Hi all. After extensive research and hours on the phone I am now, as they say, up a creek without a paddle. Im relatively new to the board but I thought I could post this question here and maybe get some much needed advice. I hope this isnt inappropriate in any way but everyone here seems incredibly nice and helpful. So here is my quandry: I have been diagnosed with a ruptured disc in my back and the best course of treatment is whats called a lumbar microdiscectomy. The thing is, my insurance was canceled about 9 months ago because I turned 25 (I was on my mother's plan at work). I am a student and I am really worried about the cost of such a procedure. Of course, I cannot get insurance now that will cover any costs related to my back because it would be a preexisting condition. Is there any advice anyone could give as to how to pay for this procedure or possibly get insurance that would help me out? I need to get the procedure done but the money situation is the stumbling block. Any suggestions?
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Does your income level allow you to apply for Medicaid?
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
I'm not sure what the law is in Texas, but in Nebraska, a patient cannot be turned away because of his/her inability to pay for medical care.
You need to contact the hospital where you will be having the surgery and ask for the financial aide department. They will work with you. You may qualify for assistance or at least they will help you arrange payment options.
Now, of course this type of aide is not available for plastic surgeries and the like, only medically necessary ones. This surgery sure meets that requirement.
Also, you may want to consider looking into Medicaid (government assistance) until you get back on your feet again.
Are you a student? If you are, contact your college/university to see if a student clinic is available.
EDIT: Sorry, I guess you said that you are a student.
I hope this helps!
Posted by Humean316 (Member # 8175) on :
"In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a US national, citizen or permanent resident in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income. You must also be either pregnant, have a child(ren) with a disability, or be responsible for children under 19 years of age."
According to those criteria I am not eligible for medicaid. I fit the first sentence but I am not pregnant, have no children, and I am 25. My family could not apply for the program either because of these restrictions.
Posted by Humean316 (Member # 8175) on :
"Are you a student? If you are, contact your college/university to see if a student clinic is available.
EDIT: Sorry, I guess you said that you are a student.
I hope this helps!"
Thank you so much Valentine. I am going to talk to them tomorrow to see what help they could provide. That really helps!
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Are you able to work right now?
Posted by Humean316 (Member # 8175) on :
Not really. I cannot sit for more than 5 minutes without my leg hurting terribly so I have to lay down or stand up most of the day.
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
I pulled this up. Tell me if that will help. Of course your doctor has to say you are disabiled.
[ July 28, 2005, 01:13 AM: Message edited by: Valentine014 ]
Posted by Theaca (Member # 8325) on :
Yes, going the disability route can work, far as I know. It can take awhile. A lot of paperwork and documentation. Getting a lawyer can help speed it up.
"Texas is creating a new system for health and human services in Texas by merging 12 agencies into four new departments under the oversight of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. This new system will make it easier for Texans to find assistance and will help the state lower administrative costs and direct more funding into services."
That sounds worth calling, and it says that "2-1-1 is the national abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human services information in your community."