How do you afford MD Anderson when you have crap insurance?

[joeguy]

I have employer provided insurance but it's not a very good plan. They give MDA the dreaded "out of network " status. This means I would be on the hook for 10s of thousands out of pocket. I am just an average middle class worker that doesn't have those kind of resources. Does anyone know if MDA has any kind of assistance for guys like me? Thanks

[tallguy2]

I'm sorry, I am unaware of assistance programs unless you are a Texas resident. Are you closer to another research hospital such as Duke (NC), Sloan Kettering (NY), or Mayo (MN)? there are many others...

[joeguy in reply to tallguy2]

I'm near Tulsa so I think MDA in Houston is closest

[Fairwind]

How old are you joeguy ? Have you called your insurance company and asked for a one-time exception to the "out of network rule" to allow you to visit MDA for a treatment consultation which you then could compare with what your local in-network treatment center has in mind. You might be surprised to find that MDA and your local doctors are pretty much on the same page....At least you will feel more confident in them..Also, call MDA and ask them what the cash price would be for that evaluation visit. It might not cost as much as you think...

[joeguy in reply to Fairwind]

I am too young to be on the Medicare gravy train, so lots of out of pocket expense is my reality. I agree with you about local options in tulsa. Perhaps not as cutting edge as MDA in Houston, but it will have to do.

[joeguy in reply to Fairwind]

The only reason I am even trying to get into MDA is that when I explained my situation on here a few days ago everyone kept saying "you need to get to center of excellence like MDA". Well for those of us that are just middle class working guys with typical employer insurance (which thanks to obama pretty much sucks any more), that just isn't affordable.

[Hidden]

Joe, I live in Houston and I do not go to MDA. BTW, they made changes in insurance plans three years ago..... I go to Memorial Hermann and UT medical school. I have been there since my MO left Methodist and Baylor College of Medicine breakup. The Texas Medical Center is a wonderful complex where all members share; except if insurance....

Do you yourself a favor and read out their MOs and the MH Cancer Center across the street..... since 2004, a very happy customer.......

Gourd Dancer

[joeguy in reply to Hidden]

Thanks gourd