[ClaireK]

Re: Private health insurance in the U.S.

by ClaireK on Sun Feb 15, 2015 9:30 pm

Nancy Shamanna,

Thanks for your reply.

We had very little out of pocket expenses in Australia. I have private health here, so most of hospital stays were covered. I was lucky in that, when they were trying to find out what was wrong with me, they checked me into to a private hospital so all the tests and most of the scans were done as an in-patient, so everything was paid for by Medicare (national health) and private health. All my chemo was paid for and most of the medication that I needed was paid for - just had to pay the gap. My SCT was done in a public hospital as a private patient, and I didn't have to pay anything and I was in for over 4 weeks.

As a British citizen, I believe I am entitled to similar benefits if we move to the UK - still waiting to hear back on this one.

I am going to be contacting the Medicare office this week to find out what would happen if we move overseas and I need to come back for treatment. I will let you know the outcome.

Cheers
Claire

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: Private health insurance in the U.S.

by Nancy Shamanna on Sun Feb 15, 2015 9:59 pm

Thanks Claire, I live in Canada, as you may have gathered, and we also have a public health care system, although not 'two tiered' as you have in AU, and I think also in the UK. It's very confusing, isn't it, trying to figure out what is available in different countries, and I am glad I don't have to try to make a choice like that. Usually cancer treatments are covered for everyone though, I think, no matter what track they are on.

Probably access to myeloma drugs is the biggest concern for us patients, although of course there are many other aspects of health care that come in to play, such as treatments for injuries and infections.

Apparently in Melbourne there is a centre of excellence for myeloma treatments, from what I read. I don't have any direct experience with the Australian health care system, though, or any other than the Canadian one, for that matter. The public health care system here has helped me and my family out so many times that we are very grateful for all the care we have received over the years.

[ClaireK]

Re: Private health insurance in the U.S.

by ClaireK on Tue Feb 17, 2015 2:38 am

Thanks for the info Nancy. It makes a world of difference when you don't have to stress about getting treatment or not getting adequate treatment because of money.

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: Private health insurance in the U.S.

by Nancy Shamanna on Tue Feb 17, 2015 9:46 am

Hi Claire,

I don't mean to imply that you wouldn't benefit from a move to the U.S. or to the U.K. since you and your husband have dual citizenships. I just remembered that apparently in Melbourne there is a good centre, and maybe you could consult with them too about treatments for your myeloma / amyloidosis, should you relapse?

I am happy with the treatments that I get at home, but am concerned with drug advocacy, and try to stay informed about what might be available for us patients in the future. Currently I am in my sixth year post diagnosis, and am on a treatment of Revlimid plus dex. If I should relapse to Revlimid and Velcade, which I have already taken prior to the stem cell transplant, I would like for there to be more options too, outside of clinical trials. I think that there will be more options available in Canada too, but we lag behind in that regard.

Best wishes to you. I know its a difficult situation sometimes to try to project forward.

[Scuddrunner]

Re: Private health insurance in the U.S.

by Scuddrunner on Sun May 24, 2015 11:43 pm

Hi Claire,

I don't completely know your financial situation, but here's some info on my insurance.

I live in Washington State and I use Life Wise insurance. I am a self employed contractor, I pay almost $600 a month, $2,500 deductible, 100% paid and unlimited cap.

I see a doctor here in Tacoma and I got my treatment at the Mayo in MN. Life Wise payed for all my flights, food, and room.

After my stem cell transplant, a nurse from Life Wise called me every couple of weeks or so to see if I needed anything. Talk about a great insurance company – it's one last thing to worry about.

Good luck!
Mike M