Cost for treatment

[Rubymom]

Hi everyone, i am hoping you can help. My dad was diagnosed with CLL about a month ago. He just received his information package in the mail from the specialist which indicated that he requires insurance to cover any medical expenses. We are from Ontario Canada so wondering what the cost is for the medication when getting treatments. Is any of it covered by the cancer society or government? What kind of health insurance would he need?

Thanks so much, any feedback is appreciated.

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

rubymom, the following conversation was had about a month ago:

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

[Annie1920]

Some of the newer treatments ( eg Obinutumazab and Venetoclax) are expensive round about £45000 in UK

[Moqua]

Hi Rubymom, good news for you and your Dad! All cancer/leaukemia treatments in Canada are covered by your Provincial Government. You can carry on and not have to worry about this. My only advice to you would be to make sure he has all his shots, flu, shingles, pneumovax etc. Be sure to ask his Doctor for all that info, good luck to you and your Dad

[Rubymom in reply to Moqua]

Thanks so much, that's great news. My parents are stressing out about that because my dad is retiring this October and has to get private insurance for medical which was pretty expensive to get the coverage he needs.

[Moqua in reply to Rubymom]

Yes if he doesn’t have extended benifits for other drugs it could be expensive. We have something called Pharmacare here in BC, which is a program for drug coverage depending on income. It may be possible that ON has something similar.

[Rosiehiker in reply to Moqua]

I am in Ontario. I do not think we can say in Canada everything/one is covered. In Ontario drugs are not. There is a program to apply to that Healthcare providers will assist you with but it is income/needs based .@

[Bubnojay]

Add prevnar against pneumonia and not the normal shingles jab but the non live one called shingrix.

Bubnojay

[Moqua]

I’ sorry if my info is missleading as Rosiehiker has indicated. It surprises me that this is the case as all in B C are treated equally and all cancer treatments are free. That said, I think your best course of action would be to enquire with your Doctor, he should be able to inform you or direct you to the appropriate persons to get the information you require. Ibrutinib is prohibitive in cost so you will need help for sure. I wish you the very best for the future. Mike