A reader sent me this letter on Friday.
What to do if you do not have health insurance and faced with cancer? I am trying to figure out what is important. I was hoping you might be able to give me some insight. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
These are the email messages that break my heart and motivate me to write about healthcare in America. I responded privately and offered my support. I provided a link to the American Cancer Society. I suggested that she fight for the best treatment out there, regardless of cost, and to proactively consult a bankruptcy attorney.
Such is life in America.
I don’t have many answers for unemployed and uninsured readers, but I have to believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Business leaders recognize that the status quo is killing us. Literally. Carl Camden of Kelly Services wrote about health care reform here, and even Jeff Kindler of Pfizer supports fundamental change.
Furthermore, Pfizer — my former employer — launched a new program called MAINTAIN. It’s a program that helps eligible unemployed Americans (and their families) who are in financial need and lack prescription coverage continue to get their Pfizer medicines free-of-charge for up to one year or until they become insured, whichever comes first. More than 70 Pfizer medicines are offered that treat a range of chronic health conditions.
Here’s where you can help fellow readers. What other programs are out there? How have you been managing your prescription costs while being unemployed? Were you aware that a program like MAINTAIN even existed? If you’re unemployed, will you use it? How can we share resources more effectively with our unemployed family and friends? Let me know what you think.
[Editor's note: I used to work for Pfizer but I am in no way benefitting from this post. I believe that in a time of 9.5% unemployment, a program like MAINTAIN is a good resources to share.]
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Many drug companies, like Pfizer, offer patient assistance programs for those that cannot afford to pay for their medications. Also, Google free drugs. Many sites will come up that offer assistance to those without prescription drug coverage. Here are some of the sites: access2wellness; scbn; medataservices; freemedicinefoundation; partnership for prescription assistance.
I also suggest this individual explore the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I have found it very helpful as I have dealt with cancer.
I had no idea it existed, and I work in a pharmacy. Thanks for the link, because I might be able to pass it on to some people who could really use the help.
It’s heartbreaking, and one of the reasons I know I can’t work in a pharmacy like this forever. For every five people you see working the system to get something for nothing, there is one person who truly has a need, who is out of work with no options trying to figure out how to pay rent and maintenance meds, or how to keep power on, or food for their kids, or keep up the job search. It’s absolutely heartbreaking (I know it was already said once, but it truly is.)
John and I are those working uninsured. I’m I guess what you would call under-employed with no real idea of when I can get coverage, and John’s is so high to cover me and him we’re waiting to pay off his truck before we commit to that additional expense. This kind of program is such good PR for the drug companies (who get blessed out every day by the people taking their drugs) it’s a shame it’s not more publicized.
Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs for those that cannot afford their medications. Also, Google “free drugs” and many sites will come up that can offer assistance.
For additional cancer support, I recommend exploring the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I found it very helpful as I dealt with cancer.
This has nothing to do with the Rx issue, but it is funny that you worked for Pfizer. The HRD that told me I did not have the political savvyness to work at the great organization (consumer products) I was at when she was giving me a severance package only lasted another year at the company and now she is an HRD for Pfizer.
As for the Rx issue – it is one of the messed up things about our country. If you want to get fired up about healthcare just watch Michael Moore’s movie Sicko.
Before my wife and I were married she was diagnosed with diabetes and did not have insurance. She ended up in the hospital for a week which forced her to refinance the mortgage to pay the bill – plus, the continuing costs were a strain.
I feel for the woman with cancer – stay strong and push people to help you.
and FYI, I just bought a new pair of Doc Martens.
@Penina Oh thank you for the options. Good suggestions.
@KellyO The working uninsured are heartbreaking. How hard do you have to work to get coverage? I’m just glad you learned about MAINTAIN and can tell other people about it. How funny that you work at a pharmacy and didn’t know about it? I would really recommend pharmacies as the first line of communication for these programs!
@Logan I think your wife’s story is heartbreaking. She’s good to have a husband like you. Truly.
I can’t share any personal heartbreak story with regard to health issues, but I can say that my husband and I have purchased an ROP insurance policy for cancer treatment in the event that we or our children develop the disease. No help to someone who already has it, but I feel better knowing that we will be able to afford treatment, even experimental treatment, if needed. Something for everybody to look into since 1/3 of women and 1/2 of men will have a form of it at some point in their lives.
@Amy I had to Google ROP insurance because I really didn’t know anything about it. Is the return better than a traditional CD or savings account? I’m a big believer in an emergency fund — although I don’t know anyone who has an emergency fund big enough to cover cancer expenses. Oy!