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Feeling sad and needing some TLC from the people who understand

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Post  KimbaK Fri 09 Aug 2013, 10:51 pm

So yesterday I go to my monthly medication apt at my pain clinic. The one I've been with since 2006. I am on morphine ER 3X daily plus 1 Oxycodone tablet PRN in addition to my Relpax. And Flexeril 10 mgs 3X daily PRN. As of June, they no longer prescribe the Norco (for anyone) which was once my big gun.

After a 2 hour wait, I see the nurse practitioner (as usual) who tells me that the clinic has a new policy, they will not be prescribing my Flexeril as a 90 day supply any more. As it is a muscle relaxer, it is a short-term drug and I shouldn't need it long-term. (I've been on it since 2007 or so.) They will only give me a 30 day supply once every 90 days. Or... I can get it through my PC. The clinic has no problem with my getting that medication elsewhere. I think they got mad because they gave me 2 90 day prescriptions back to back. I filled both, because the last time I held on to a script they only filled part of it at the pharmacy.

I've also explained that while I've had great days that I only took the daily morphine doses, no other meds. But when the migraines are so severe, only 1 oxycodone is ineffective. I asked what I should do. So she gives me my morphine refill, my oxycodone (with 4-5 extras) refill, and my Phenergan. No instructions on when to take the 2nd dose of oxycodone if I need to. She then asks me if I am still drinking. I explain that I do not drink. Not even socially. She tells me that I had a urine test come up positive for alcohol back in February. No one mentioned that to me back in February. I don't drink. Ever. I told her that the only thing I could think of was that I took too much Nyquil. I'll be honest and say that I do take more than the usual dose. Like with every other med, the minimum dose is not effective. I don't think she believed me. I don't drink. Especially since I take morphine. I don't want to die. Then I wait another 30 minutes to check out. I had a test in May that came up positive for oxycontin in May. I don't have oxycontin so they really gave me a hard time about that. I asked how often false positives come up. One of the nurses told me that too much Norco will show as oxycontin on a urine test. I was honest and told them that when the pain is at its most intense I have exceeded the regular dose. Not every day or every other day, but when I couldn't handle the pain anymore. I then had a urine test every couple of weeks so they could be sure.

I'm beginning to feel like they don't want to work with me anymore. I know I am a difficult patient. My migraines are not easily managed. I have not been to a neurologist in a while. I don't want to play the let's try some new medication game. The last time someone played with an antidepressant I was so angry all the time until I stopped that med. I don't want to go through that again. That and my credit is terrible from all the unpaid medical/hospital bills. I've explained that to them. I told the nurse that when my Medicare kicks in in November, I will get tests and MRIs whatever. She just looked at me and said, "Oh Medicare from the disability?" like I was abusing the system. I really think they are starting to consider me a drug seeker. I don't think I can accept that. I haven't wanted to consider moving, even though the wait time is ridiculous. I have been with my one provider for so long I felt like they knew better. I have seen every one of the drs that have worked in the clinic and the nursing staff. I have tried everything they've asked of me. Even when I knew it wouldn't work. I didn't complain or argue. I have tried to be a cooperative patient. I also don't want to look like a drug seeker or dr shopper with Social Security. But if they are going to see me as a drug seeker, I need to find a new pain management team.

I'm tired. Its bad enough to have this disease. Its hard to make new friends, or even keep the old ones. Its hard to think about dating when I wonder how I will explain to someone that no I don't work, I'm on disability. I will probably never work again. No I don't look sick. Yes, I am a single mother. No I don't get out much, and I have to cancel plans fairly often. No I'm not a drug seeker, but yes I do have powerful meds. I miss family functions a lot and will miss the ones he will have planned as well. Who is going to want me like this? I'm not feeling sorry for myself. I'm just being realistic. If even my doctors don't believe me how can I expect someone who will have no idea what this is like to believe me.

I'm tired and frustrated. I am going to find another pain management team, but I'm angry that this is happening. What is a person supposed to do when they've done everything right but are still penalized?

Irritable Kim

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Post  Cluelesskitty Sat 10 Aug 2013, 2:23 am

Oh, Kim, I am so sorry.
This is terrible, and to be done like that by a team who should know by now you just want to survive yet another day,
especially as a single mother it is so hard to manage migraines and children and household and all.

Print your letter and send it to the staff? Maybe it will make them stop and think...

Hugs

Risa
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Post  milo Sat 10 Aug 2013, 8:45 am

Hi Kimbak. I really think you wrote an excellent letter. Why not think about sending a very similar version to the clinic? They need to hear our perspective too.

I'm sorry you are feeling down. I feel your pain and hope you pass through this dark cloud. Hang in there please! Sending you kind, positive thoughts!!!!!
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Post  Platypus Sat 10 Aug 2013, 7:14 pm

Yes the dating game is very hard. I've been rejected after I explained that I have migraines and am on disability. It's ablism, like racism or any other kind of ism. A friend w/ MS said to me, "drop them through the trap door and keep seeking someone that's worthy of you."

I agree w/ sending a version of your post to the head honcho at the pain center. You should be treated with respect as a client. Emphasize your suffering. Explain the reasons you tested positive w/o apology. Make a point of your indignance, but state it simply and concisely.

-Platy
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Post  30yrsofheadache Sun 11 Aug 2013, 5:21 am

Kim, I think that Dr.'s are getting huge pressure not to prescribe certain meds. Mostly narcotics, but others also. I hate to say it, but maybe you should not be quick to leave this practice unless they start cutting back on your pain meds. It could be very hard to start with a new Dr. who doesnt know you. I agree it is frustrating and unfair, but it could be much worse. Are you coping with the decrease in Flexeril? I also think you should print out the discussion and show it to them. I wish you the best possible outcome. I totally understand how hard this is!Evil or Very Mad 
Hugs,
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Post  sconesail Sun 11 Aug 2013, 6:35 am

Hi All,

I really hate it when medical professionals do this.

I am sure that part of the reason you have had trouble recently is due to the fact that the DEA is cracking down on doctors and patients on any controlled substances. I also know that a lot of the good doctors are scared to death about what is coming next-mainly the Obamacare plan. (I am not trying to be political in any way, but I know that it is happening. My uncle is an internist and is retiring at the end of the month. One of the main reasons is the fact that it will soon cost him more to see a patient than it would for the patient to see him. He is 70, but still a great Dr.) I know that a lot of state boards are also cracking down on prescription meds.

I would definitely write a letter to your primary dr in the practice or even see if you could get an appointment with him and not the NP. This was you can tell him directly about your concerns. An appointment might be better than a letter. Another option would be to see if you can get in with your DR- the one who went to medical school and whose name is on the prescription- discuss things with him. If that doesn't work, send the letter! After all, it is his name on the script and you are his patient. So that might be the best way to go.

By the way, the last time I saw my local neuro's PA- I was not treated well. She said I was better because I only fainted 10-20 times a day. Then she went from telling me I needed a helmet to implying I was making the fainting up because I didn't have enough going on in my life. She also asked if I was dating anyone, I said not right now, I was but we had broken up the year before. She asked if the fainting had anything to do with the breakup- I said, "No, the fact that he moved and wanted to date someone else had a great deal to do with it." When I told my father this he replied- "Well, she is only an NP- she didn't go to medical school, so I don't think it counts." I started looking for a new neuro after that visit.

I hope things improve.

Pain free days,
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Post  tortoisegirl Sun 11 Aug 2013, 12:13 pm

Sounds like something is wrong with their testing? Do they send it out or do it in-house? The cheap dipstick in-house tests are known to be inaccurate. If they sent it out, you would likely receive an explanation of benefits for an amount in the realm of $800.

How would they tell your Oxycodone apart from Oxycontin on a test? Or were you not on the oxycodone at the time, just Noroc? Oxycontin contains Oxycodone, only long acting. Yes Norco could show up as Oxycodone/Oxycontin on a cheap test, but they then should have sent out the sample to verify.

Also, I don't get why NyQuil the night before show up as alcohol. Was your test very early in the morning? You would think its only a small amount in it, and it would clear your system fast.

By the way though, NyQuil is a poor option to take for sleep. You should talk to your doctor, but if you need something and they won't prescribe it, Melatonin, Benadryl, or Unisom may be a better choice, as they don't have the added ingredients.

Your doctor's office not telling you at the time that there was an issue with your drug screen is a red flag for them. Yes it does sound like they may be on the track of trying to get rid of you, for whatever reason. They aren't being very straight with you. I'd start asking your other doctors about any other pain specialists they recommend.

You'll definitely need a primary care doctor on your side, such as for a new referral. Most pain clinics also require all your records, so this may follow you unfortunately. I wouldn't leave this pain doc until you have a new one (or they drop you). You can consult with a new doctor without issue as long as you don't receive any meds from them before you cancel any contract you have with your current doctor.

It may also be in your best interest to consult with a neuro at least so it doesn't look like you are non-compliant on trying non-narcotic treatments. I've been careful in never turning down a treatment option, unless it was financially non-feasible or I had a demonstrated reaction to similar meds. Sorry you are having to deal with this...its definitely not fair. Best wishes.

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Post  KimbaK Sun 11 Aug 2013, 12:49 pm

Thanks everyone for your support. I feel better today, I guess.

I am still considering my options. I don't make hasty decisions when I really need to think things through. I know that doctors are all feeling the pinch of the government crack down on narcotics. I understand that and even support it. I know the drug tests are a clinic requirement and I don't even mind those. I am concerned that once I had a false positive it predisposed them to look at me differently. Its frustrating to know I am not a drinker and still be judged as one. I know the consequences of alcohol and medication. I also don't enjoy alcohol. Most it of tastes bad and gives me terrible heartburn.

More to follow later. Gotta run.

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Post  7777Trinity Mon 12 Aug 2013, 7:29 am

Kim
I wish every PCP and every Neuro and Pain Management doctor could read your letter. It represents the suffering the majority of us migrainuers go through.

It represents the stereo typing that is projected upon us as well.

I wish I could make this disease go away for all of us, sadly no one can. Hang in there and let us know what you decide on a new pain management team.

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Post  Migrainegirl Wed 14 Aug 2013, 6:25 pm

Kim,

It sounds like an usual visit for you. Was it different staff than who you usually interact with? If they are new, they may have some bad attitudes coming with them. You should definitely talk to your regular doctor there if this is the case. If they are people who have been around awhile, then it may be increased pressure to stop drug seekers. This is going to be a real problem for those of us with legitimate pain.

I would be very concerned about the reports of false positives and alcohol if you have not been drinking. Either someone else's tests could have gotten mixed up with yours (happens more than you think), or they were making it up to get you to confess to something (would not put it past them, this is a standard move). Either way don't let them rattle you. Demand to see and verify any test they say is positive, ask how it was conducted, who tested it, and ask for a retest if you think it false. Stay calm and in charge. They are trying to flush out abusers which you are not.

Also if they are trying to cut back on abuse, refusing to do 90 day on a muscle relaxant but giving plenty of Oxy makes no sense. It sounds like they have gotten some poorly trained staff. Try to see your regular doctor there instead on your next visit and tell him what you need. Don't let them intimidate you.
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Post  Porsche Fan Thu 15 Aug 2013, 12:03 am

Kim,

I'm sorry to hear your having such a battle over meds with the docs and the system.  O-Care (politics or no politics aside) is going to effect us all.  This is not the utopia that so many bought into.  In fact, I think our quality of care is going to decrease rapidly--and I work in the insurance/benefit field with my consulting.  There is very limited information out there that really explains what's going to be available, state by state.  Even though I have plan through my company (I own, and I pay the premium) I am very nervous  to see what's going to happen in the future.   They only reason why I'm alive is because of a lot of docs, medications, and my brain-power.....oh of course, money.

The pain management or PCP's are put under a lot of scrutiny.  I personally have not had a problem but I did get tested by family doc last year as the hospital which owns the practice  (he's technically an employee) made a policy that anyone that is on a scheduled medication needs to be tested.  I got tested for everything under the sun, which highly infuriated me.  My insurance co. stuck me with the bill.  It was over 1,200 bucks.  There was a battle and almost got my attorney involved.

Since I didn't want a mark on my credit, I grumped enough and got it settled for 75 bucks.  I had a long discussion with the office manager.  The doc has influence, but he's an employee of a hospital network.  And besides, you should never apologize nor admit anything.  Make them prove it.  Nyquil is legal.  So is beer.  So is Scotch.

Wishing you good luck.  I know the pain med issue is significant for everyone.  Keep notes.  My doc's only concern is that I have an adequate supply for what I think I'll need.  I think there's a quantity issue that's being gauged.  Also, they monitor how much you take over time.  Another aspect of the concern is if the patient is selling medications.

Like I said, I had to do battle.  My HIPAA rights were violated.  Once I pointed that out to the office manager  she shut her mouth.  I did as well consult my attorney for malpractice.

I'm winning--so far, but I follow the medication schedule and will periodically bring in the scheduled medication's bottles with pill counts to show the doc.  He is almost, if not embarrassed when I do this.  Well, when someone tests me for angel dust, that tends to put me in a bad mood.

Feel better soon!

Tricky business.  Best of Luck.
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Post  Platypus Thu 15 Aug 2013, 2:16 am

Well this all makes me rather nervous. My neuro prescribes injectable Demerol for my migraines which is, how you say, somewhat unusual. It's literally the only thing that works. Dilaudid used to work - somewhat, but I've developed an allergy. None of the other opiates, analgesics, triptans do a thing. I have Kaiser health insurance and I go out of plan to see my neuro. No Kaiser doc would write for Demerol. So I pay out of pocket for office visits and the medicine. (I also pay out of pocket for Methysergide, my main preventative, because it's compounded, so for all the money I pay for Kaiser I get nothing in return -- I CAN'T WAIT FOR OBAMACARE! But I digress.)

Obviously my neuro is somewhat of a cowboy. He writes the instructions on the Rx "Take as needed." I have a pharmacy that orders and fills it for me. Once they were out and I had to drive across town to fill it at another that had some in stock. When they saw how he wrote it they refused to fill it. As my migraines have gotten worse my usage has gone up and he has never hesitated to fill the rx. He gets migraines and he understands chronic pain.

I'm worried about the future. What happens when my neuro retires? What happens when I get old and can't advocate for myself? I'm completely reliant on two medicines that are controversial and hard to obtain. Not for very good reasons though, I think a lot of HA sufferers could be helped by Demerol and I think a lot of HA sufferers could be helped by Methysergide.

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Post  Porsche Fan Thu 15 Aug 2013, 3:19 am

Platypus,

I understand what you're going through with your pain.  I suffer from migraines that are due to a global cardio-vascular dysfunction.  O-Care has not given nor shown to people in some states what in the heck is coming towards them.  For a person reliant on medications to stay alive (I can live with migraines without meds) but when your heart is damaged and cannot pump effectively, you don't need to worry about migraines--you're dead.

As patients, we have minimal knowledge of what this law will add for us.  Congress and other Federal workers are exempt.  What happens to the rest of us chum?  I got hit with 3 consecutive years of ~45% increases since  O-Care became law.  This year luckily it was only 3%--and that's only because the insurance company has a major battle against their competitor.

Without all the other cardiovascular meds and a couple others I will be back in certain migraine hell.  I have them, but I have health problems that are, much, much more grave than migraines.  Migraines are an indication that my heart is not working right.  My last cardiac catheterization revealed that I'm in heart failure, fluid is building in my lungs, and my lungs themselves have elevated pressures.

Yet I have no idea how these "exchanges" will be set up.

I understand though about pain meds.  My doc has prescribed what works, and usually I can treat myself under his prescriptions and not have to go to the ER.  I haven't gone to the ER for head pain since 2006--that head pain was a stroke though--which really sucked.

And I agree about pain medications that work, and some that do not work. It's tough and it takes balance.  This week I probably threw a clot and it went into my leg.  Saw my family doc, he got me a stat appointment for an ultrasound at the vascular surgeon's office--to whom was waiting for me to arrive.  That's efficiency and a caring organization.  Sitting in the ER was boom---gone.  I may have had a clot and hopefully the meds either thinned or it broke.

What's scary is--will I be able to get this type of care in the future?  Will my private plan stay in existence?  If everyone leaves the plan, that can make it defunct.  Insurance is based on "the law of large numbers." Diversify the contributor pull....however many hate this idea.  We've developed in this country so many classes of citizenship based on who can have what and when.....

As I see it, the future is actually quite scary.  I understand my health, but what will happen to our system.  The whole precept of companies, organizations, bargaining units, government employees (and the list goes on) that do  not have to fall under this plan is worry-some.  That makes the rest of us get jammed into gosh knows what.  Then on top the government wants at the higher end for "Cadillac Plans" to be taxed at +40%?  That would include my plan--I chose it to be able to live.  It's not a fashion party to go to a fancy hospital with shining glass and soothing music and lights in the background--it's to stay alive.

I digress.  I'm paying out of pocket 1k a month now in premium alone for single person.  My costs have skyrocketed.  I am a claims driver, and I know that.  However the future dilemmas that are coming up disconcerting to say the  least.
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Post  Migrainegirl Fri 16 Aug 2013, 8:50 pm

PF, I think you have been highly influenced by all the Republican propaganda that is just trying to scare people. Yes, insurance rates are really high. I own a small business and we have had double digit percentage increases every year for a decade. It's due to broken system and its unsustainable.

All O-care and exchanges will do is give you more options. Instead of really high personal insurance coverage, you'll actually be able to join a group plan and get the lower rates that large companies with more people get. It's all a matter of size, and as an individual or a small business you do not have the clout or leverage that a larger plan does, thus the really high rates you pay today based on your conditions. If you still want a personal plan, you should still be able to get it, but I suspect your same insurance company will have many other options available that might be much more attractive. Why don't you call them and find out ?

(Oh by the way, there was a bill to allow individuals and small businesses to band together into collectives to get cheaper insurance in 2004 or so and the Republucans killed it. So sensible solutions that might have helped were not taken, thus a more extensive plan like Obamacare became necessary.) And by the way taxing company provided insurance was the Republican plan (only they were going to tax all of it).

And you are darn lucky you have any coverage at all. Many many people with your medical record can get no insurance at all. They go into bankruptcy to try to pay and often end up going onto Medicaid as their only option. We won't have live in fear of not being able to get insurance as they won't be able to turn you down for pre existing conditions.

Obama care won't be a magic silver bullet. We still need to fix the factors that drive our medical costs through the roof compared to other countries. But it is a start. Don't let the fear mongers get to you.

And none of this has to do with the problem of getting pain medication. That problem is due to the big push to reduce drug abusers, and the trend among some nuero groups and pain groups to not prescribe certain meds and narcotics for migraine. It's been a growing problem for the last 5-6 years at least. Lets not get that confused with an insurance program that hasn't even started yet.
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Post  Porsche Fan Sat 17 Aug 2013, 12:05 am

Migrainegirl,

Thank you very much for your thoughts.  There are a lot of problems still not addressed by O'care and how it's going to be implemented.  If you live in a state where the Govt. has to install the O'Care program, there is little choice when and what coverage will be offered.  There are insurance companies already creating supplemental plans to help pick up gaps in what the exchanges lack.

I haven't been influenced by GOP fear-mongering of any type.  This is my day to day life--and the powers that be have it in their control.  The government and the healthcare industry are engaging in some practices that are very difficult to decipher and find out what will be available.  The administration is constantly changing its tone and guidelines for implementation.  Please, do you really think I take information of the news to financially forecast and pay for care, medications, and cost of managing a severely complex case that has negative outcome?

I don't care about the party affiliation.  Costs reviewed, analyzed, and tracked are important tools.  Some that believe this is a fantastic handout are going to find out they're going to end up in the worst old-school type HMO since the 80's.

My best friend since high-school and business associate, who is a benefits broker (not just someone that works at an insurance company selling) but an RHU, as well as a CFP, CLU in one of the largest employee and individual brokers in the state..  These are important designations.  My friend that knows the seriousness of my problems, plus recognizing the changes is in the trenches...not CNN.  Small group employers with even a young work-staff will see 60-70% premium increases.   In fact I had a very detailed conversation tonight regarding renewals.  Plans are looking to do early renewal starting November 31.  My increase would be 4%.  The large question is what will the increases and benefit coverage be when it comes in July, which is my typical fiscal year to year insurance decision.  A 4% "risk" premium may be cheaper.

I  could see a realized 40-60% DROP in premiums next July as underwriting for an insurance plan (and this is not an exchange plan) will be going to community rating (age, race, and general questions) rather than being based on claim experience and history of the individual.

The BIG "IF" is whether the plans will be equivalent.   Private insurance companies are forecasting or and using actuarial analysis to see what's going on.  Right now, they're trying to lock in some customers. This has its own financial merits.

O'Care will have an Open Enrollment just like medicare.  That's your shot. They also based on the demographics and your region with designate whom you  can affiliate with.

My rating for personal coverage would follow under a guaranteed-issue plan.  Going after that is a waste of time--this products are expensive ad do not nearly offer the benefit plan that I personally pay for each month.  The best care plans are under group plans sponsored by an employer.  I have my own company and work very hard at targeting the plans I need to stay alive.  My underwriting is purely medical underwriting, and it is graded on a 1-10 level. I am a 10.  The worst.

One of the large worries is that community underwriting will  get thrown out.  Individual underwriting and claims issues determine the cost of premium--and very few chamber of commerce programs or other professional groups allow sole-proprietors in.

I beg to differ--I'm not managing health insurance by Faux News or by Repubicans--I'm trying to stay alive.  The reality of the ratings outcome and perceived patient recovery rate is flawed to begin with.

There is little freedom with the exchanges, and if your state does not offer one you will be guided by the feds.  I don't know why you say I'm "darned lucky" to have coverage at all.  That's a bit of a cheap shot.  I fight the pain, I've fought the damage to my body, and I make my OWN payments.  Do you know how expensive this is to fight on your own, under your own sails?  I don't think its fair to criticize me for selecting a plan that is a high end plan to help me stay alive.  People with my condition can apply for disability.  I do want to continue fighting, and work.  Do you know what Heart Failure is?  Oh yes, I'm so lucky.  I will not disparage migraines and it's seriousness.  I recently had 3 new very serious cardiac made.

I understand the significance of unlimited lifetime max., and the issue that they cannot revoke  nor deny you coverage.  However that does not that it will be cheap.  How do people exactly expect to get high quality care when prices are pushed down by a federal law where it seems every day parts are being  delayed and silent pulled back as it will destroy small business.

I am not lucky.  I pay at least 40% more than I should if I were allowed access into a larger group population.  As a sole proprietor I am truly stuck.  The exchanges are so incredibly murky that one really, really should evaluate their healthcare needs for at least the next 2 years.  Just as what this administration has performed, we will see how it effects the bottom line of a company.  Shoving everyone in a single payor  plan is painful, and flatly a flawed process.  Just look at the members of the federal government that are not subject to O-Care among others.  Even "O" is exempt.

I understand your point,  and I am eligible for full disability however I chose to sail under my own wind.  Respectfully, do not call me lucky.  This is hard work and money that comes out of my pocket--my wealth, my future.

Am I lucky for using my education and knowledge?  No, that was earned, not given to me.  That monthly premium I pay isn't paid by someone else--it's me.

-PF.
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Post  Migrainegirl Sat 17 Aug 2013, 1:45 pm

PF,

I think you misunderstand me.  I say you are lucky you have been able to get any insurance coverage at all because I know many people with pre-existing conditions, many far less severe than yours, who have been completely UNABLE to get any insurance coverage at all.   At any price.  Yes I know you are paying for it, at paying a much higher price than if you were eligible for a large group plan.   This is where I think the new programs will help most.


I Pay insurance for myself and all my employees so I'm well aware of the problems in our medical system. They have nothing to do with Ocare. Not in the past and not now, and not likely in future.  It's just a very inefficient system and insurance companies cut costs by cutting benefits. Doctors and hospitals make money by charging for more services,  not a good receipe for cost efficiency or care quality.


Sorry you live in a state that has rejected O-care.   That is the fault of your state legislators.  They could set up state exchanges if they wanted to.  Instead you will have the Federal exchanges available.  And you will have a wide range of options to pick from, at various cost/ benefit levels.   Or you can stick with what you have if you are happy with it.   It's just making insurance available at hopefully some lower rates than we have been seeing.  

Once it's all implemented, it will turn out to be far less dramatic than some people are making out.  It's not a big enough change to either fix every thing or ruin everything.
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Post  Cluelesskitty Sun 18 Aug 2013, 8:39 pm

Platypus wrote:Well this all makes me rather nervous. My neuro prescribes injectable Demerol for my migraines which is, how you say, somewhat unusual. It's literally the only thing that works. Dilaudid used to work - somewhat, but I've developed an allergy. None of the other opiates, analgesics, triptans do a thing. I have Kaiser health insurance and I go out of plan to see my neuro. No Kaiser doc would write for Demerol. So I pay out of pocket for office visits and the medicine. (I also pay out of pocket for Methysergide, my main preventative, because it's compounded, so for all the money I pay for Kaiser I get nothing in return -- I CAN'T WAIT FOR OBAMACARE! But I digress.)



lolol

just don't  be devastated if Obamacare turns out to be a one huge nightmare where docs become Gods literally,
and you will WISH you could pay your way thru as before to be able to get ANYTHING that works even remotely Twisted Evil 

Risa
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Post  Hazel Thu 29 Aug 2013, 3:45 pm

I've been through this nightmare before, too. Way too many times. Migraines are always suspect.
So sorry it's happening to you.

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Post  Platypus Sat 31 Aug 2013, 11:37 pm

Covered California, the state exchange in CA has a premium calculator for their Silver plan which is level 2 coverage, 4 being the best. I pay $430/mo for HMO coverage now (through COBRA) and as mentioned, it doesn't cover anything I need -- my neuro, or my migraine prescriptions. Under the Silver plan my premium will drop to $160/month. And it is a PPO, so at the very least I can see my neuro and get my abortive covered. My preventative is compounded and will be off-formulary, but I still might get some coverage as my doctor says it is medically necessary. Kaiser doesn't care, they just pay nothing. So yeah, Obamacare will be a hell of a lot better for me than the present mess. It will save me $400-800 a month, which in my limited economy, is the difference between making it or going under.

-Platy
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