Re: Which MDA specialist? Richters, or not Richters?

[Guest guest]

There have been people asking about making Medicare plan

choices. I think this illustrates the down side of what

they call the " Advantage " programs. With regular Medicare

and the F supplement, I can see ANY doc I want to, anywhere.

Lynn

Marilyn Barbera wrote:

Don't say why didn't you seek advice from a Cll specialist?

Answer: There are none on my Medicare Disadvantage Health

Plan, People's Health.

[Guest guest]

I'd like to " second " Lynn's response.

I also have regular Medicare plus a plan J supplement. Since

being Dx with CLL 2 years ago I've never had a problem

seeing any doctor (including my CLL experts at UCSD) or

having any tests.

It does cost more to have regular Medicare plus a supplement

but if one can afford it - it's a worth while investment in

our most valuable asset (our health).

Regards - Patti Kruse

Lynn wrote:

With regular Medicare and the F supplement, I can see ANY

doc I want to, anywhere.

[Guest guest]

Lynn:

The same Medicare Advantage Plan approved my going to MDA

in 05 without any obstacles. (Political speculation deleted

by Moderator.)

This Medicare Advantage plan delay AT THIS TIME may have

cost me the ability to be treated early enough to make a

difference. I knew about the diffuse large B cell lymphoma

cells since May, HOWEVER, it did not progress until

recently.. My onc did not help, when he first applied he did

not ask for expediting the referral. He thought I was doing

too well to have a transformation to Richters. When he

finally applied in July,the Plan turned it down. And once

again after my primary care sent in an appeal the plan was

again turning it down a couple of days ago based the fact

that there would be no effect if they put me on hold

another 100 days. Thanks to the fact that my onc finally

realized the dramatic changes this week, the plan employee

spoke with him and changed its opinion yesterday.

If I had a Medicare plan with a supplement I could have gone

to MDA in May. My condition has worsened dramatically during

the past 3 weeks with fever every day, malaise, and fast

growing nodes unlike anything in the past. I would never

recommend a Medicare advantage plan to anyone.

Marilyn