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Jordan
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Reged: 09/24/12
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Posts: 10
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Loc: Los Angeles, CA
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UPDATE -- Hi - Tested Positive 8/28 - Couples Weeks Ago
#268713 - 10/30/12 06:35 PM
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Hey -
I posted several weeks ago, I tested positive 8/28/2012.
I wanted to update ya'll...
First I want to thank everyone that reached out. It was a very difficult time for me, still is, but the folk that reached out and everyone in general posting on this forum really helped me out.
So back on 8/28 I tested positive. My viral load was 752 and my CD4 Cell Count was 814.
My doctor did not put me on medication right away. He actually said I was the first patient in a very long time he does not put on medication right away. He said my numbers were good and for me to stay positive, no pun intended.
I go back mid November for more blood work and my follow up is Dec 3rd.
I have a feeling he will put me on medication on that visit.
Crazy to think that I am more worried about the cost involved in medication and blood panels rather than anything else. My employer does not offer health insurance. I have insurance that I obtained myself in case of an emergency, like I broke my arm or something. My coverages aren't the best but they aren't the worst either. They don't cover brand medication only generic. I get 5 visits a year with a co-pay of $20. My deductible is 5k! I know, super high!
Originally I got this policy because I figured it would be good to have something in case I ever broke my arm or something along those lines. One night in the hospital would probably be more than $5k and at that point, I figured I'd work out a payment plan. I was 23 years old when I got the plan, I am 25 now. If I would've known better or been more educated on insurance and deductibles and etc I def would've gotten a better plan but it is what it is.
I've checked out different "assistant" programs but they have requirements that need to be met, couple of them also said I am not qualified due to my annual salary, etc. Road blocks like that.
I am staying positive and I know something will work out!!
Again, thanks to everyone on this forum who reached out. It helped and it is helping. People posting their stories on the forum helped as well.
<3
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www.I-Am-Jordan.Tumblr.com
@Jordan_Hopes
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MobileBayGay
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Newbie
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Reged: 11/01/12
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Posts: 8
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Loc: Mobile, Alabama
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Jordan, you won't know if you'll need to be on medication until your blood work comes back. It's possible you may, though it's likely eventually you will. My partner is HIV positive and I'm HIV negative. We've been together two years, and when we met, he didn't have insurance and was denied by the regular carriers. Knowing the cost of medications and regular blood work, I was scared to death.
Through research online I discovered PCIP (Pre-Condition Insurance Plan), the government backed insurance by United Health that was created as part of "Obama Care."
To quality for this insurance, you need to have been declined in writing by an insurance provider like Blue Cross/Blue Shield, etc. (which isn't hard to do).
He qualified in less than a month, we got him covered with no hassles at all. We just had to fill out some forms and send the letter of denial along with the application. He is 26, and his premium is $210.00 a month. I know this is still expensive for many people, but his coverage provides 80/20, $20 co-pays for dr. visits in-network (we've had no problem finding a great local ID Dr. in-network), and best of all, his prescription insurance is through Medco and has been a life-saver. After meeting a $250 annual deductible (which can be met with the first HART prescription), the insurance covers all his monthly medications with just a $70 co-pay. Without insurance, his meds would be about $2,000 a month.
We got him the most expensive plan, but there are cheaper plans available as well. Just be sure to look closely at the benefits to make sure they will help.
I absolutely can not stress enough what a miracle this insurance has been for us. Since last January, insurance has paid nearly $20,000 of his medications (he is on prezista, norvir, and truvada once a day) and our out-of-pocket since then has been less than $500.
I have found few drs. are even aware of this program, which is a shame.
If you want to find out more, go to www.pcip.gov
I'm keeping my fingers cross that the law will never be repealed. It's save his life.
Good luck!
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Jordan
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Member
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Reged: 09/24/12
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Posts: 10
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Loc: Los Angeles, CA
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Thank you very much for your response and advice!
I sent you a private message!
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www.I-Am-Jordan.Tumblr.com
@Jordan_Hopes
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