Community Forum

I know we all probably feel this way at some time or another but I am so sick of test and meds that cost so much.  I am still trying to get a CT Scan done and well I cant because after losing my job and my insurance at the first of the year I cant afford it.  I have been in so much pain for the last few months and living on pain meds and all because I cant afford proper medical care.  What is wrong with that picture??????  I keep contacting all these different places that are suggested to me but every time I hear I am sorry we will need money up front........Well if I had the money I already would have had the test done.  Is it not bad enough that this disease has driven me into bankruptcy but now I get to live in pain with a possible abscess or god only knows what (thats what my dr seems to think it is) because I cant afford one simple test???????????  I HATE this disease!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Reply posted for Amidala.

Well I finally got one of the University clinics to see me and they are scheduling my CT Scan for "FREE"!  I couldnt believe it was so simple once I finally figured out where to go and who to talk to.  It is a shame that people with chronic illnesses cant receive better health care than this.  I have been trying for months to get someone to help me and all the while I have been in pain and suffering.  I woke last night with the pain and running to the bathroom and then tossing around on the sofa for hours to only wake up a couple of hours later and feel just horrible.  I still have not had the CTScan because I have to wait for them to schedule it so hopefully next week because I am so ready to figure out what it going on and fix it.  I just do not understand how we have allowed people to suffer because of lack of funds and I guess I never will. 

 Reply posted for kimhg.

i'm in canada (born and raised) and our healthcare system isn't so blessed like it was long ago...we have more and more privatization and even before that it was taking longer and longer to get in to see a new specialist (gi for example), now it's a good 6 months if you want to get a new gi before you can see him and he'll only do a consultation to start (which means more than likely a second long awaited apt for a scoping) when i first got sick (17 yrs ago now) my family doc sent me to see a gi within days and that first apt he scoped me and easily dx me, they also served me a sandwhich, cookie and my choices of beverages (juice, milk) now you're lucky if they throw a cracker at ya.

things have really changed, infact if you ask most canadians they'll tell you that our healthcare system is resembling that of the us more and more and it won't be long if it ends up being worse.

:)

 Reply posted for kimhg.

Hey, you should hate the health system! I know what you mean. I had to come to live in Mexico cause my Dad is mexican and I can get my meds free here because he has insurance. The hospitals are horrible here, but hey, you got to do what you got to do. right?

President Bush just aproved an act that allowes us to get insurance even though we have an IBD. You should look into that. There is no reason why we shouldn´t be able to work and have health insurance it is just inhuman. You are in my prayers

 Reply posted for durthy226031.

It is amazing how some people know exactly how to work the system and have absolutely nothing wrong with them.  Then there are people like us who have a chronic illness and honestly need the help but cant get it. I am lucky in a lot of ways because I do live with my boyfriend and he owns his own business so we do have a roof over our heads and food on our table but now if I could just get someone to clean this roof and cook the food for the table since I feel like crap most days.......haha.  I even feel like my dr doesnt understand because when I told him I couldnt pay for the CT Scan he just acted like he was upset that I wouldnt follow his directive and how dare I not do what he says........my response to him was well unless you pay for it then it doesnt look like I will be having that test.  He didnt have much to say to that.  I also have to bug him to even give me any pain meds because he doesnt want to give them to me unless I have this scan done.........I am not living in pain till I figure out some way of having this done.  I just get more frustrated every day!!!!!!

 Reply posted for kimhg.

I know exactly how you feel about the insurance. Mine will end next month and I have been trying to get considered as disabled through social security but since I work about ten hours a week...they aren't having it. The health care system in this country is so awful. A person with no job and a chronic illness cannot even get care unless they have lots of money. Hopefully with the next president all this will change. 

 Reply posted for pembroke.

I know I find it rediculous that in a country like the USA that if you dont have money then you cannot get adequate care.  The bad part is that I spoke to the University hospital yesterday about helping me out and well they basically told me the same as everyone else.......you must pay for the test up front.  Well if I had the money then I wouldnt be trying to get help from a State University now would I!!!!  It is so very frustrating.  I have been lucky that I always had insurance up until now and I always wondered what people without insurance who have Crohn's did and now I know........they just suffer.  Oh and I already went to the state and asked for help and was told that unless I am disabled or have no income at all that I can not recieve help.  So basically if we give up our home and go live in a box then they will help me out........that is just nuts.  GOD BLESS CANADA.......at least they know how to take care of their own!

 Reply posted for kimhg.

I understand what you are going through, I am still paying off procedures from 4 years ago.
Contact the local hospital that you will be getting your tests done and ask if they do a " sliding fee scale" and also ask if they can set up a payment plan for you. If you contact the finacial dept. of the hospital or clinic they would be more than happy to help you get the care you need.They would rather see you pay 10 dollars a month then skip out on your health.
If you are not working right now see if you can get some state assistance, thats what its there for.  These are the only things that saved me from going in the negative each month.
A sliding fee scale- basically the fincial dept. looks at your income for the year and your living expenses and sees what you can spend and works out a no interest contract.
Hope this helps.

 Reply posted for kimhg.

All I can say is that Canada is a beautiful country.  We hear about the notorious wait times here in Canada, but I have found my wait times not bad and also not having to worry about paying for medical tests is incomparable.