Hi everyone:
I have RA but lost my health insurance. I can't get a new individual plan that won't exclude treatment for it as it is, of course, pre-existing. There is
no way I can pay for treatment on my own - the Rheumatologists want, at the minimum, $360 per hour, plus labs, plus x-rays, plus medications. I make too much money to qualify for any kind of assistance.
I have been managing my pain for a few months with several Aleve a day and heat, but it has become much worse the past month or so.
I've tried several herbal and homeopathic remedies, along with things such as the 'raisins and gin,' certo and grape juice, etc.
Any suggestions on how to deal with the pain and swelling without traditional
medical treatment?
Thanks for your help.

most hospitals have what they call a charity program they go by what your income was for the past year by your income taxes you could ask the hospital you go to if not try public aide for medical assistance. I can understand your problem i am in the same boat but when it comes to your health it means the most. I did not realize these programs exist until i had to have 3 mri's and lots of xrays and labs the doc expect payment if you ask for a payment plan even if it is 10.00 a month most will work with you. It a long road but go for it managing a disease is not always easy but the consequences of not could mean your mobility and the control of your pain. Good luck.

If you drop by the Pain Management board here there's a sticky up top named "Do you need help buying your meds" check that out.
Many places now offer medications free or at a discount to individuals and it deems looking into.

Also, many manufacturers of medication offer the same types of programs. I would definately contact them as well.

zzoey:

If you have had health insurance in the past 12 months in which your RA treatments were covered, then any new insurance would have to cover your treatments with no pre-existing exclusion. This is under the H.I.P.A.A., or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, allows this as a federal law as long as your new insurance company receives a certificate of credible coverage for your old insurance company, then the new one has to cover you.

If I can help, please let me know.

Joe

Thanks Joe. Unfortunately I didn't have the 12 or 18 months of "credible coverage" and if I am able to get insurance now it will have to be an individual policy - I'm not eligible for group coverage because I'm self-employed (and the only employee). My pre-existing condition would be excluded under the credible coverage or the group insurance - neither of which I'm eligible for. Thanks for your reply.