Im looking for advice, I am a young mature adult (24), diagnosed with severe Narcolepsy and Cataplexy at the age of 16. I now need to learn "How can I afford to pay for living expenses plus the costs of medication(s) without the financial help from parents. My medical costs are $1000+ a month (this includes cost of insurance coverage while I have it). I am able to afford the bare living expenses and pay back my school loans.
I would like to become a normal financial independent human being (able to afford the minimal costs of living) at some point in life without needing the help of my parents (who cant afford the costs forever) to cover my Narcolepsy medications and the routine appointment.
I have talked to my Sleep doctor(s) about my concerns with the costs of living as a functional Narcoleptic (as Functional as one can live with Narcolepsy) for advice and I just receive a head node reassuring me that he is hears me and told when I need to see him next. I know I cant be the only one with these concerns
I know Money is not something discussed publicly, but if anyone can offer some suggestions or resourceful ideas, it would be greatly appreciated.
~deedee
In need of some advice/ How to afford the medications...
Started by
dettmann
, Nov 30 2007 09:51 PM
2 replies to this topic
#2
smc
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Posted 01 December 2007 - 03:03 AM
Check online pharmacies in Canada. You'll save a ton.
#3
sdsmith
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Posted 02 December 2007 - 12:10 PM
Hi Dee-Dee:
The following may help:
If your meds include Provigil and/or Xyrem you may fall within the income guidelines for the patient assistance programs for each administered by NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders. See http://www.raredisea...rams/medication for contact information for these programs.
Assistance with other medications may be available. See www.needymeds.com.
Does your state offer affordabe insurance coverage for which you would qualify? To check this, go to www.state.XX.us, substituting your state's two-character postal abbreviation for "XX" (e.g', Minnesota would be www.state.MN.us). Follow the links for Health Care or Health Insurance.
If you are able to work, seek employment with a company that offers group insurance to employees so that you cannot be turned down based on your health status.
Do your best to avoid a lapse in insurance. Under the HIPAA rules, group and individual insurance plans can deny coverage for pre-existing conditions for up to 12 months if you have not had continuous coverage in the months prior to the start of coverage.
If you are not able to work, Social Security Disability (based on your work history or a parent's work history) and/or Supplemental Security Income (based on income and assets) may be an option. SSDI recipients qualify for Medicare coverage and SSI recipients are eligible for Medicaid.
Hope this helps!
Sharon
The following may help:
If your meds include Provigil and/or Xyrem you may fall within the income guidelines for the patient assistance programs for each administered by NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders. See http://www.raredisea...rams/medication for contact information for these programs.
Assistance with other medications may be available. See www.needymeds.com.
Does your state offer affordabe insurance coverage for which you would qualify? To check this, go to www.state.XX.us, substituting your state's two-character postal abbreviation for "XX" (e.g', Minnesota would be www.state.MN.us). Follow the links for Health Care or Health Insurance.
If you are able to work, seek employment with a company that offers group insurance to employees so that you cannot be turned down based on your health status.
Do your best to avoid a lapse in insurance. Under the HIPAA rules, group and individual insurance plans can deny coverage for pre-existing conditions for up to 12 months if you have not had continuous coverage in the months prior to the start of coverage.
If you are not able to work, Social Security Disability (based on your work history or a parent's work history) and/or Supplemental Security Income (based on income and assets) may be an option. SSDI recipients qualify for Medicare coverage and SSI recipients are eligible for Medicaid.
Hope this helps!
Sharon
