How Do I Pay For It? Patient Education and Counseling

What I am about to tell you is sad, but I have found it to be true. I am sure it won't come as a surprise to many of you. The health care system is in the business to make a profit. Their goal is to make as much money for their shareholders as possible.

They are not in it to cure anything. In fact it is not in the corporation's best interest to cure anything. It is much better for them to find ongoing treatments for an illness because this way they can make more money off the disease. This is what they call unchecked capitalism.

The question then becomes "What is the best way to survive as a patient in this environment?" The key is to understand the system and how to work your way around it. Doing this allows you to discover how you can pay for your drugs, doctors visits and tests that you need.

I have been involved with chronic illness for most of my life starting at the age of 3 all the way to my current age of 49. I come from a family of 8 and we have experienced several chronic illnesses including type 1 diabetes and all of its complications, heart disease, different forms of cancer, kidney disease, mental illness, appendicitis, liver disease, circulatory disease and arthritis just to name a few. While dealing with all of these ailments we learned a lot about how to pay for all the treatments and drugs that were needed while not always having the money or insurance to pay for them. It is the purpose of this article to share what I have learned with you the reader so you can benefit from my experience.

The following is a list of things you can do to help pay for expensive treatments and medications you need but may not be able to afford.

1. Prescription drugs- First if you are prescribed a drug that is not in your insurance formulator you need to ask your doctor if there are any other options you can take. Options such as using generic, drugs that are already on the market and do the same thing and your insurance will pay for them.


2. Explain to your doctor's office your situation and ask if they are aware of any solutions.


3. Look into your local government and see if they have any programs available for people in your situation.


4. Last but not least contact the drug company who manufacture the medicine and explain your situation. The company may have a temporary program to help people who need but can't afford their medication. Usually these programs will get you the medicine at a discounter rate and sometimes for free. You will have to fill out applications and prove you're financially eligible.


5. Tests and procedures- If you are scheduled for a test or procedure and can't afford it talk to the business office about your problem. Many places have a discounted rate for uninsured or underinsured patients and they may cut the price by 30-50%. You can also ask the office if they would be willing to accept the medicare rate or an insurance company's negotiated rate.


6. You must have a "How can I?" attitude. Don't take no for an answer and don't be embarrassed about asking. In this day and age this is a common occurrence.


7. You can also check and see if there are any free clinics and or low income clinics in your area. Most cities have them and they will treat you and ask you to pay whatever you can afford.


8. Another option is to talk to your Priest, Rabi or minister and let them know you are on hard times. They will usually have some help they can provide or they may know of something you haven't thought about.


9. Worst comes to worse go to the emergency room and get your tests done or meds filled. They are supposed to be obligated to help and can't turn you down.


10. The very last thing you can try is to go to the local media and see if they have a human interest reporter. Sick person being refused treatment in the richest country in the world makes a great story and most hospitals and doctors don't want that kind of negative publicity