" :loveya:

[supernova]

32. So sorry about your eyes, CW

:hug:

I hope the shots keep your eyes healthy.



The only thing I know to do is to keep slogging away for single payer or some form of universal care.

[Shagbark Hickory]

Sounds awful. What is this condition called? What state are you in?

[CatWoman]

38. it's called "macular degeneration"

and I'm in Georgia

[Shagbark Hickory]

41. I think I've heard of that. Get well soon.

I'm in Georgia too! :hi:

[redwitch]

44. I have two friends who are also getting the injections.

For Macular Degeneration. I am so sorry about the stress, the pain and the financial trauma. :hug:

[CatWoman]

134. until I came down with this, I had never heard of it

and NEVER heard of anyone getting shots in their EYES!!!

And now, thanks to DU, I'm seeing the bigger picture.

You guys have educated me so much on this thread!!

[dflprincess]

47. Not to be too much of a Pollyanna - macular degneration is awful -

but at least you have the type they can do something about (the "wet" kind, right)? My mom has the age-related version and has already lost the sight in one eye. Her doctor says stem cell research holds the most hope for that kind but for now there's not a lot do to. I'm hoping they come up with something as there is a genetic component and I really fear getting this and all that can be done to try & prevent or delay it is wear sunglasses and eat green, leafy vegies and lutien suppliments.

I really wish you the best with your treatments.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

60. My Dad had that and it was not treated. It took away his biggest love, reading. I wish you didn't

have to go through this. Hugs.

[pitohui]

102. wow i didn't know they could treat it, even, but wishing you ever success

i have relatives w. it and they have been told "there is nothing to be done"

one of them is really bad yet insists on driving, i wonder if there is a tactful way to find out if she is a candidate for the injections

she doesn't have any money either but she's of medicare age, i wonder if they have just not said anything to save a few bucks, they ought to be more concerned about saving the other drivers on the road and her independence!

[kag]

106. Don't they sometimes do cornea transplants for that?

Just something I saw on a tv show, so who knows if it's true. But I thought that was one of the conditions that they used donated corneas for. I know that may not be a "cure" for anyone here, but I thought I'd ask.

CatWoman, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know it's not quite the same, but I get trigger-point injections--five of them--in my back every month for a chronic pain condition. Frankly it sounds like whining compared to what you're going through, but know that a bunch of us are out here praying for you. Take care.

[glinda]

108. I hope you get better asap.

[BlueIris]

122. Oh, gosh.

My ex had that. ((((( CatWoman )))))

[Shagbark Hickory]

40. I think I've heard of that. Get well soon.

I'm in Georgia too! :hi:

[xchrom]

35. That's a lot of money. I'm very sorry

This is happening.

[proud patriot]

36. I fucking hate Blue Cross

just switched to Kaiser this last Jan. was soooo sick of the SURPRISE bills ! ! !

[in_cog_ni_to]

37. CatWoman, I just asked my husband about this..

He's an Optometrist. He said there is another medication that is comparable and is FULLY covered by insurance companies. He'll look it up tomorrow at the office and I'll let you know what it is. Perhaps you can ask your doctor if he could use that instead or find one that will. I'll post here tomorrow for the others I see with the same problem. Is this for Macular Degeneration? Just so we're talking about the same thing here. :)

Ditto the Blue Cross can fuck themselves! I DETEST that insurance company and cannot wait to cancel their ass.

[CatWoman]

39. thanks

it is macular degeneration, and the drug he is injecting in me is Lucentis.

[in_cog_ni_to]

56. The drug is Avastin. $150 per injection compared to $2000 per injection. Links below:

It's worth asking about! That's a HUGE difference per injection and from what I have read, one is not any better than the other.


It's made by the same company that makes Lucentis, but costs a fraction of what Lucentis does per injection. Retinal Specialists/Ophthalmologists have been using it "off-label" because Genentech Restricts Sales of Avastin for Ophthalmic Uses. Lucentis = $2000 per injection and Avastin = $150 per injection.

Read more: http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/lucentis-vs-avastin.htm#ixzz1IcAcHyg5

<snip>
The editorial noted that Lucentis costs more than $2,000 per treatment, while Avastin costs less than $150 per treatment. This price discrepancy could be highly significant for people who have limited or no health insurance coverage.

The New England Journal of Medicine article points out that Medicare covers Lucentis injections under Part B of the plan, but that the 20 percent co-payment required for each monthly injection still represents a significant expense. Supplemental insurance might be available to defray at least some costs involved with co-payments.

Medicare as of early 2010 provides a $50 reimbursement per injection when Avastin is used for macular degeneration treatments. In late 2009, eye doctors successfully lobbied to overturn a new Medicare directive that reduced reimbursements for Avastin from $50 to $7 per injection. Medicare's action temporarily forced eye doctors to use Lucentis instead of Avastin.

But if you do the math, Avastin still might be the cheaper alternative even for people covered by Medicare or health insurance when a 20 percent co-payment equals about $400 per treatment for Lucentis, versus $150 per treatment for Avastin.<snip>

Read more: http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/lucentis-vs-avastin.htm#ixzz1IcBrxUY0


http://www.maculacenter.com/Procedures/Avastin.htm

<snip>
Ophthalmologists are using Avastin “off-label” to treat AMD and similar conditions since research indicates that VEGF is one of the causes for the growth of the abnormal vessels that cause these conditions. Some patients treated with Avastin had less fluid and more normal-appearing maculas, and their vision improved. Avastin is also used, therefore, to treat macular edema, or swelling of the macula.<snip>



http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/lucentis-vs-avastin.htm

[Pathwalker]

79. The Aventis didn't work for me, but the Lucentis did.

I had a very aggressive case of macular degeneration, and when it became clear the Aventis wasn't working, my Retinologist said I needed the Lucentis. I was also given infusions through the arm, had to avoid sunlight for a week, and never go outside again without sunglasses on. I saw him in Feb., and my eye has been stable for two years now. What works for some, mat not work for others, nothing is absolute. My sight is gone in that eye, but I will keep the eye, so that is good.

[in_cog_ni_to]

89. I'm so sorry! My dad had Macular Degeneration and lost sight in one eye.

I use to fit low vision aids as an Optician, so I know exactly what you're going through. I wish you all the best. Here's something that may help you with the outrageous Lucentis Bills. From Lucentis web site:

What if You Can't Pay for LUCENTIS

Are you one of the millions of people in this country who don't have a health care plan? Has your health care plan turned down paying for LUCENTIS® (ranibizumab injection)? This doesn't mean you have to give up on your LUCENTIS treatment. The Genentech® Access to Care Foundation, or GATCF, helps people who don't have a health care plan. It can also help people whose plans have turned them down for LUCENTIS treatment. If you qualify, you may apply to GATCF for help. If you are accepted, you might get your LUCENTIS for free.

LUCENTIS Access Solutions has now made it easier than ever to find out if you qualify. Here is what GATCF wants to learn before it can find help for you:

Are you uninsured? If so, it could be because you have no health care plan. It can also be because your health care plan has said it won't pay for LUCENTIS and your appeal was turned down. Maybe you have reached your maximum lifetime limit on benefits.
Is your household's adjusted gross income $100,000 or less per year?
Does your doctor say you meet the medical needs set by the GATCF advisors?

If you answered YES to those questions, you probably qualify. But first, your doctor's office checks to see if you qualify for a public health care program, such as Medicaid. If you do, they can help you get in touch with your state's Medicaid office. If not, they can help you apply for help with GATCF.

What do you need to do next? You and your doctor's office need to file some forms with LUCENTIS® Access Solutions. Once the forms are filed with GATCF, your doctor's office can confirm by phone whether you qualify. If so, your doctor can get an up front supply of LUCENTIS for your treatment. This happens within 48 hours in most cases.

Your form is called the "Patient Authorization and Notice of Release of Information" (or PAN) form, which you need to sign and date. The PAN lets GATCF and LUCENTIS Access Solutions look at your health records. They need to do this only so they can help you prove you need LUCENTIS. These records are looked at only to make sure you qualify.

Your doctor has to fill out and sign a form as well. This is called the "Statement of Medical Necessity" (or SMN) form. The SMN is sent to GATCF along with your PAN.<snip>

http://www.genentechaccesssolutions.com/portal/site/AS/menuitem.7ef3b8542d7c63460313edacd79c23a0/?vgnextoid=09f78e4231c17210VgnVCM1000007dc9320aRCRD

[musette_sf]

138. + 1

[CatWoman]

135. thanks for all your help, In

:hug:

I really, really appreciate it.

I will bring this up with him when I go back on Monday.

[Arugula Latte]

71. I canceled Blue Cross and it felt GOOD.

[in_cog_ni_to]

90. NO DOUBT! I cannot wait to do that.

:grr:

[cascadiance]

43. I'm sorry to hear that... Hoping that things can get better for you. I kind of know the feeling!

I'm still trying to get rid of a cold for over a week now, and am unemployed.

Just got a call a few hours ago where my mom just had another TIA "stroke" earlier today. She's now had three of them now that started on last Christmas day. Fortunately she's relatively OK and back in her room at this time.

Taxes are also a bitch for many reasons this year, and I probably need to talk to the IRS with some W-2 problems I have before Friday when the government likely shuts down.

With my lower income and higher medical expenses, I'll actually be able to deduct some medical expenses that go above my 7.5% AGI for a change... I have a feeling many people are going to fall in to that category this year. Less revenue for the government, especially as long as the rich don't pay their fair share!

[Mnemosyne]

45. Oh Catwoman, so sorry things are rough. I do hope it helps your eyes though.

:hug:

[tpsbmam]

46. I'm so sorry, CW

I hate hearing one horror story after another when it comes to healthcare in the US. I'm glad you do have the coverage you do, but still....it sucks.

The shots sound like a nightmare. Wish there was something anyone could do to make it better. I've been through a fair amount medically and have seen people I love through much worse than I ever faced -- I can imagine the struggle you have facing up to it week after week. My heart so goes out to you -- wish I were there for someone to hold your hand through the shot and have someone to vent frustrations and fears to..or at! I hope you do have someone in your life who can be that person/those people.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Bryn]

48. That's awful!

Blue Cross used to be great and for non-profit. What a shame. All the more reason why we should be fighting harder for single payer for all. Our government failed us all. They should be for the people... not for corporations for profits.

:hug:

[Donnachaidh]

49. call United Way and see if you can get help with that *share*

Isn't it just going to go up -- is it $750 per injection? I'd be calling everyone, including the manufacturer of the drug - to get help with this outrageous cost.

[tnlefty]

50. Well at least as of now, BCBS isn't about to bankrupt you...

and they did me and my family. I feel your pain.

Oh and we had one of those 'cadillac' union insurance policies.

[CatWoman]

136. well, at least not for lack of trying

the greedy, disgusting bastards.

[prolesunited]

51. I'm so sorry to hear this. How awful.

Does your policy have a limit on out of pocket costs? When I had insurance (don't any more), I had a really bad medical year and once I satisfied my deductible and hit a certain max, a couple thousand I think, the insurance paid 100% of everything after that. So check your policy to see if that out of pocket cap applies.

And, at least you are able to get treatment and arrange payments. Many others are just left to go blind.

I really hope the treatments work.

[lonestarnot]

53. We should have roped and hog-tied the insurance co. when we had the opportunity to do so, but

that would have called for power in unity under the party, and apparently it just wasn't there for single payer. Wonder if it is now.

[Octafish]

55. Love and Prayers, CatWoman.

Keep going, Baby. You'll get where you deserve.

[CatWoman]

137. that's beautiful, Octi

thanks :hug:

[donheld]

57. there are over 160,000 DU members

If 750 members could pitch in $1...

I don't know how to set it up or i'd do it.

[Rex]

66. You have to talk to the person, of course and the DU admins first.

Email.

[CatWoman]

95. no guys - please don't do that

I'd rather funds and help go to people who really, really need it.

At least I'm not at that point yet :loveya:

[davsand]

58. Eye shit is creepy and expensive to deal with. I'm sorry.

I am sorry to hear you are having issues with eye disease. I've been dealing with both Cataracts and Glaucoma for the last ten years and I can sympathize completely with what you are dealing with. I have been extremely lucky that I have had drug coverage as part of my health insurance otherwise I would probably be in the poorhouse by now. I asked one time WHY eye meds are so damn expensive and they told me that it is because of the high level of sterility required to guarantee purity. I had to ask if I could start paying more for my other prescriptions to make sure they were also "pure." It didn't even get s smile out of the pharmacist...

I am facing surgery for the cataracts sometime in the next year or two, according to the eye doc at my last visit. He also thinks that I'm gonna need some kind of laser surgery for the Glaucoma since my eye pressure is creeping back up and they are worried about the condition of my optic nerves. Hearing this scares hell outta me, I gotta admit. Not-so-happy days ahead, I can tell...

Sometimes I think I oughtta just move to California where medical pot is legal, and just stay baked. Wanna come with?


:hug:



Laura

[a kennedy]

59. *hugs* *hugs* *hugs*

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[MrMickeysMom]

61. Sorry, Catwoman...

It's not health care, is it? It's guaranteed to drain your wallet and when you have to make decisions between food and medicine, some Republicans will try to make it worse.

Some Democrats will, too.

Single Payer Medicare for all, and anyone who isn't willing to push this through can go fuck themselves, too.

[democracy1st]

62. Wow K & R sorry to hear about this.

[handmade34]

63. a big hug

my daughter had this problem... I'm sorry

[Rex]

65. That is terrible, sorry you have to go through all that.

I hope you get over whatever it is in your eye as fast a humanly possible! Yikes. :(

We all need free health care, so that we can worry about the important things like our eyes and not about a bill.

Hope you get better.

[YOHABLO]

67. THE TIME IS NOW

We have got to push for universal/ single payer health care .. Vermont is on their way to declaring it for their state. I hope it passes and then other states will follow. Of course where I live down here in Red Republican GA., a single payer health care plan will happen when pigs fly.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

68. Write your elected representatives at both the state and federal level

each month you have to pay this bill and BITCH about how how expensive it is............. I think only the squeaky wheel gets the grease and we've all been too silent, too long. :toast:

[Oilwellian]

69. I'm so sorry CatWoman

:hug:

[oldlib]

70. I'm so sorry

that you have to suffer the pain involved, along with the financial hardship. You deserve better.

[Evolve_Already]

72. In the Wisconsin Dells area

there is a ma and pa motel that has a marquee the owners use to share their personal beliefs. For the past few weeks it was "Recall the Kochsucker" of course regarding Deputy Dawg himself Scott Walker. Before that, it was "In this country, just don't get poor, old, or sick."

Of course that is so sadly true. I wish you the best Ms. Catwoman, and thank you for the sharing of your predicament.

[WilliamPitt]

73. (((HUG)

:(

[lunatica]

74. I have the same set up with my dentist

But I can't save up enough money to pay my deductible for him to finish the work (capping one of two remaining molars). Had to have a root canal which I'm paying for on a monthly basis, even though I have dental insurance through my job.

I hope your eye gets healed completely.

[raccoon]

75. I am sorry to hear that. Best wishes to you.

:hug:

[blueamy66]

77. I'm sorry CW.

Hope all turns out well for you.

[disillusioned73]

78. I understand your plight Catwoman..

I had a very serious infection in my right eye some 10+ years ago that left scaring and then 5 years ago a recurrance that left more scaring. I am currently noticing distortion in my vision and know that I should make an appointment before it is too late, but my financail situation keeps me from heading to the specialist office...

I hope all ends well for you..

Single payer would be real nice right about now..

Oh, and a big FUCK YOU to Blue Cross from me as well..

[slackmaster]

80. Ouch.

:grouphug:

[JitterbugPerfume]

81. oh! that sounds painful

:hug:

Blue Cross sucks .

I remember you posting your name years ago--Midori

It sounds like a poem

[babydollhead]

82. I am so sorry for you. My mother has to get a shot in her eye

every month like you. It hurts! Just tell the doctor what you can afford to pay and that's it. even if it streches out for years. I hope you feel better about life from time to time.

[lindalou65]

84. been there-done that

I greatly empathize with you--the plan's deductible really sucks and hits hard on the pocketbook.

[AngryOldDem]

85. Makes you wonder why you have insurance in the first place.

Going through a similar situation with my leg right now. Doc is talking about doing an MRI. I'm holding off on that as long as I possibly can because I know my insurance (I'm self-insured) will pay next to nothing for it. Every month when I write my check I ask myself why I'm even bothering.

Best wishes to you.

[Fire1]

86. Try to keep your chin up. As my hubby always says,

it could be worse!:hi:

[Romulox]

91. National Health Care could've been the CROWNING JEWEL of the President's first term.

What a wasted opportunity.

[Chipster]

109. Wasted Opportunity

Yes, National Health Care could have been the Crowning Jewel of the President's first term. Instead, he sold out to the health insurance industry, saddling the country with what is really a fascist (in the sense of melding governmental and corporate interests) requirement to buy their profit laden health insurance products. This is consistent with the 9th characteristic of fascism: Power of Corporations Protected.

Doesn't get much more protected than the government requiring you to buy an over-priced, profit laden product or be fined.

Remember, single-payer representatives weren't even allowed at the table.

Shame.

[ReggieVeggie]

92. sorry to hear that

:-(

[Mimosa]

94. You've got a BC/BS policy like the one I've dropped

We couldn't afford both premiums and the 30% we have to pay which they don't cover.

[southernyankeebelle]

98. Wow that must be painful. So sorry for your pain. I wish this govt would put single payer plan.

We all need the help. If the republicans keep going this way we all will be losing out. I don't qualify for medicare yet but I know many that should have retired but are still working until they are able to collect medicare. It is sad.

[JuniperLea]

100. I'm so sorry! That must be painful and insulting...

On far too many levels.

After all that, I sure hope the treatments work and don't cause you any more grief!

:hug:

[reggie the dog]

101. wow, here in france you would likely pay 1 or 2 euros for that

at most 25 euros or so.


yet another reason i will not move back to the usa, i feel so bad for you, the system is broken and you are getting hurt by it.

[russspeakeasy]

104. Good luck and best wishes.

[a la izquierda]

110. Oh honey, I'm sorry.

My husband lost vision in his eye last summer. We'd paid our premiums faithfully (BCBS) for 9 years. He lost his job two months before the condition developed. Luckily, the problem was temporary. Still cost us nearly $2000.

Good luck and I hope you're not in pain.

[ThomCat]

112. I am very, very sorry you have to go through this,

and even more sorry that they aren't paying a greater share of the cost. :(

Can you appeal the out-of-pocket expense?

Please look into whether or not that is an option. Insurance companies have a vested interest in wrongly classifying expensive procedures as something that is not covered when it should be. Either by classifying it as experimental when it is an established and accepted medical procedure, or by claiming that it is cosmetic when it is in fact medically necessary.

If they have miss-classified your procedure, the first appeal will certainly be denied, but the second appeal will probably go to a state appeal board where you might win and get the expenses covered.

I have had to appeal insurance company decisions, and won. It can be done.

Please discuss this with the doctor. His office might know something about how this is billed and might be able to help you with an appeal if you have valid reasons for one.

:hug:

[PatrynXX]

113. ahh blue cross = Wellmark

both can go fuck themselves. BC/BS in Wisconsin said Wellmark same company. so when I switch in 2001. my pre existing OCD got me a denial. managed to get insurance but it's $300 a month now. No dental no mental health. So I'm clinically depressed on lexapro.. getting everything almost free now because of an Iowa settlement. and $20 copay? haha. $20 copay for each and every little thing the office does. So I go in for a testosterone shot and a flu shot. $40.. (for a $15 shot and I don't know what the testosterone would be but I'm being ripped off somewhere) I was once told I was getting a $15 shot that cost $15 but because of the copay it's $20 grrrrrr

[PatrynXX]

114. clarification

if it's with mental health it's part of the Iowa settlement. nothing else is free. and the place I go to sucks. trying to get meds from them? hahahahahhahahaa.

[TNLib]

115. Maybe this is just a coincidence but I had a friend that has a similar condition

My uncle has an eye condition that no one seems to be able to treat and I had to take my mother to the eye doctor last week because she had blisters on her eyes. So many eye problems that I am hearing about it just seems a little bazaar.

[seabeyond]

120. i popped on your post

because you talk about similiar problem. i have never experienced eye problem. my youngest son, for 6 months or more has had so much problem and they cannot find the answer or seem to solve it.

he wears contacts. my oldest does, and dad does, they never have any problems. didnt know eyes was an issue, too, lol.

[mdmc]

116. I am so sorry to hear this

I have $40.oo copays for office visits..

God, shot in the eye. the horror..

[Generic Other]

119. I am so sorry to hear this...I can't imagine how awful the treatment must feel

then to get the bill! And you are insured. Sucks.

[Vinca]

121. You poor thing. It sounds horrible. BC definitely sucks.

[totodeinhere]

123. Your experience should not be allowed to happen in the USA. But what gets me

is the people who maintain that since the so-called HCR bill passed we now have universal coverage in this country. We have far from it and it's getting worse every day.

[Armstead]

124. That sucks --

[rasputin1952]

125. There may be some options to help bring the cost down....

talk with the billing co-ordinator in the office. Find out if the company has a plan to help w/the inoculations, or if there is a cheaper form of med that does the same thing, (but go with your doc's recommendation!)

God, I love you CW, I hate to see you in pain or depressed...you are a such a joy to know...keeping you in my thoughts...:hug:

[geckosfeet]

126. Ouch. Talk about adding insult to injury. Best wishes,

[uberblonde]

127. Please check with your local Lions Club.

One of their primary goals is to make sure people don't lose their eyesight, and they may be able to help. Good luck!

http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/our-work/sight-programs/assistance-requests.php

[Shining Jack]

128. K&R

I'm so sorry. :(

[Ilsa]

129. My father had to have a round of treatment last year.

I'm hoping he doesn't have to go through that any more. I'm very, very sorry that you do. I'm glad they are willing to work with you, but hell, it shouldn't have to be that way.

He is on Medicare and has supplemental insurance through BP, his former employer. He still had to pay hundreds and hundreds of dollars for his treatments. It fucking sucks.

[usregimechange]

130. Try to focus on what you can control

But I hear you.

[malaise]

139. I'd be as well

:grouphug:

[TatonkaJames]

140. We feel your pain

Just stay cool and don't stress, it will make things worse. Fighting back is the best revenge.
I pray to the Universe you will feel better.
Peace