Never stop asking questions
Making my way through the medical insurance nightmare has been a challenge since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It wasn’t something I thought much about before MS came along. I never really got sick so health insurance and my own wellbeing just wasn’t a priority. Talk about a learning curve. I was thrown into things head first and then bounced around a few times before landing hard with a thud.
My life was suddenly filled with doctor appointments, medications, unpredictable symptoms and massive medical bills. I found myself in this new world of the chronically ill and I didn’t like it one bit. To be honest with you, it scared the crap out of me more than anything I had ever been through.
I think the first year after I was diagnosed, I spent much of my days in a mind numbing fog. I became overwhelmed with the vast amounts of information I found online about MS and the high costs associated with it. The more questions I asked, the more questions I had.
I became more concerned with being able to afford my co-pays and medical insurance premiums than with the latest phone apps or music downloads. I found myself searching for insurance plans that made MRI’s and durable medical equipment more affordable. I researched Medicare, SSDI and early retirement. I looked for ways to afford home modifications and accessibility aids.
I discovered that no one can look out for me better than me.
When I was searching for a supplemental insurance plan that would cover all the things Medicare doesn’t, the monthly cost was too high for me to be able to afford. So, what did I do? I got online and through asking tons of questions came across a foundation that helps people with MS pay their monthly insurance premiums. That was something I would have never known about if I didn’t dig around for answers myself.
I found that asking questions is the best thing anyone can do for themselves.
When the cost of my pain medication went up, again I got online and found that my Medicare drug plan had an exception form that can be submitted to request a lower co-pay. I had my doctor help me fill it out, sent it in and the cost of that one medication went from $45 a month to $3. The insurance company won’t tell you about that option in bold print on their home page. It’s something you have to ask questions about and search for yourself to find. Even the doctor didn’t know about it.
Then there was the time a few years ago when my powerchair was damaged in a car accident. I was okay but my chair got banged up a bit. I discovered that my homeowners insurance covers things like that. I was able to get a new chair to replace the broken one. Who knew homeowners insurance (or renters insurance) worked that way? I sure didn’t. Another lesson learned by again asking lots and lots of questions.
I don’t think I will ever understand insurance or how they calculate the costs associated with their services, but through asking tons of questions and digging around for answers I have been able to ease much of the costs associated with MS and living with a disability.
You have to be your own advocate, do your own research and never stop asking questions! You may not be able to control the progression of your MS but that should never stop you from taking control of your own health care.
1. Simplify your life.
Penelope,
This sagely advice so thank up for this. Some of this information should be stored away and ready when needed.
So glad I live in Scotland don’t even have to pay for medication unlike the rest of UK and my MS nurse is an angel on earth. It’s not all great as I also have osteoarthritis as well as PPMS and have been waiting eight months for hip replacement and I am a priority case and no sign of it happening.
But also on the plus side we are only prescribed drugs that we actually need and will help and they are carefully monitored.
I think we will eventually have some sort of insurance scheme here as the cost of free health care from cradle to grave is not sustainable, but that may well be a few years down the line.
They found drugs for COVID perhaps we can get them for ME and arthritis
Whew Penelope, I’m sorry it’s so difficult being chronically ill in the US. Costs are something we don’t have to worry about in Germany. It’s all covered by insurance here. The monthly co-pay at the pharmacy is a maximum of ten bucks per med or prescription. I don’t have to break a sweat about it like at all.
Just getting read and reply. I know that this is sooo hard. Sadly, even though my job prior to this MS was a claims examiner for life and health insurance, now as on the other side I’m as lost as everyone
FYI as your post says ASk and READ Everything in the contract
Rely on Dr and any case manager they have. I will forever be grateful for my MS Pharmacist and her help.
Again ask questions keep calling Researching and ASK everyone Yes even a Pharmacist for help.
I am also grateful my husband is my advocate for me!!!