I am sorry for this bad, bad news. My wife of 34 years died from cancer 6 years ago and we had a very different experience with our insurance company. We had Fedelis thought the NYS exchange and when her cancer diagnosis was made, the insurance company assigned her a case specialist and she called once a week to check on her. Our copays were minimum and we got everything we needed. We were never denied and treatment and never saw a bill for any of it. Dealing with cancer is enough for someone to deal with, and the tragedy that is our health care payment schemes is that there are those who make a lot of money for perputrating the schemes. Health insurance is a misnomer, it's a payment scheme, because everyone will need health care at some point and insurance is supposed to be for unforeseen situations. It's time for us to do better. Your difficulty with all of theses entities during this time is disgraceful. I wish you both the best, what else can one say, work for change?
For the most part, the insurance cost has been minimal. We are lucky because chemotherapy can cost a lot. It is only recently that we have had the problems and hopefully it will be resolved.
So sorry to read about Gillian's ongoing battle against cancer and unfortunate battle with her insurance company. Bad enough to battle the one headed monster but she's battling two. Insurance carriers should all assign a case worker to advocate and navigate the complex and nonsensical world of insurance companies. BTW hope the cake was as good as it looked.
So sorry that your wife has to go through this. After my own “adventures “ with the health care system I can testify that medical care in this country is a horrible run around
How sad but how brave your wife is. She has enough to battle without all the other hassle. My prayers are with you both. I hope that she is able to get into the trial study and has a positive outcome.
I'm just taking up space to add my sadness about Gillian's BATTLE---well, it's BATTLES in multiples! The insurance hurdles are sometimes -- or often? -- more draining than the medical issues people try and work through. I'm sure that everyone reading your column today is feeling pain for what both of you, and your son, are managing through all of this--it doesn't take all of us expressing it here but I'm sure it is in the thousands to know we are all with you.
This next thought is not to compare myself to her.
In the last several months I have donated about a work day (the amount of time --- mostly on hold --- I have spent trying to settle things) to SSA. At least three times I waited on hold for 20 minutes and was disconnected because of some problem with their phones... then I got back on and waited approximately an hour... ...
When I had a student loan - same thing.
To bring it back to your column --> these are the things stefanik's constituents should not have to go through. Her job should be streamlining government, insuring people have health care. Not spouting dishonest outrage, outrage that has shown to put law enforcement in danger.
There is no reason for the complexity of insurance payments and co-payments, but dubious ones.
I don't see it happening, but campaign finance reform needs to happen.
stefanik is financed by banks, insurance and military industry. and if you look at her voting record, you see why --- her number one policy is: 'so people die.'
Please pass along our prayers for “G” and then please help her stay in the fight… SMiLE 😊 LIKE “G” EVER NEEDED HELP TOO BE STRONG. She has ALL my admiration. Tell her hello for me.
Words can't really describe what you and your family have gone through dealing with cancer. Physically and mentally it is torture. Bless you all.
Thanks Barb.
I am sorry for this bad, bad news. My wife of 34 years died from cancer 6 years ago and we had a very different experience with our insurance company. We had Fedelis thought the NYS exchange and when her cancer diagnosis was made, the insurance company assigned her a case specialist and she called once a week to check on her. Our copays were minimum and we got everything we needed. We were never denied and treatment and never saw a bill for any of it. Dealing with cancer is enough for someone to deal with, and the tragedy that is our health care payment schemes is that there are those who make a lot of money for perputrating the schemes. Health insurance is a misnomer, it's a payment scheme, because everyone will need health care at some point and insurance is supposed to be for unforeseen situations. It's time for us to do better. Your difficulty with all of theses entities during this time is disgraceful. I wish you both the best, what else can one say, work for change?
For the most part, the insurance cost has been minimal. We are lucky because chemotherapy can cost a lot. It is only recently that we have had the problems and hopefully it will be resolved.
Gillian is a warrior. May she have a great year!
I suspect she will have a great year.
My heart goes out to your wife and you. Wishing you strength and peace.
So sorry to read about Gillian's ongoing battle against cancer and unfortunate battle with her insurance company. Bad enough to battle the one headed monster but she's battling two. Insurance carriers should all assign a case worker to advocate and navigate the complex and nonsensical world of insurance companies. BTW hope the cake was as good as it looked.
The cake was amazing.
So sorry that your wife has to go through this. After my own “adventures “ with the health care system I can testify that medical care in this country is a horrible run around
You have got to be a fighter just to get what you paid for.
How sad but how brave your wife is. She has enough to battle without all the other hassle. My prayers are with you both. I hope that she is able to get into the trial study and has a positive outcome.
Her greatest accomplishment is that she lives each day to the fullest and made this all seem normal. I don’t know how she does it.
Happy happy Birthday to your wonderful wife. She is in my thoughts and prayers!
Thank you Mary.
God bless Gillian and you, Ken.
Greg Brown
Hang in there, Gillian. Also, look into your eligibility for New York's EPIC program for help with that pesky co-pay. It saved my bacon.
Thank you, we will check it out.
Heartbreaking!
Have you looked into PEP, a company in Saratoga that pairs patients needing treatment with clinical trials etc?
Thank you for writing this. Please thank your wife for showing such grace and courage as she goes through all this.
She is always uncomfortable with me talking about her struggles, but she did allow me to do it this time.
I'm just taking up space to add my sadness about Gillian's BATTLE---well, it's BATTLES in multiples! The insurance hurdles are sometimes -- or often? -- more draining than the medical issues people try and work through. I'm sure that everyone reading your column today is feeling pain for what both of you, and your son, are managing through all of this--it doesn't take all of us expressing it here but I'm sure it is in the thousands to know we are all with you.
Thank you Barbara. Well said.
Wow.
I wish I was just a tenth as brave as your wife.
This next thought is not to compare myself to her.
In the last several months I have donated about a work day (the amount of time --- mostly on hold --- I have spent trying to settle things) to SSA. At least three times I waited on hold for 20 minutes and was disconnected because of some problem with their phones... then I got back on and waited approximately an hour... ...
When I had a student loan - same thing.
To bring it back to your column --> these are the things stefanik's constituents should not have to go through. Her job should be streamlining government, insuring people have health care. Not spouting dishonest outrage, outrage that has shown to put law enforcement in danger.
There is no reason for the complexity of insurance payments and co-payments, but dubious ones.
Edward - You make some great points.
I don't see it happening, but campaign finance reform needs to happen.
stefanik is financed by banks, insurance and military industry. and if you look at her voting record, you see why --- her number one policy is: 'so people die.'
Happy Birthday wishes, continued strength and healing
Ken:
Please pass along our prayers for “G” and then please help her stay in the fight… SMiLE 😊 LIKE “G” EVER NEEDED HELP TOO BE STRONG. She has ALL my admiration. Tell her hello for me.
Bob and Dorotha
You will be heartened to know that she has changed much from all those years ago. She is a formidable force in everything she does.
Ken:
She has ALWAYS BEEN A FORMIDABLE Woman… That’s why she was “SCARY” too a few people. “G” has my highest regard and utmost respect.
Bob