Anyone Else Fought Insurance Over Cancer Treatment?

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SJ

Community Member

6 months ago

Hi I’m new here. I recently in February was diagnosed with recurrent clear cell renal cell carcinoma. I had several test a biopsy and finally a clear diagnosis and treatment plan. I had ccrcc in my left kidney 12 yrs ago and had that kidney removed now it’s in the right one and they say it’s inoperative. They suggest immunotherapy. My insurance is fighting with them they say I don’t need 2 of the same kind of medication. From what I understand they work together. I think it is because it is considered palliative care and the insurance don’t want to put that much money in me. Either way it’s getting to me. Any ideas or has anyone else fought with insurance over treatment?

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Accepted Answer

Fighting insurance for necessary cancer treatment is unfortunately a common struggle that many patients face, and the stress and frustration this adds to an already challenging situation is completely understandable. Consider reaching out to your cancer center's patient advocate or social worker, as they often have experience navigating insurance appeals and can help advocate for the recommended treatment plan - many hospitals also have financial counselors who specialize in working with insurance companies on complex cases like combination therapies.

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GS

Community Member

6 months ago

Hi Sharon, I never dealt with insurance companies as you mentioned but perhaps you can research Pro Bono legal services. Just a thought. God bless.

SJ

Community Member

6 months ago

Thank you the final approval came through today!

1

MB

Community Member

6 months ago

Hi Sharon. Sounds similar to me. Found RCC in left kidney 6 years ago so had kidney removed and was told they didn't see any spreading Stage 1 grade 4. Well now it spread to lungs. Have had that nodule removed now called stage 4 because it spread to far parts of body. No cure for me but am going to start immunotherapy which increases 5 year survival rate from 18% to 60% and will continue full body CT scans every 2 months for early detection for surgical removal. Oncologist told me can only have surgery so many times. It will eventually claim me. Now comes the hard part, accepting it. I have realized all I can do is fight it eventhough it will win sometime in the future. I act like a "Superman" but deep down inside I'm scared. All I can do is plan on doing fun, meaningful things while I still can so that when I can't, I will have those memories. Good luck to you in your adventures!

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SJ

Community Member

6 months ago

Thank you and I’m sorry that you are going through it as well. That’s what they kind of said to me in a nice way. Just keeping it at bay as long as possible🙏🙏

SH

Community Member

6 months ago

Fight like a warrior and try to enjoy life the best you can. Take care of yourself while balancing everything. Praying

1

MB

Community Member

6 months ago

Just to add I'm not that afraid of dieing as much as the pain, if any. Again I say: Oh well!

CA

Community Member

2 months ago

Fighting insurance for necessary cancer treatment is unfortunately a common struggle that many patients face, and the stress and frustration this adds to an already challenging situation is completely understandable. Consider reaching out to your cancer center's patient advocate or social worker, as they often have experience navigating insurance appeals and can help advocate for the recommended treatment plan - many hospitals also have financial counselors who specialize in working with insurance companies on complex cases like combination therapies.

Anyone Else Fought Insurance Over Cancer Treatment?

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