I'm just curious, I am getting ready to contact a LLMD.....
so I know that it will be difficult to get insurance coverage.
I am just curious about how much a visit normally would cost, and how much the medicine you take monthly might cost.
We are a family of 7 and we made 32K last year.....my husband's OT was cut and he was layed off for about 7 weeks.
So what happens to those who are chronically ill and can't pay much for the help we might need...
.....it's really scary to think about....
what about medicade? if my husband is layed off again (very possible within the next couple of weeks)....we may be approved for medicade....
thanks for any input...
Posted by kbaucher (Member # 24352) on :
seriously? nobody?
Posted by TS96 (Member # 14048) on :
kristy,
every LLMD charges different amounts. very few take insurance and more and more are not taking medicade.
Also look under the "links to popular topics" at the top of the page there is info on what to do if funds are low.
A good guess ta ment would be around 1 grand for your first visit, which may or may not include tests. again this is just an average.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Hi Kristy,
My LLMD does not accept insurance either. If you have insurance you can pay out of pocket (or charge it...) then request reimbursement from your insurance company.
I've heard that some are willing to reimburse a good percentage of the visit. My current insurance plan has a huge out of network deductible so I don't even bother submitting the paper work. But depending on your plan, it might be worth a try.
My best advice, start saving what you can now. Make a budget if you haven't already. Watch your spending closely. This way you can be prepared. Treating Lyme (being sick in general) can be very costly at times.
When you meet with your LLMD, let him know that cost is a concern. Knowing this will help them decided what tests, supplements, medications are really necessary for you. They may even be able to help you with samples.
I know that this is all new to you, it is scary and overwhelming. Take comfort in knowing that you are headed in the right direction now. Schedule your appt with the LLMD, get tested, start treatment, and look to the future.
Lets pray that your husband doesn't get layed off again (I live in OH too, job situation is bad around here).
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
If you haven't already, go to the General Support section.
Click on the "Quick links to popular topics" post (it will be one of the stickies near the top).
There is an excellent link on "what to do when funds are low" (worded something like that). It is a long post but worth reading.
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
Kristy,
You do what you can with what you have. I was fortunate I had a LLMD that did just that.
But, then I moved and was not able to travel to see him.
Talked to his assistant once on the phone and she prescribed meds I was not able to afford even after I told her that whatever she prescribes needs to be cheap.
While I was waiting to get approved for Medicaid...I was able to get drugs through the drug companies.
Even though medicaid will not provide the meds needed, I can not get the drugs through the drug companies now unless I cancel medicaid.
I am just not ready to do this right now.
Bottom line is hoping that you have a LLMD that will do what he or she can with the resources you have and is aware of what he or she can do to get meds needed through drug companies.