***Anyone in the Clearwater Florida area***

[RhondaH]

My friend who is also a breast cancer survivor and was a HUGE support to me throughout my diagnosis found out that her brother who is a lung cancer survivor is having health concerns and we are fearful that he may be having a recurrence. He lives in the Clearwater Florida area and is finding little help in getting funding (or at the VERY least) a payment plan to get an PET and or treatment he may need. Does anyone have any suggestions? Please read the below email. Thank you and God bless.

Rhonda

"Well, the PET scan was over before it ever began! The hospital left a

> > >message yesterday that said my co-pay would be $1,628.13! When I called

> > >them this morning and told them we just don't have that kind of money,

> >the

> > >lady said she would have the appointment cancelled for me. They didn't

> > >even bother to try to talk me into keeping the appointment and making

> > >payment arrangements.

> > >

> > > Needless to say, this has been a huge waste of time and opportunity.

> > >I'm off work today, the weather is nice, and we have gas in the van.

>All

> > >ready to go, except for the absurd co-pay. I am just disgusted with

>this

> > >whole process, and have been for sometime. I've decided to just live

>with

> > >the pain, and except the outcome. NO MORE DOCTORS AND INSURANCE

>COMPANIES

> > >EVER!!!!!

> > >"

[Sheila]

Rhonda

I seem to remember someone going to the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa where they had a compassionate program for people with little or no insurance...it is probably 45 minutes away....or call the medicare medicaid office in the area.

[mts]

Years ago, my mom went to the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Tulsa (although we live in Florida). I recall talking to a receptioninst there that said because they were a not-for-profit church based center they often took non-paying patients. The founder of the center was a man whose mother died because she could not get treatment because she could not afford it. He decided that should never happen to anyone...they pay for travel for the patient as well as for a companion. The Center is adjacent to a large "hotel" which is owned by the center. My mom would go for a week every month. It was like living in a dorm. Very comprehensive.
Give them a call...

Maria (MTS)

http://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-treatments.cfm