We have insurance. However, recently, copays/ therapies/ surgeries/ ER stuff/ Etc. is eating us alive financially. Just this pastweek alone, I have spent $500 in medical expenses and trust me, we don't have it. I am trying to find something we can do to supplement our medical coverage. We have great insurance via BCBS but through private coverage. Copays though are $20 and it adds up quickly w/ 7 who have special needs. We receive no assistance from the state though most agencies apparently think we're supposed to. We do not qualify for medicaid for our children nor NC Healthchoice. The meds for them is what is really hard so if you know of prescription plans, please let us know. They total in the thousands each month though we pay in the hundreds for meds each month. We've noticed in the last few months things have gone from paying $7 to $11 a script to $29 to $60 a script. HUGE difference when we have so many who have medication needs. If anyone knows of a place that we can get coverage to help w/ these costs, please direct me to it. Also, we have a son who desperately will need extra speech therapy outside of school time. He's Deaf but w/ Cochlear Implants, will hopefully be able to speak eventually. They want us to do it outside of school as well a cuople times a week. Again, costs. Any ideas how we offset some of our medical costs? Are there other plans out there? They truly have practically doubled to tripled in the last year and are searching for how to help w/ it. Thanks for your information. Again, looking for some type of coverage that maybe I've missed. We are fortunate enough to have insurance but I know that will run out as well as we haev a family lifetime cap of $2 million. I know at this point we are most likely past the million mark w/ the amount of surgeries alone. So, suggestions are beyond appreciated. Also, don't know what will happen this coming year so trying to plan ahead. I know there are some other precription plans out there. And, we do take advantage of the 3 month ordering to save costs for scripts. How do you all save for scripts? Am I missing anything? We do have a rewards card and stuff like that but really, it doesn't help. Looking for something that I know I've had to have missed as far as covereage goes. Have a wonderful weekend. Again, thanks for sharing any sites, info, plans or antyhign else to help w/ medical coverage. Stephanie--mom to 7
Contact the pharmaceutical company that makes each medicine. (Your physician should be able to help with this.) Every one of the companies has a way to assist people with paying for the medications. Sometimes people even qualify to get it for free. (I have taught several students whose parents were able to go this route.)
Thanks a million! Never even thought of contacting the pharmaceutical companies. I'm going to go write my list of who to call! Some are generic and some aren't. But definitely worth it. Thanks a bunch! stephanie--mom to 7
Do you have flexible spending? I work for time warner and we can choose between BCBS and United Heathcare. We can also sign up for Flexible spending. For this year I selected to have $700 put it. They draft it out of your paycheck each time. I think they take out around $25 for mine. The money is put on a credit card at the beginning of the year and you can use for just about anything. Over the counter medicine, bandaids, prescriptions, copays, glasses, and more. I can use it at the dentist and the Eye doctor. I think you can select up to $5,000. It helps alot. I don't ever have to worry about having the money to go.
As someone already mentioned the pharmaceutical companies will work with you. My daughter is getting better pricing soon because we called her company on this. Is there a charitable fund that can help you? I am lucky because a charity here in Vail is going to help us with a fundraiser to help us with medical costs. Mainly so I can get my back surgery and be able to be off of work and not have to worry about bills and money. PM me I have some other solutions that may help you.
I must say, our docs are absolutely wonderful about the samples. But, they don't last forever as we all know. Wakemed reduces bills by 15% if you pay promptly and we always try to. I am definitely working on a list for pharmaceutical companies to call. I buy generics whenever I can. Of course, it does not help w/ something that has happened this week to most my kids. The script they all need is a one time thing this last week and it's $80 a box! Per kid. so far, 4 of mine need it and looking like the other 3 will as well. Nuts. But if I can control the normal regular meds, that will help immensely. Now, any idea what to do about all the copays--LOL. Besides cry. Thanks for all the suggestions and seriously keep them coming! I knew I should have asked this crowd earlier in the year. urghh. I'll know better next time I have a question. stephanie--mom to 7
