Financial Costs
I’ve just been diagnosed with stage 2 Bladder cancer and have been told my bladder needs to be removed. I’ve chosen to go with the pouch. I’m on Medicare and I’m curious as to what the total cost to the patient is after all of this is done
Hi
. Sending you my best as you navigate through your diagnosis and the decisions that come with it. Happy you found us. While we wait for others to add their experience I wanted to share an article an advocate wrote with some medicare logistics. I hope it can help.
https://bladdercancer.net/living/insurance-medicare
Do you have any questions about living with the pouch? I could share some 1st person resources regarding that too. How are you managing?
@Larry79010 Are you straight Medicare of do you have an advantage or supplemental plan? I would call and find out what your maximum out of pocket costs are per year. Linda ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
I have a Medicare advantage plan
@Larry79010 - I would check with your plan but for my plan I pay a specific amount per service. ie.. $35 for specialist visits, $10 for labs etc. There is a co pay for some but not all. I have a co pay for a hospital stay but it goes to $0 after 5 days max. I have been happy with my advantage plan because I have all of my former medical team on it. You may want to check to see that your medical providers are all in network. Good luck Linda ( moderator, Bladder cancer.net team member)
I had stage 3 bladder cancer, had it removed 3 1/2 yrs ago. I am also on Medicare but also pay for a supplement insurance. Because I have both I have been lucky and have not paid a dime out of pocket. Medicare a lone with not pay for everything. But Medicare will pay for your ostomy supplies.
Lil@Soulmates92 - The value of Supplemental coverage along with Medicare is that it "supplements" your coverage and pays the balance but they can be pricey. Advantage plans may have a co-pay but the premiums are much less. Having the best insurance coverage is very important while going through procedures, testing etc as they can get very expensive. I have always been fortunate to have excellent coverage and found it valuable to understand the ins and outs of insurance. When Medicare open enrollment comes up each Fall it is definitely beneficial to get all of the information you can about your plan and the maximum costs you may be required to pay each year. My best to all. Linda ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
