[Hisremnant1]

Great health for 71 years, then "multiple myeloma"

by Hisremnant1 on Wed Feb 17, 2016 11:13 am

Hello to all affected by multiple myeloma.

My wife and I are the midst of dealing with this cancer and dealing with the maze of hoops not only with this cancer, but in being laid-off upon my return to work, and in dealing with whether I go onto Kaiser/Medicare, COBRA or some other individual health plan. My wife, being younger, is not yet of Medicare age.

I’ve been blessed with great health for the first 71 years of life, then I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in May of 2015. I went into remission two and a half months later, then successful bone marrow transplant through the City of Hope (COH).

I was laid off from work (I’m a design engineer in the oil and gas industry). Or was! Many people are getting laid off in this field at the present time.

We found out about the tier 5 Revlimid cost (from $30 for a 21 day cycle of orals, to 25% of the cost through Kaiser/Medicare plan for the “forever” multiple myeloma maintenance with Revlimid.

That is our dilemma.

[NStewart]

Re: Great health for 71 years, then "multiple myeloma"

by NStewart on Thu Feb 18, 2016 2:21 pm

Which insurance to purchase is always a dilemma when you are taking one of the tier 5 drugs. One of the things that you should consider is the fact that COBRA does end and then you are faced with the decision again. You should be eligible to get an extension on the number of months that you are eligible for COBRA because of your diagnosis. So, I would suggest that you look at the cost of your COBRA premium with the cost of the Revlimid, the cost of Humana / Medicare premium with cost of Revlimid, and cost of traditional Medicare with a supplemental plan and a Part D plan.

It's a lot of research to do, but it will pay off in the long run. I know that there are state-run insurance advisors for helping you to choose your insurance plan that are free. I think that the program is called SHIP, but it may have a different name in California.

Put in a search for "insurance" in the forum search box to find the postings on this type of topic. Also, post in the insurance section of the forum with this question and you might get more answers from people who live in California.

Good luck,
Nancy in Phila

[Ted Kan]

Re: Great health for 71 years, then "multiple myeloma"

by Ted Kan on Fri Feb 19, 2016 2:12 am

I think I know how you feel. I was in good health for almost 76 years and them ... WHAM! ... myeloma.

I completely agree with Nancy's suggestions regarding the need to research various insurance options carefully. I am on Medicare with Anthem supplemental and Humana Part D for meds. I was considering a Medicare Advantage plan before my myeloma diagnosis, but am very glad I stayed with traditional Medicare now since I can get care, consultation, second opinions, etc, anywhere.

Good luck!

Ted