I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Medicare/Insurance => Topic started by: RightSide on February 12, 2011, 01:36:12 PM

Title: Long-term care policy for post-transplant care?
Post by: RightSide on February 12, 2011, 01:36:12 PM

I got my kidney transplant on January 26--and I've been effectively immobilized ever since.  I'm a bachelor living alone in the suburbs where mass transit is lacking; and the doctors have told me I can't drive a car or lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for the immediate future.

I have contracted with a professional caregiver service, Visiting Angels, to have trained caregivers help me with heavy chores, travel to hospitals and to shopping malls, etc.

I have a Long Term Care policy with MetLife.  I was wondering if this type of policy might pay for this caregiver service, until I can resume all my normal activities.

Title: Re: Long-term care policy for post-transplant care?
Post by: okarol on February 12, 2011, 09:33:36 PM

Quote from: RightSide on February 12, 2011, 01:36:12 PM

I got my kidney transplant on January 26--and I've been effectively immobilized ever since.  I'm a bachelor living alone in the suburbs where mass transit is lacking; and the doctors have told me I can't drive a car or lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for the immediate future.

I have contracted with a professional caregiver service, Visiting Angels, to have trained caregivers help me with heavy chores, travel to hospitals and to shopping malls, etc.

I have a Long Term Care policy with MetLife.  I was wondering if this type of policy might pay for this caregiver service, until I can resume all my normal activities.

I think your county has the same health and human services program that we have in Los Angeles - they will help you get assistance while recovering from your transplant. In LA we just dial "211" and tell them what you need. I was able to find this http://www.mass211.org/ - their website says "With the support of social service organizations that provide health and human services throughout Massachusetts and in collaboration with Massachusetts Association of Information and Referral Specialists (MAIRS) the United Way introduces this statewide Information & Referral System." Here in LA my mom has gotten food delivery, rides to doctor appts., and housekeeping while recovering from lung surgery. I hope this helps.

Title: Re: Long-term care policy for post-transplant care?
Post by: Deanne on March 31, 2011, 08:42:35 AM

Did you get this worked out? Was MetLife able to help? I also have them for long-term care insurance and am considering asking about post-transplant coverage.

Title: Re: Long-term care policy for post-transplant care?
Post by: KarenInWA on March 31, 2011, 10:41:33 AM

Deanne, does you health insurance have any coverage for at home nursing visits?  Mine does, for up to 120 days a year.  I don't know the details, but I am hoping to take advantage of it if I can get a live-donor transplant before my union contract changes in 2013.

KarenInWA

Title: Re: Long-term care policy for post-transplant care?
Post by: Deanne on March 31, 2011, 10:49:41 AM

I'm not sure about regular insurance, but I know long-term care insurance includes in-home care. I just don't know the specifics yet. I know you've also been struggling with the caregiver aspect. I have a better understanding now of the h*ll you've been going through.