What is Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia CML
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (or CML) is a form of chronic leukemia characterized by increased production of myeloid cells in the bone marrow. It is a type of myeloproliferative di...
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Coping with financial/insurance issues
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Fellow patients out there, I am wondering how you are coping with financial/insurance issues?
Our group health plan is going down the drain year after year. We have a huge deductible which we will never ever reach in a calendar year. So far I was doing fine on the prescription coverage and 2 doctor's office visits a year and 6 month follow up lab work with some assistance to cover the lab work. Now I found out that I have to go on Sprycel and I am looking at another FISH test, more follow up labs and office visits in the future. My insurance covers absolutely nothing due to the high deductible. Wore yet, the plan renews in June and we fear the worst. We have no alternative at this point. I already make payments on my medical bill and I fear that with the additional vharges, I will never ever be able to pay this off. The oncologist business office told me not to worry at this point, but it certainly does not make the charges dissapear. How do you cope, and what is your advice or opinion? Posted on 03/10/09, 02:03 pm |
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Hello My name is Kim. I don't know anything about Sprycel -- I've been on Gleevec going on 7 months now. Diagnosed with CML in August of 2008. What's the name of the comany that makes Sprycel?
Novartis, the company that makes Gleevec will give you the medication for free if you don't have insurance, too many assets and a low enough income. Does the Sprycel company have a similar program? When were you diagnosed? Have you tried Gleevec? Let me know if I can be of help? 
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Dear Kim,
Sprycel is made bey Bristol/Meyer/Squibb. I stated in my post that prescription drugs are covered and I am not looking into an prescription coverage program. My problem is my health insurance, who has a very high deductible on all services you can think of and I was wondering how other patinets in similar situations are coping with out-of-pocket costs, such as $1098 per FISH etc.
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Hi - I'm sorry to hear about the challenges and concerns you have regarding your health insurance. It sounds like "one day at a time" and being very gentle with yourself since the health insurance coverage is so limited. I find that my worries keep me from being present with myself, and when I bring myself back to each moment, it eases my worry about the things that are not in my control.
My best to you and I hope you are doing well. Warmly, Kim
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