All Insurance Is Not Created Equal: Finding What is Best for You!

I used to think that all insurance plans were created equal. One size fits all. Just drop your card on the counter and get what you need. It wasn't until I was diagnosed with cancer that I discovered nothing could be further from the truth! It is so important to know what your plan offers, covers, and requires of you. Research the healthcare in your state. Every state is different!

Medicaid

This should be simple, right? I assure you that it is not. Take time to find out what your state or area covers.

I found out after I lost my coverage that my state only covered breast cancer and cervical cancer under Medicaid. How unreal is that? And before they would even consider covering that, they needed a pathology report from the oncologist. This can take a lot of time and several calls to complete.

Health Insurance

My first 2 years were a time of hard lessons and ridiculous amounts of money spent. Once you are diagnosed, I strongly urge you to check your current plan and read all the important details that are about to apply to your life.

1. Will all your doctors be covered, or will you need to look for someone new?
2. What are the copays on all meds?
3. What are the copays for doctor and hospital visits?
4. What hospitals are in and out of your network? (This is important especially if you need to go to ER. Make sure you are at the hospital in your plan in case you are admitted.)
5. What tests and services are covered and for how much (such as MRI, PetScans, any treatments)? I had a plan that only covered ONE MRI per year but due to my degenerating spine and hip, I need them multiple times a year. Let me tell you, they are not cheap!
6. What surgeries and procedures are covered and for what?
7. Carefully read the terms of all hospital services. This includes ER, observation admittance, and in-hospital admittance. Trust me, these matters!
8. What additional medical services are covered, such as physical therapy or mental health. Yes, most of us have sat on that couch at some point and it's very much needed.
9. Are any home health services covered and what terms?
10. What medical supplies are covered?

Charities

There is a lot of financial assistance available through various charities and governmental assistance in most states. Take the time to find out what is available in your city/region and then what is available for your state. You will be surprised how much help is available.

Always ask questions

I know those insurance packets can be a major headache. Don't feel bad about making the necessary calls to get the information and answers that you need.

Ask friends and family that may have been where you are now and find out what worked for them. There is no shame in asking! Be diligent until you are getting what services all your needs best.

It's going to be okay

Regardless of this being the beginning of your journey or even months or years in, I know this can be a lot. In fact, it can be absolutely overwhelming. That's okay.

Take the time needed to do what's best for you. Most plans are retroactive and, in some cases, will reimburse you for medications paid out of pocket. I have been there and continue to go through it even after 7 years! We are all in this together, so remember to research, ask, and relax. I promise it's going to be okay.