Needing some Help on HCV Treatment

[Livinontheedge]

Hi Guys & Gals,   I have a friend who was just Diagnosed with HCV.   She dont know GT or VL yet, and is at a stand still.   My question is she doesn't have any insurance at all.     How can I help her get into the door of a GI or on a study.     This is not my field of knowledge since I do have insurance.      I feel so bad for her and her mind is running a muck, someplace where we all have been.  Just would like to give her some good advice and know you all are the best !    She live in SE Kansas, and we are close to Joplin, Missouri.  

[Livinontheedge]

thanks everyone for your information.  I will pass the word on to her.  She is still dealing with the shock of knowing she contracted the disease.   I hate this !  But the good news is she is walking in at a time where the meds are getting better and so is the cure !  God Bless All of You !     Keep Fighting !   Hugs :)

[jules2551]

Hi Livin....you might want to check with the state and see if they have insurance available for "pre-existing diseases".  A lot of states now offer that at a reasonable cost.  I have insurance in PA through the state and I pay $283.00 per month with $1000.00 deductible. And it's an 80/20 insurance plan.  You should check that out.

Have a great day!  Jules

[halbev]

Look in to the Manufactures, they are very willing to help any way they can, Look to you county health plans you may have for testing.
I have done this and it has worked very well. The med's are there for anyone you just have to bang on doors and tell them what you are doing and how they can help you,
Most people when they realize this is not a game, and what you are going to do will go out of there way to help

[Livinontheedge]

You are absolutely right.   When I was first diagnosed 20 years ago my VL was at a million something and over the last 20 years it came down one time to a  non existant, this was about 4 years ago and then jumped back up to about 20,000 and back down to about 2, 000.    This has been going on for about the last 4 years ago and then decided to start treatment with my GI Blessing.    I've also had really good Liver function tests too , nothing was ever abnormal.     However,  all liver biopsy's over the last 20 years have always been good until this last one in Oct 2010 and then I jumped to a  Stage 2/2.   Also have what they call a fatty liver. Non alcohol.    Doctor always felt like I would have good results with treatment.  So far so good, 4 weeks UND and I am in week 7 now with INC.  Praying for the big kill of this beast !  

[Livinontheedge]

Hrsepwguy, thanks so much.   I was also thinking about some grants or maybe disease funds.   I know they will help with copays, because they did  with me,  but was thinking that they could help with doctors fees & maybe blood testing too !     Again, Thanks again, I just pray that someday there will be an simple answer for everyone when they come up against these obsticals  in their lives.  

[hrsepwrguy]

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=hepatitis+c+AND+missouri&recr=Open

Here is a link to all trials currently available in missouri

[hrsepwrguy]

She may be able to get some help with further testing thru the state, in CO it is called cicp (colorado indigent care program) you can apply at hospital thru finiacial assistance. Probally not much help for seeing a specialist after testing though but should be able to get GT and VL.