RFA treatment in MSKCC - covered by insurance? costs?

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Ana123
Posts: 41
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2014 5:23 pm

RFA treatment in MSKCC - covered by insurance? costs?

Postby Ana123 » Fri Dec 15, 2017 2:09 pm

This is a really long shot but I thought I'd try.

I'm in a middle of a transatlantic move to NY and we just found out that my father's lung met has come back. The doctors have decided to do RFA (he previously did SBRT, it didn't work). The only problem the needle they need to do it is not in the country and won't probably be here before first week in Jan, at which time I have to be in NY.

My father is 70+, is an American permanent resident but has never worked there. So my question is this: do health insurance companies in the US cover RFA? What options would we have, if any, in term of getting him insurance and getting it done at MSKCC for example? How much would it cost privately?
Daughter of 73 year old father
CABG 4/2014
Colectomy 5/2014
T4N1M0
Folfox 6-12/2014
Lung Met 2/2017. SBRT. No chemotherapy.
Met growth 12/2017. RFA.
Chemotherapy?

veckon
Posts: 131
Joined: Thu Jul 27, 2017 7:44 am

Re: RFA treatment in MSKCC - covered by insurance? costs?

Postby veckon » Fri Dec 15, 2017 2:27 pm

Ana123 wrote:This is a really long shot but I thought I'd try.

I'm in a middle of a transatlantic move to NY and we just found out that my father's lung met has come back. The doctors have decided to do RFA (he previously did SBRT, it didn't work). The only problem the needle they need to do it is not in the country and won't probably be here before first week in Jan, at which time I have to be in NY.

My father is 70+, is an American permanent resident but has never worked there. So my question is this: do health insurance companies in the US cover RFA? What options would we have, if any, in term of getting him insurance and getting it done at MSKCC for example? How much would it cost privately?


Is he a patient at MSK? Your care team should be handling all of this for you, including arguing with insurance if they refuse to cover a necessary procedure. If there is an issue with insurance they will let you know. If you lack insurance and are not wealthy, MSK may not be the best place to go as their costs are very high.
27 yo male
Metastatic rectal cancer diagnosed 12/16
Liver metastases and peritoneal carcinomatosis
Lynch syndrome, MSI-H
Failed liver resection 3/17
FOLFOX6 12/16 - 05/17
Keytruda 5/17 - present
@Memorial Sloan Kettering

Ana123
Posts: 41
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2014 5:23 pm

Re: RFA treatment in MSKCC - covered by insurance? costs?

Postby Ana123 » Sat Dec 16, 2017 1:30 am

We aren't patients there. We aren't wealthy and he doesn't have insurance. I need to look into getting him insurance once I'm there. Im not even sure where to start.
Daughter of 73 year old father
CABG 4/2014
Colectomy 5/2014
T4N1M0
Folfox 6-12/2014
Lung Met 2/2017. SBRT. No chemotherapy.
Met growth 12/2017. RFA.
Chemotherapy?

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mypinkheaven
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Re: RFA treatment in MSKCC - covered by insurance? costs?

Postby mypinkheaven » Sat Dec 16, 2017 1:52 pm

Ana123 wrote:We aren't patients there. We aren't wealthy and he doesn't have insurance. I need to look into getting him insurance once I'm there. Im not even sure where to start.


Your father may be eligible for Medicaid if he is low income. Go to Medicaid.gov to get information on how to apply. MSK accepts medicaid and the procedure would be covered. A social worker at MSK may also be able to help your father apply.
MSS, KRAS Wild NRAS Mutated
9/2012 CRC IIB Lft Colectomy 0 lymph nodes 0 Chemo
10/2013 CT clear
11/15 CEA 2.7 to 4.6
11/15 Spread to uterus. Hysterectomy
2/16 Pelvic radiation 25, brachytherapy 3
4/16 - 6/16 Xeloda
6/16 CT Several lung nodules 5 mm
8/16 CT Nodules still present. Most stable. Some growth
11/16 Transfer to UCSD Moores
12/16 Folfox + Avastin failed
2/17 Folfiri + Erbitux
8/17 5FU+Erbitux No 5FU bolus
7/18 Spread to vagina
6/18 Folfiri + Avastin + Trametinib
6/18 CEA dropping

Ana123
Posts: 41
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2014 5:23 pm

Re: RFA treatment in MSKCC - covered by insurance? costs?

Postby Ana123 » Mon Dec 25, 2017 2:12 pm

A relative spoke to Medicare. It seems that my father is eligible for Medicare, even though he never paid into social security. We just have to pay a much higher premium, around $500 per month. Does this sound right? Any ideas on how to get the 20% co-pay covered?

Thanks for the tip on the social worker. I will definitely drop by and give them my father's file and see if they can help with paperwork.
Daughter of 73 year old father
CABG 4/2014
Colectomy 5/2014
T4N1M0
Folfox 6-12/2014
Lung Met 2/2017. SBRT. No chemotherapy.
Met growth 12/2017. RFA.
Chemotherapy?


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