[guest]

Insurance coverage of transplant-related lodging costs

by guest on Mon Dec 02, 2013 3:18 pm

Has anyone had any luck with insurance companies helping to cover the cost of lodging during a stem cell transplant?

ACS says this is not well known information and you have to ask your insurance carrier specifically for this information. My husband's insurance says that can't give me an answer without specific procedure coding. Wondering if this is accurate.

[EricT]

Re: Insurance coverage of transplant-related lodging costs

by EricT on Mon Dec 02, 2013 4:05 pm

Hello, during my first SCT blue cross said no to subsidizing housing costs, and I called about my upcoming STC, and they again said that was not one of my benefits. I have heard of some other insurers that do cover housing, but my experience with BCBS thus far is no. Your insurer may be different, but I was able to get a definitive answer from their benefits department. I did not appeal their decision, but I believe you certainly could.
Best of luck with your upcoming transplant.
Eric

[wesley]

Re: Insurance coverage of transplant-related lodging costs

by wesley on Mon Dec 02, 2013 5:19 pm

I called Friday to BCBS of Michigan with this question (I am scheduled to start ASCT Jan. 31 at Mayo Rochesxter).

BCBS said "no" to lodging coverage....

Wesley

[StandingTall]

Re: Insurance coverage of transplant-related lodging costs

by StandingTall on Wed Dec 04, 2013 3:43 am

My insurance provider said that my employer didn't pick up that benefit...so no lodging coverage either. I can't really complain based on how much my insurance is paying...but still, that's a lot of money to put up. I'm applying at various non-profits to help...as well as my cancer center's financial assistance program.

[Guest]

Re: Insurance coverage of transplant-related lodging costs

by Guest on Wed Dec 04, 2013 6:24 am

Still attempting to clarify this with BCBSM. Received a copy of his benefit summary and actually there is some hopeful language in there, just trying to get them to clarify it for me. If I am successful I will report back so others can benefit from the info. The ACS says insurance companies don't want to broadcast this coverage. Amazingly, they cover up to 10 grand for lodging etc, for an organ transplant.

[StandingTall]

Re: Insurance coverage of transplant-related lodging costs

by StandingTall on Wed Dec 04, 2013 5:25 pm

This thread makes me want to call my insurance company again about it...see if I'll get a different answer this time. I have a BC related plan through my employer.

[StandingTall]

Re: Insurance coverage of transplant-related lodging costs

by StandingTall on Tue Jan 28, 2014 1:02 am

Well I guess I do get lodging coverage after all. Like I mentioned, I spoke earlier to a rep and was told that there was no lodging benefit with my insurance, but after speaking with cancer center finance person, I discovered that I have up to $5000 travel/lodging benefit from my insurance after all...and this is per transplant.

[guest]

Re: Insurance coverage of transplant-related lodging costs

by guest on Tue Jan 28, 2014 5:47 am

That is excellent news. I kind of hit a wall on this point. While I feel that BCBSM will eventually acknowledge that they do cover this, my husband will currently transition off BCBSM one day before transplant and on to medicare. I need to find out if I can continue to carry the BC policy if the savings is greater due to the lodging travel issue. First we have to get thru a battery of tests at Mayo before insurance will actually approve the transplant. This is good news for others proceeding to transplant. You seem to have to fight your insurance for this coverage. That is in keeping with what the ACS told me also. Its a shame to have to fight cancer, and then to have to fight the insurance for the coverage.