Medicare only

[BRANDY]

If you have medicare only will you still be able to get a transplant?  I was given papers for a double transplant --- kidney and pancrease.  I was told it would be about $100000.00 that would be $20000.00 wouldnt it   Theres no way I can pay that   I am having trouble  with bills now .  So what do you sugest  I should do   Is there somewhere I can get help?  I dont have any insurance

[Rerun]

You need to ask you transplant financial coordinator about that. 

Kidney patients are lucky to even have medicare.  Heart and liver transplants are on their own.

That is the first part of the transplant workup "can you afford the transplant" 

Who except Bill Gates could actually afford the transplant and related anti-rejection drugs?

You will probably have more help then you think.  Call your transplant financial coordinator.

[Chris]

Brandy, do you have any other diabetic complications? I can't remember if you do from previous post. If so and even if you are working, you should be able to get Medicaid from your state. If your not working and can't, apply if you haven't for SSDI (Social Security Disability Income) and NOT SSI (Social Security Income) which is less money towards you. Since you have Medicare, you will be able to get medications with Part D coverage, Part B for Immunosuppressants) at a low cost depending on plan, and tier group. Most of my meds are between $1.10 to $3.20, although some can be $20 and up (highest is $80 if going thru local pharmacy/ cheaper if using Medicare mail order service plan). Next thing to do is to look on the web of your county's health services and programs. There are also some organizations that will help pay for your hospital stay. Start off by looking into your areas NKF website, local transplant support groups. There is help out there as long as you know where to look and in some cases the social worker is oblivious to it. As for the cost of transplant, expect a higher price due to possible complications post surgery. It is hard to tell what the real cost will be because we are all different, but the price given seems to be low balling it.

I'll try to come up with some links before my eye surgery next week, there is one that comes to mind, but name escapes me for usefull information.

[BRANDY]

thank you that is a start.  If I find out anything I will be sure and post for others, maybe it will help others also. again thatnks for reply

[Chris]

Brandy, here is some other advice after I recieved some information in the mail from the maker of Prograf (Anti-Rejection). If you sign up on line from some of these drug manufactures product support websites, they will send you information. Prograf has www.transplantexperience.com, CellCept has www.cellceptforliving.com/   and then ther is www.transplantliving.com that is patient oriented pre and post transplant. The Prograf patient site sent me in the mail information on a disc that showed a link that can help people with paying for transplant.
National Foundation for Transplant
5350 Poplar Avenue
Suite 430
Memphis, TN 38119
www.transplants.org
The nonprofit organization offers a program of healthcare and financial support services and patient advocacy for transplant candidates, recipients, and their families.


I haven't fully looked at the CD yet though, but saw this while exploring the links provided on there.