Tanya's Cancer Blog
January 12, 2007
| Oh shit... | Views: 115 |
Hi everyone,
Well, I just got back from a wonderful 3 days in San Diego, a wonderful post-chemo gift from my mother. I wish I could say more about the trip, but I got some incredibly bad news when I got home.
To make a long story short, my health insurance was just canceled. Apparently they did a check on my medical history and said that I failed to disclaim a few things, like I went to the doctor for back pain and needed an x-ray. Or that I’ve had a cholesterol test in the past. Apparently health insurance is for super-humans who have never actually seen a doctor for anything. I imagine that Health Net of Arizona (never, ever use this company, they are devil-spawn) didn’t like that they weren’t making any money off of me and decided to dig a little in hopes that they could cancel my policy. I’m not sure how these people live with themselves. And I thought telemarketers were scum.
I don’t know what to do. I can file an appeal, but they’re going to deny it. I’m going to try to get state funded insurance, but we’re not quite poor enough. That pesky middle class thing…not enough money to not worry about it, too much to get help. Worst case scenario is I go into massive debt. Could somebody call George Bush and reiterate to him that the number one reason people need to declare bankruptcy is from medical bills?? Sorry if there are any GB fans out there, but the guy’s an idiot, and his recent change of bankruptcy law hurts people in my situation. Maybe I should march into his office bald, pale, scarred, broke, and now without health insurance. I can see how people end up on the streets.
I kind-of don’t care in a way. Maybe I’m numb. I feel like I try to play by the rules, pay my bills on time, do things the right way, and then get a load of shit. It’s just not right. In the “greatest country in the world”, how can they take health insurance away from someone in cancer treatment??
11.07.06 - 
Thanks for your support -
Holy fuck. Tanya, maybe you can get a lawyer? I’m not sure.
This country is completely fucked up for letting this happen to anyone. Write your lawmakers. Maybe that will help?
I can’t believe this happened to you right before your surgery. Oh my gosh. Write to the American Cancer Society… there also may be other orgs that can help you. Does your hospital give you a social worker who can help with this stuff?
I’m so sorry. Please let us all know if there is anything we can do to help.
Tanya,
I’ll walk in GB’s office with you…I’ve been singled out as well, and they are doing away with my job…(insurance included) I know the feeling of numb…and not sure that I could afford COBRA…which is double the amount.
Keep us all posted!
Karen
Dear Tanya,
You certainly are right that this is a perfect example of one of the big things wrong with this country—the insurance industry is evil! And no one has enough spine to stand up to them.
I am heartbroken that you are suffering so much from this terrible news, but I still have quite a bit of hope that this HORRIBLE decision can be overturned.
As for my suggestion of getting on the news, being arrested in that awful woman’s office would certainly help!
I also wonder how these people can live with themselves. Have they ever heard of “right livelihood?” “Just doing my job” is a notoriously inadequate excuse.
dear tanya
i believe that you can get help from the state. first of all the doctors who are working with you will give you options. It may be a pissy world we live in but I know that their are ways in which to get the care you so urgently need.
Have you talked with all the doctors you have worked with? What are their suggestions. I have a nurse practioner in Tucson and she is always very helpful with info on what do you do when you cannot afford the care you need. Often times we are unaware of what can be done and with your husband and my sis along side of you, how can you lose.
I guess I am saying that things are really dreadful but also I am saying things will work out even if I sound all new-agey about it.
Let my sis, your dear mom, get on the phone and start finding out what to do, or has she already done this. Love you little sweetie and talk with you soon. auntie Di
Dear Tanya,
Sorry to hear about the “Insurance Thing” I know how you feel cause it happened to me! I’m a two time breast cancer survivor. (2000 and 2004)My insurance ran out, they laid me off and I couldn’t get unemployment, my husband and were seperated, he wasn’t working, I had 1 1/2 year old son (now 7) and on and on. I didn’t have time to waste my energy on being mad or trying to fight the rotten government! The only thing I did was trust God to make a way! I’m a witness that He’ll do it! I didn’t have support of family or friends when I went through this ordeal both times!
Survivor from Pennsylvania
Hi Tonya,
I’m an old friend of your wonderful Mom. I met her in 94 at Mels diner. I was a part time short order cook and a massage therapist. Anyway, soooo very sorry for everything you are going through. If there is anyway we can get these two products I BELIEVE they can help. They are called Ambrotose, (stem cell regeneration, cell to cell healing and ALL NATURAL) Phytaloe, builds immune system. Anyway Sweetie, You are in my prayers and tell Your Mom I said Hi..
Sincerely, Gail