Affording Infusions

[DudeInAVan]

Forgive me if this is at all insensitive or inappropriate, but here's another thought...which may sound crazy and outside-the-box, but hey, it's a forum for vandwellers, so outside-the-box is sort of a given.... Anyway, I know the conventional modern medical wisdom says that ulcerative colitis is an uncurable chronic condition, but there is significant anecdotal evidence in the carnivore/low-carb/high-fat community suggesting that such symptoms can in fact be reversed and even entirely eliminated with diet. Given that you're so young, you may well have as good odds as anyone of reversing things still. Something to at least look into, particularly given the massive impact it could have on your quality of life and overall freedom.

 

[username_not_found]

If you are able to accomplish this, you might be surprised at how little it costs, even if the Medicaid route is unattainable and you have to simply enroll in an Obamacare exchange.

I remember reading that the average Obamacare plan costs between $320-$480 per month. Does that sound about right to you? Also, if it helps with future replies, I'm in a blue state.

 

[username_not_found]

...there is significant anecdotal evidence in the carnivore/low-carb/high-fat community suggesting that such symptoms can in fact be reversed and even entirely eliminated with diet.

If you're talking about the Paleo Diet, I did try that for a month a few years back. It didn't work for me. I think my case is too severe to be solved through dieting alone.

Don't worry, I don't find that suggestion insensitive.

 

[mkl654321]

I remember reading that the average Obamacare plan costs between $320-$480 per month. Does that sound about right to you? Also, if it helps with future replies, I'm in a blue state.

Well, that's the upfront cost, but you'll be able to claim most or all of it as a refundable credit, which means that like the earned income credit, you get it even if you have no tax liability. You'd simply file a 1040 and claim the credit, and you'd get it just like a tax refund.

The differences in the Obamacare plan costs relate to coverage levels--in most states, there are three plans. The major difference is the deductibles. You should game it out to figure out which plan would result in fewer total expenditures--including how much of your prescription costs are covered.

Being in a blue state means that you'll be able to enroll in Medicaid if you otherwise qualify, so that's another option if you can't front the Obamacare premiums. It also may mean that you can itemize and deduct those medical expenses that aren't covered by your insurance (such as copays) on your state income tax return (red states generally don't allow this).

 

[Cammalu]

Mexico and Canada are still a viable alternative. Doctors are well trained and there are a huge number of Americans going down each year for healthcare. I can include many friends in that. You could go to a specialist and have your infusions set up down there.

 

[mkl654321]

It isn't about the quality of care. It's about the provenance of the medication (infusion, in your case). I don't know enough about your condition to say for sure, but I would guess that if you received an infusion that wasn't the proper drug (or dosage, etc. etc.), you would be in for weeks of intense pain at best, and in mortal danger at worst.

Now, many people do risk getting Mexican medications because they can't afford them in the US (or paying for them would be a real financial burden). But that isn't a problem for you right now--you're covered by your parents' insurance--and it shouldn't be a problem five years from now, when you have to get your own insurance. You have plenty of time to set that up.

Your original problem that you stated was going nomadic and having to get your infusions every eight weeks. I don't really see how that's a problem. You can return home that often without crimping your wanderer lifestyle that much.

 

[Cammalu]

I have never heard of anyone having any problems with the drugs they buy in Mexico. Choose a reputable pharmacy. The pharmacies there on the border know they’re had better be good. Their reputations and living are staked on it.