CancerCompass message board discussion started by Tammyj on 10/26/2006 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,7460,0.htm Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I need any and all advice on how to proceed if my Dad has no insurance and is seeking treatment through the VA Hospital. We are hitting road blocks at every turn. They are certain that his biopsy results will show cancer but are reluctant to get him scheduled with an oncologist as they say it is "very advanced." That doesn't mean that I have to walk out of there and say "ok, that's it..." Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Tammyj Thu, 26 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT This is your Dad..write & call your Govornor..Sentor ex ex ex...also look into what is called ( Hydrazine Sulfate ) Dr Goldburg and Dr Gold... Heavenmyrealhome Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Tammy, I am a Social Security Disability Examiner. My mother in law is stage 4 pancreatic, liver with hospice care. My husband and I are VERY close to her and are dealing with it as best as we can, although we currently live 400 miles away from her. I understand your father is a veteran and receives treatment from the VA. I highly suggest he apply for SSA disability. He needs to do that at his local social security office or online. He also needs to apply at your county departement of social services for medicaid. One examiner will handle his Medicaid AND his diability cases and the same decision will be made for both - approved or denied. If he's worked in the past 4 years but no longer does, he may qualify for federal disability (based on what he payed into the system over the years) AND SSI which is state disability (based on income and resources). Medicaid is also based on income and resources. In order to be approved, he must have a biospy done and a pathology report. If you can obtain a copy of these, you can include it when he applies and it will speed up the process (I highly suggest this,) otherwise, the examiner will have to request his records and sometimes this can be a lengthy process. The VA is usually pretty good about sending in medical evidence so either way is fine. My mother in law was approved for Medicaid and Disability within weeks after she applied. She also has no insurance and is, in the best way to put it, completely broke. She hasn't worked in years! Medicaid and Social Security have been a great help. I wish you and your father the best of luck! Shellsbells Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT My father was in a smiliar situation. In acts of complete desperation to get him what he needed I would simply call providers and ask if they would offer discounts and/ or pro-bono services. Although it was difficult to do and at times humbling, all I could think about was how I wanted my dad to be here for a long time to come. We also set up some payment plans along the way. To our relief, he got the best treatment available and is doing great! This endeavor became a full time job for me during this time, but well worth it! All the while, be sure you are calling your state health insurance department to see if they qualify for something as well as pursuing the Medicaid and Social Security paths. Michelle in Nebraska Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT how long after they diagnosed did you begin treatment.. my husband has been diagnosed with highly invasive nasal pharyngeal cancer... localized so far to his adenoids,sinuses, and lymph node in the left side of his neck.. he was treated for four months for ear aches prior to the doctor even suggesting we go to a specialist.. by that time it was malignant.. it's been almost five weeks now and because we don't have insurance no one seems to be too anxious to get us into treatment... we came up with the initial six thousand dollars to have the biopsy done and now have been placed on hold before radiation adn chemo can begin because we don't have the cash to payup front and the charity hospital says we make too much money... and plus they can't get us in for three weeks... it worries me that we've been told this is fast growing and can move to other parts of the body... but without the money or the insurance Mickies Tue, 21 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT What State are you in? I have lots of information to share and I think it would be too cumbersome to share via the message board. If you would like to email me direct with some additional contact info. please do so at michelle@hultine.com Michelle in Nebraska Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT