question re vaccine trials...

[Kaye]

I am a bit naive about qualifications for any given clinical trial. I was wondering if I could be accepted for a trial for a vaccine out-of-state if my insurer was a non-profit HMO in California (.Kaiser.).

[Cindi]

My Herceptin was the only cost "free" to me during my clinical trial. All other fees were run through my insurance and paid for by my insurance because I was using an "in network" provider (doctor visits, blood draws, mugas). That was while I was with an HMO.

I am now with a PPO and have 80/20 coverage. But, do not need referrals and if I need to go out of network, it is 70/30 coverage. It is much more expensive in the long run, but I need the flexibility. I just don't know where this disease will take me. We are all in that same boat.

Cindi.