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Upcoming Radiation: Any advice about process, prep, time commitment?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: 17 hours ago | Replies (25)Comment receiving replies
@bwparker Unless you have classic Medicare it is unlikely your insurance (including Medicare Advantage) will approve of Proton for prostate cancer. Supplement has to make copays etc. if Medicare pays. You may be able to get an exception since insurance denials are cost based and I heard on this board that Mayo charges the same.
Replies to "@bwparker Unless you have classic Medicare it is unlikely your insurance (including Medicare Advantage) will approve..."
@jim18
Proton is getting cheaper to put in. A year or so ago a radiation doctor predicted that it would be just as expensive as photon in a few years. It used to be they had to build a whole building to house the proton machine, Now they can fit it in a room or two.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cost at Mayo is real close to the cost for photon.
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@jim18 I am "elderly" (90+ years of age) and on Medicare. I was afraid Medicare would not authorize Proton Therapy both due to the cost, and in view of my age resulting in an obviously limited life expectancy. I was reassured by the facility at which I received my care that Medicare approval "would not be a problem." It wasn't. The proposed 42 treatment regimen was approved without any delay, actually less than the delay occasioned with my dentist regarding a root canal.