Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Quick Links
Q&A Treatments A-Z Help Center Guidelines Crisis Accessibility
Resources
Emotional Well-Being Living with Myeloma Myeloma Condition Information Myeloma Symptoms Myeloma Treatments All Resources
About MyMyelomaTeam
What is This Site Terms of Use Privacy policy
Powered By
Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Hello Fellow MM Survivors! I Have An Insurance Question For The Group, What Is The Best Insurance Provider To Have While Dealing With MM?

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Oregon House, CA

I currently have Providence and they have been a huge pain in the arse! They have repeatedly denied coverage on medications that are and have been approved for many years. The biggest "kick in the teeth" is that they are refusing to pay for any any maint medication that isnt Revlamid.. Seems shady to me, What y'all think?

November 3
•
View reactions
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Hello Robert, this is a difficult question as it has a lot to do with age and your location. If you are in a large city you can get an advantage plan that covers more, but you are not in the big city so I would recommend that you call the California Health Insurance Counseling And Advocacy Program at -(Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators). Give them a list of your medications and they will research the best insurance for you. This is like a SHIBA program and has been very helpful for me in the past. If I can be of more help just let me know. Best wishes. 👨‍✈️

November 4
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Hello Robert, I have Medicare and my supplemental insurance is with United Healthcare but they do not offer it anymore so I never want to get off the plan. I pay nothing other than the insurance premium. I also have a grant for the Revlimid that pays $1,000.00 per month towards the medication. I am fortunate to be so lucky. 👨‍✈️

November 5 (edited)
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Thanks Cap! I will be giving the California Health Insurance Counseling And Advocacy Program a call this afternoon.

November 4
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Dealing with insurance issues can be incredibly frustrating, especially when managing multiple myeloma. Here are some options and resources that might help you navigate this situation:

Insurance Options
- Medicare: Often provides comprehensive coverage for myeloma treatments.
- Medicaid: Available for those with low Show Full Answer

Dealing with insurance issues can be incredibly frustrating, especially when managing multiple myeloma. Here are some options and resources that might help you navigate this situation:

Insurance Options:
- Medicare: Often provides comprehensive coverage for myeloma treatments.
- Medicaid: Available for those with low income and can cover a wide range of treatments.
- Veterans Affairs Health Care: For veterans, this can be a valuable resource.
- Individual Health Insurance through the Marketplace: Offers various plans that might better suit your needs.
- Job-Based Health Insurance: Employer-provided plans can sometimes offer better coverage.

Financial Assistance Programs:
- Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs: Many drug manufacturers offer discount programs or charity-based programs for those with low income or without insurance.
- Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation: Helps uninsured people afford medications like Revlimid (lenalidomide).
- Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation: Assists with medications like Darzalex (daratumumab).

Tips for Managing Costs:
- Ask for Less Expensive Alternatives: Check if there are generic versions or less expensive forms of your medications.
- Samples from Doctors: Sometimes doctors can provide samples of medications.
- Compare Pharmacy Prices: Use websites like GoodRx to find the best prices.

Resources:
- NeedyMeds: A nonprofit organization that helps find assistance programs by drug or diagnosis.
- PhRMA’s Medicine Assistance Tool: Matches people with resources for affording medications.

It's important to communicate with your insurance carrier to understand your coverage and explore all available options. If Providence continues to be uncooperative, it might be worth considering a switch to a different provider during the next enrollment period.

November 3

Related content

View All

Quick Question About Insurance For Federal Employees. What Do You Think Offers The Best Coverage For Our Mm Journey And Meds.

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Springfield, VA
April 1

Anyone Have Tips On Dental Hygiene, Or Going To The Dentist With Myeloma? I Had Deep Cleaning Before I Started Chemo.

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Charlotte, NC
April 23, 2022

Hemotologist On Your Team

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Las Vegas, NV
October 30, 2023
Member Spotlight: No Expiration Date
13 Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma: Pain, Skin Changes, and Others
40 Important Questions To Ask Your Oncologist About Cancer and Myeloma
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data Policy and Privacy policies.Your privacy is our priority Lock Icon
Already a Member? Log in