I'm trying to find the best care for my mother (71) with pancreatic cancer. The signs and symptoms seem to worsen with every week and I'm not happy how long and far a part her appointments are with her care team. She will begin chemotherapy within a few days from now.
She has HMO Medicare Advantage and Medicare A/B however I'm not sure how I would go about shopping for a PPO "for her". I put that in quotation marks because every time when I bring the topic of PPO she gets frustrated because all she thinks of are the higher monthly fees - she really doesn't want to spend a dime if her HMO is free. But this is a life or death situation where time and quality of care is essential.
Is buying PPO insurance as simple as it as getting Gov Marketplace insurance? We're in California.
Should I speak to her insurance rep, if any, if I can get supplemental insurance (is that another plan?) to help pay for treatment?
Are there special exceptions where I can add a parent onto my insurance plan? I recently just started a new job (9 months in) and I haven't gotten coverage yet. I do claim my mother on y taxes as a dependent.
@ngocvncom This is incorrect. Annual enrollment is over but Open enrollment is happening right now. There are also other qualifying events that may allow for a change outside of annual enrollment. OP should speak with a broker in her area to find out about her options.
@ngocvncom This feels a lot easier said than done. Much of the receptionists aren't aware of how serious the situation is. I feel strapped with how slow things are going.
@luckysky Sure, but sometimes your PCP on an HMO can only refer you to a specific specialist group. Some PCPs are willing and able to refer to other specialist groups. My point being, if you're unhappy with the care, finding a different provider is possible without switching to a PPO. It would likely be easier to try multiple different providers on a PPO though.
@ajharmon89 I see. Unfortunately, I tried this option to no avail. The only other specialist groups that had a comprehensive cancer team treating her kind were limited to only one.
@luckysky I’m by no means an expert but going through the same thing with my mom. Medigap coverage seems like the best bet if you can afford the premiums. But no one wants to sell you a supplemental plan with a cancer diagnosis. My understanding however (correct me if i’m wrong) is that you cannot be denied medigap coverage due to preexisting conditions during an open enrollment period. Moving (a change of address) is one such event that triggers an open enrollment period and would allow a change of plans from what I have been told.
@luckysky On the nutrition front, keep up her immune system. Vitamin3, tumeric with pepper, green tea, berries, red grapes with seeds, mushrooms. Also, youtube videos of those who survived this type of cancer. Prayers.
