A couple years ago I was finally able to start going back to see doctors and make sure my health is in order. I always feel pretty tired, worn out, and it makes me a bit anxious due to family health history. I began getting labs done and my doctor noticed some odd elevation in my blood tests, which made him question the existence of a pituitary gland tumor.
He helped me set up an appointment for an MRI and it wasn’t until the day of my appointment for my MRI that I was told Medicaid (I had curitas specifically) would not cover my scans.
I told my husband what I found out. He called me back a couple hours later saying his friends want to throw a benefit for me to help me raise the money to pay for it, I just need to find out the cost.
When I called these people back, they told me that they and lots of other medical offices signed a contract with Medicaid that DENIES THE PATIENT A SELF PAY OPTION IF THE INSURANCE DENIES COVERAGE…
So guess who still does not know whether or not they have a brain tumor! Me!
I left it alone, and went about my business. What else was I going to do?
Recently, I went to LASIK to check if I would be a qualified candidate for laser eye surgery, and I am, however they wanted more scans due to having “crowded discs” in my eyes. Nothing extreme, but because of the crowding and the fact that my eyesight has actually improved since I stopped wearing glasses 2 years ago, they wanted me to be checked for fluid behind my eyes. So I obliged. I had BCBS, found a fantastic eye doctor in my area that offered the scans I needed, and as I was talking to that eye doctor about the surgery, I mentioned the possibility of the tumor to them for transparency. I was told that they would want me to get an MRI to see if I have that tumor because the pituitary gland is located right by the optic nerves, so a tumor would be an added risk for lasik.
Very soon after I learned of this, my husband took a great job opportunity, which unfortunately sacrificed my BCBS coverage. I encouraged him to make the job change knowing the consequences, but since I’m back to Medicaid being my primary insurance, I have come full circle with this whole thing!
Self-pay should be NONE of Medicaid’s business if they choose to deny someone’s coverage, I should have been allowed to accept the kind gesture and make sure my health is in good standing, I have young kids and I, myself, am not even in my 30’s, I have a husband, I have pets, family, friends, a brand new career, and I’m sitting here worried because I am literally not allowed to get answers unless I pay high premiums on a different insurance, and we are just not at that level of income!
I know this is long, I apologize, but PLEASE make a change, I know I’m not the only one silently panicking because of this rule/policy, whatever they want to call it!