drugs should arrive tomorrow

[hutchibk]

The problem as I learned last month is that it is classified for coverage under prescription benefits of your insurance because it is oral. (not like infused drugs which are covered under medical benefits). Sadly, many of us have a cap on our prescription benefits (mine is $1500 per year) so it knocks us into the 'black hole' of coverage. If we were on Medicare, it would cost us $5 co-pay. Because we have insurance, but caps on it, we are forced to go out of pocket or look for assistance. It should be covered under medical, that is all there is to it. I don't know how these decisions get made between drug companies and insurance companies, but I would like to kick someone in the shins until they see what the problem is...

[vickie h]

I don't know how old Joy is but I was disabled from my cancer at 55 and have been on medicare ecer since. Apparently you can go on medicare whenever it is deemed that you arre permanently disabled. You don't have to wait until your sixties or even fifties to get it. I know of someone at 35 who is on Medicare. Love, Vickie

[hutchibk]

To receive SS Disability you cannot have worked full-time for 6 months. And it takes 48 months from approval (and also of not returning to full-time work)to qualify for Medicare. I initiated the process in April 06, and it took me until October 06 to be approved. They approved me for SS Disability retroactively to July 05 - as June 05 was the last time I was able to work full-time. Subsequently, my 48 month waiting period for Medicare is up July 07 - so I am currently shopping for Medicare Supplement plans. They are virtually non-existent for anyone under 65. The only one that makes any sense is Humana Advantage, but not every doctor or clinic takes it... But, I guess Medicare will be a good thing for me, until I end up in the donut hole of Part D...

It's all very confusing right now, but I am figuring it out.

[mamacze]

Dear Joy,
I have been a bit worried about you and am wondering how you have been doing on the Tykerb? (and did you heed the good advice to cut back a bit and slow down?!
Love and Hugs,
Kim from CT

[vickie h]

I received medicare and SSi benefits within 2 years after my disability with breast cancer. I receive 1000.00 a month from SSI (which I received after a 5 month waiting period) and my medicare came in the mail a year after I was diagnosed. I only have part A now because we have other good insurance, but in the future we can opt for part B and D if we ever need it. Love, Vickie

[hutchibk]

Vicki - is your other insurance through partner's employer? I also have other great insurance, individual policy - not employer, so if I choose not to take Medicare part B now, I will have to pay a higher premium in the future if I do decide to take it. (10% more for each 12 month period that I wait). If I do not sign up for a traditional medi-gap supplement in the first 6 months after being approved for Medicare, then I miss the boat on supplements forever. Other than the Humana advantage plan. I can sign up on that anytime they have open enrollment. Yikes. My head feels like it's going to explode...