Medication in America

[MarshallVeniar]

Hello Guys,

I am 21 and have just graduated from university. I have CF and live in England where, as a result of the NHS, I have always received my medication free. I have made plans to study in New York next year but I am concerned about paying a fortune for medication. Is there anybody who has been in a similar situation and knows any way to get round forking out for every presciption in the States? Perhaps someone knows of an insurance company who will insure CF patients in this circumstance. I have American citizenship if that changes the situation at all.

I would be grateful for any knowledge on this topic.
Thanks a lot guys,

Marsh x

 

[ccflewallen]

The only way you can keep your medication expenses or any medical expense for that matter is either get a job with really good insurance (good luck finding one) or be so unhealthy that you cant work and get disability (which is what I will probably do at some point). And then again maybe if you have a very very wealthy close relative, you might want to try really sucking up to them so they feel so close to you that they feel compelled to give you a few million <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"> Just kidding, but it could be worth a try, if you really have a rich relative <img src="i/expressions/light.gif" border="0">

 

[JazzysMom]

Even the disability isnt a gaurantee to cover meds. Medicare is the insurance that you getting after getting DDSI which is the disability based on your work history. Medicare covers diabetic supplies & certain respiratoty meds, but not all that we need to maintain CF. They have come out with different programs (some thru Medicare & some private) most, if not all, of those are based on income & people like me fall thru the cracks. I dont make enough on my own to swing the cost of the meds & make too much to get help. There are insurance plans thru AARP & others that can help, but you still need the $$ for the premiums & then the cost/co pay of the meds. I thank my husband everyday for going back to work for the state. Without his insurance I would be screwed for my meds. Even with the CF pharmacy & other places that help it is rough. Especially if you are on a lot or have a bacteria that is fussing on what it will let take care of it.

 

[NoDayButToday]

If you are only staying in New York for a few months, could your doctors write you prescriptions for 6 months (or whatever amount necessary to cover your entire stay here?)

 

[anonymous]

If by studying you mean you are going to college in NY, the academic institution should offer insurance for students for a nominal fee. When you get your prescriptions you will likely have a co-pay like all Americans. This is as reasonable as it gets.

 

[anonymous]

I would also suggest what Coll said--have your doctors give you months worth of meds and bring them over to the US. I don't know what kind of problems you'll run into w/ customs, you can ask your gov't or doctor. Maybe the doctor can give you a letter explaining why you need to bring all of these meds to the states with you.
I am not sure of all the outs & ins of SSDI, but since I assume you haven't worked in the US and haven't paid any social security or medicare through payroll deductions, then I assume you can't just move here & get on disability. I may not be correct in my assumption.
Medicaid sponsored by the state (New York) may be an option if you don't make over a certain amt of money each month.
If you feel well enough to have a full time job, you could probably get health insurance through that employer to help cover meds/doctor visits.
Enjoy your stay in the states!
Elle

 

[WinAce]

Find some chick with a good job (with decent health benefits) and marry her. Sorta like the CF version of what some people do for the citizenship. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">