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How does one begin to get treatment out of state with insurance?
I’m looking for any suggestions. I moved to a different state not thinking it would be too much of a detriment. Within the first few months of treatments over here were different suggested treatments strengths and protocols than my hometown and the doctors dismissive bedside manner made me feel very uncomfortable just asking him questions. Within the first treatments I could no longer walk on one leg due to the side effects that damaged my joint and surrounding tissue which didn’t have cancer. I haven’t been able to walk without a walker since then. I’m very depressed and cry everyday feeling very limited in what I can do. I requested a referral for surgery and didn’t hear back from them for months. Actually still haven’t heard back. Got a letter in the mail. I’m having too hard of time and haven’t been back to that cancer center since all this happened. Feeling very uncomfortable with them.
I have been looking into a treatment center in a different state which seems more promising. It doesn’t seem there are much options in the city that I live in other than the one cancer center. I believe the next cancer center is over an hour drive and is the same company. I’m feeling very overwhelmed. And hoping someone can give me some suggestions. I’m really thinking I would like to move and try the cancer treatments somewhere with more options but don’t know how to start. Whether there are any programs that could help me. How to find a health insurance which covers out of state. Any ideas and suggestions appreciated. Thank you.
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@nannybb Thank you for including that info. I will look into all of it. I called the doctor that I was interested in out of state. They say they don’t take Medicaid. I will look into all the other things you have suggested. Thanks.
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1 Reaction@anon0 You are very welcome. 🙂
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1 ReactionThere are insurance agents who can help you review the plan options. I prefer to work with an independent so as the bias is not present. I have aarp Medicare advantage and it works well for me. I know they have Medicare/Medicaid joint packages too.
The agent can help with enrollment past open enrollment too
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1 ReactionI have CLL since 2021 and have a medicare advantage plan in which I never reached the MOOP (MAXIMUM OUT OF POCKET MEDICAL COSTS), i sell senior health insurance & even though supp plans work many people can't afford to stay on them a longtime this coupled with the rising cost of drug plans@nannybb
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1 Reaction@anon0 What kind of cancer do you have? What treatments have you tried so far? What state are you currently being treated in?
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2 ReactionsHi, your insurance company may be hesitant to cover you out of state. If you contact the cancer treatment center you want to go to directly, especially the national centers, they will work things out with your insurance company and also give you options for further financial help to cover your treatment, travel, lodging, etc. I hope you find the right place for you.
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5 Reactions@anon0 Many providers, maybe most, don't take out of state Medicaid. Medicaid pays poorly and so unless you live in a state and pay taxes there, providers don't feel obligated to treat you. There are also issues with Medicare plans.
Sometimes if you can find a clinical trial, the center might make an exception.
Good luck to you.
Do you qualify at all for Medicare?
Many times it would take a referral from your GP. In the meantime I suggest contacting the cancer treatment clinic you are considering and ask them what is required for to receive treatment from them. You may also want to contact your insurance company for whether they would cover your treatment at a different location. Many medical insurance companies would prefer you, for cost reasons, to obtain treatment from an in network medical facility and doctor.
Are you near to any Memorial Sloan Kettering? They take all insurances and also have a financial assistance program.
@lizzyj58
That's not my experience. I called them about a second opinion when I had the cheapest insurance from the PA Obamacare exchange. They certainly don't take that, and said it would cost me at least $5000. Um, no.