5 replies to this topic

[Felipe]

ADVICE!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Everyone,

In April last year I was diagnosed with CML while working over here in the UK.  I was shocked and afraid of what was going to happen to me next , especially being so far away from home and family.  Fortunately I was looked after incredibly well and was immediately put on treatment  through the British National Health Service that to this day is working excellently, so far so good.

Recently I have been considering moving back to the states to finally be closer to family and friends. I am now faced with the fact that it is not going to be as easy as just getting a new job and picking up and going like it use to be for me. I now have to face that I have to somehow secure a job with insurance that will not only enroll me but that will cover me for treatment ,check ups and whatever circumstances that may arise. I was hoping that there would be some kind of health reform in the not too distant future that would help with this, but it doesn't look like that's gonna happen anytime soon.

I am an Occupational Therapist with highly skilled qualifications that would land me a job nearly anywhere, that's not a problem, the problem  is will the insurance these jobs have cover me for my now "pre-existing condition". I'm not sure where to begin or what steps i need to take.

Does anyone out there have any advice or have had any similiar experiences they can share to possibly point me in the right direction.

It would be so greatly appreciated.

Felipe

[Janine]

Hi Felipe,

I'm in a similar situation.  I am an American living in Brazil and in Brazil, Gleevac is covered under their National Health Service.  When I leave here I'll have the same employer but my work insurance will only cover 80%, but 20% co-pay on Gleevac is quite a bit.  Do you really want to go back? I guess my advice would be not to move until you get a job (one that has good insurance and won't charge such a high co-pay).  The economy is bad and it's not such a great time to look for work right now anyway.

Best of luck! Janine

[Felipe]

Hey Janine,

It's really comforting to know that there is someone else out there faced with this situation. In answer to your question, yes, I would like to go back to the states. My family and very closer friends are there. However, everyone i have spoken to is giving me the same advice. Not to go back. It's a disconcerting situation. Good luck to you on your way back to and keep me posted if you have any insights. I'll do the same.

Felipe

[CMLtoday]

Best of the best for you.

I HOPE they don't CHANGE my coverage !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SunNsand]

Felipe -

   Your dilemma is a tough one, it has really been on my mind. It's difficult to read your story and others that show how their countries health care systems are so much more accomodating than here in the U.S. I'm not in your position but our co-pay was a financial disaster for us when I was diagnosed last year. If you do move back to the U.S. your insurance may not cover you for a period of time because of pre-existing conditions but I wanted you to know that the LLS has financial support programs for people. They have been a blessing and helped us this year and last year. It's a shame people have to even contemplate living away from families/friends in other countries because of this situation. I hope you find a way back to your family and friends.

SunNsand

[Felipe]

Thanks i appreciate your reply. The idea of not knowing how much i'm might have to spend initially and subsequent to my return to the states really does make me have second thoughts about doing this. Especially after reading some of the nightmares people are going through with insurance and coverage. I don't know. I am going to New York and possibly CA for some interviews in April and possibly MA on the advice I was given. I won't make a move until i am absolutely secure that i am covered.

Thanks for your help and I will def post my journey on here for anyone else who might ever be going through a similiar circumstance. It is a little daunting to say the least.

Felipe