needing medical insurance

[brendaelk]

I been diagnosed a few months ago with hepatitis c. genotype 1A. I have to find some kind of medical insurance. Will anyone accept me now? I was hoping some of you might have some suggestions or feedback. I would like to get into treatment. I called two studies but no one has returned my call.

[Tippyclubb]

I really don't know if the symptoms you are experiencing are related to Hep C or not.  I am not a doctor, but my first instinct was it may be related to the long term methadone use.  I did a quick google search and this is a little bit of what I found.

Methadone Effects

    * Sweating is often increased, especially at night.
    * Constipation is quite common. Drink plenty of water and eat more fruit,
      vegetables, wholemeal and bran products.
    * Aching muscles and joints may be experienced, even when the dose of
      methadone is adequate. Some people report rheumatism-type aches and
      pains at various times.
    * Lowered sex drive is experienced with the use of any opioid, including
      methadone and heroin. However, this may settle down.
    * Skin rashes and itching are experienced by some people.
    * Sedation (for example, drowsiness, especially soon after a dose).
    * Fluid retention causing swelling or ‘puffiness’ of the hands or feet.
    * Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting may occur.
    * Abdominal pain (cramps) may occur.
    * Tooth decay Methadone, like all opioids, reduces production of saliva.
      Saliva contains antibacterial agents which help prevent deterioration of teeth
      and gums. Poor or irregular diet and inadequate dental care also contribute
      to tooth decay. Regular brushing and chewing sugar-free gum can prevent
      tooth decay.
    * Changes to periods (menstruation) Many women have irregular periods
      when they use heroin or other opiates. For some women, their menstrual cycle
      returns to normal during methadone treatment, whereas others continue to have
      irregular periods while on methadone.
======================================================

It seems most of the symptoms you are describing are listed above.  You can google  long term methadone use.  Theres a lot of information there and you should sort through it.

[brendaelk]

Thks so much for the feedback, yes I am just about 80 miles from Chicago. I could even ride the train there, very reasonable. I think that is a good place to start like you say. I went to the medical trials site and for me it is hard to tell where they are and what I qualify for. I know so far I am genotype 1A and that is about it. I had a ultra sound which came back normal, if that means anything. I have just been having so many symptoms that I thought was fibromyalgia but now I find out it is probably the hep. Stomach discomfort, pain in joints, itchy skin, headache shooting pains. IT is just so much to comprehend and learn about. I am taking lots of vitamins and the three supplements for the hep, milk thistle, selenium, and Alpha lip A. Now it seems my symptoms are worse. Do you think all that could be taking to much for my liver to metabolize right? I am thinking of stopping it all. It has been almost a month on all of these. Oh I have just had this insurance plan I have now since Jan 1st. So not long. It is a discounted set fee for everything. not to great. I am so glad to find some answers here and the people like you seem very nice and helpful, I appreciate that. I thought I was so alone at first diagnosis because of the meth use, But I have done nothing else for 19 years.

[Tippyclubb]

P.S.  In the mean time find out as much as you can about about Hep C .  Plenty of good information here, and you can also look around a site called Janis&Friends.  You need to have a biopsy to find out the extent of liver damage, if any.  If you are in the early stages you may have the time to wait until better treatment options are available.

[Tippyclubb]

If you can get into a clinical trial treatment is free.  Some of them pay for a biopsy,  and all of your lab work, and medicines of course.  I looked up your location on the map and it looks like your not too far from Chicago.  You should find a teaching hospital there and inquire if they do trials.  You can also go to www.clinicaltrials.gov and you can get more information there.  You can find what trials are going on,  at what hospital and city.

Don't get discourage about the studies not calling back right away.  Keep calling and don't give up.  When you talk with someone ask to be put on a list.  I was on a list and it took a while for them to call.  I'm in tx now through a trial.

Good Luck!

[Trinity4]

If you have had major medical coverage for 1 full year with no break and can provide certification of creditable coverage no group policy can deny you coverage for any pre-existing illness.  If you have not had coverage for one year, depending on the group plan's eligibility and coverage limitations they would most likely tack on a 6-month Pre-exiting condition limitation.  
Not sure but I think if you tried to buy private medical coverage they could deny you because of the hepc or premium cost would be outrageous.  
We haven't seen the medical coverage for all regardless of pre-existing illness put into place as promised by the current administration.

Good Luck
Trinity

[brendaelk]

hi jd, yes I work at home customer service. I got a little insurance with them but it is not to great. they pay like $40.00 a visit to doc 5 times a year and only $40.00 on a lab test. It is like a discount service type. No medical coverage for hep I am sure. I am trying to get either State Farm or Aetna but I do not know if they will accept me now.

[jdwithhcv]

Are you employed?  Now that you have been diagnosed you will have trouble getting medical insurance because of the pre-existing condition, but you cannot be turned down if you are a member of a group.  Try to find a job that offers med insurance as soon as possible so you can get tx.  Good luck.