HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - can people chime in as to what insurance companies they have and what troubles

Lori R · 10-05-2011, 05:47 AM

This is a very insightful thread and I appreciate everyone's feedback.

I have continued to work full time (a very supportive company and manager) and do so because I am the primary insurance provider for my family.

I work for a corporation that is self funded and uses Cigna to manage their claims. My insurance has been wonderful.

While I must pay the $2500 a year deductible, that is my most significant expense. I believe that is reasonable as I have been on herceptin for 4 years and have had multiple surgeries. Much to my surprise, insurance has covered new breast forms, bras, and a wig a year.

When my onc suggested a Herceptin+Tykerb regime, I was concerned. Although insurance denied, my Dr. quickly appealed and insurance subsequently approved. I was able to receive the drugs within 3 weeks.

So....I have every incentive to stay active, upbeat and continue to work.

10-05-2011, 05:47 AM	#16
Lori R Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Evergreen, Colorado Posts: 454	Re: can people chime in as to what insurance companies they have and what troubles This is a very insightful thread and I appreciate everyone's feedback. I have continued to work full time (a very supportive company and manager) and do so because I am the primary insurance provider for my family. I work for a corporation that is self funded and uses Cigna to manage their claims. My insurance has been wonderful. While I must pay the $2500 a year deductible, that is my most significant expense. I believe that is reasonable as I have been on herceptin for 4 years and have had multiple surgeries. Much to my surprise, insurance has covered new breast forms, bras, and a wig a year. When my onc suggested a Herceptin+Tykerb regime, I was concerned. Although insurance denied, my Dr. quickly appealed and insurance subsequently approved. I was able to receive the drugs within 3 weeks. So....I have every incentive to stay active, upbeat and continue to work. __________________ 2007 Oct - Diagnosed - Stage IV 5 c.m. IDC - Left Side er/pr- Her2+++ Node + 2/14 - Single Liver Met Double Mastectomy Nov - Begin T+H 2008 Feb-Complete 6 cycles- T&H- NED March - Continue - Herceptin Only April - Rads for 6 weeks 2009 Continue Herceptin - Continue NED April - Recurrance- 3 cm. Liver Met May - Cryosurgery June - November - Abraxane + Herceptin Aug - PET/CT - CTC = 0 Back to NED 2010 January - Continue NED July - Recurrance - 3 cm Liver Met CTC=1 August - Cryosurgery #2 August - November Navelbine November - Back to NED - End Navelbine 2011 Feb - Recur - 4 cm Liver Met - Same Left Lobe March Surgery it is -Couldn't get a clean margin July - Confirmed continued liver involvement August - Begin Herceptin + Tykerb October - Mixed results from H+T Add Abraxane + H + T - Nov - April 2012 January PET Scan - It's working!! April - Back to NED July - Recurrance August - Begin TDM-1 Trial (Taxol + TDM-1)