Thursday...November 5th....2009

Linda had her first "Florida infusion" today...we wish it had all gone well...BUT...well, the infusion and all went well...it was the insurance that became a BIG issue.

The Oregon Education Association...for which I worked....closed it's insurance Trust October 1....the company ...Oregon Dental Service....has become the direct insurer for us.....no problem? wasn't supposed to be...BUT....

We had been talked into a PPO copay a few years ago even though anything out of Oregon was out of "network"...but the bills from out of state were considered in state to the extent of the rates paid within the network....AND we have had no problem with many doctor...hospital...etc...bills in Florida over the past few years.

Now ODS says we are out of network and must pay 30% of the bills...and a copay ....and...and....

With an $8,000 bill for today's infusion and all, the costs are significant.....

The problem seems be be with the OEA who recently bargained an agreement with the staff (which we retirees are covered under) and said the switchover to ODS directly would not change any benefits....so it seems like OEA has a problem....

We only hope it gets resolved soon as the Oncology company we are working with will bill our credit card and then we understand it is nearly impossible to get the money back.....

Linda had a good visit with the doctor and the infusion went well. We are going to continue to go down the Brandon as it is a newer office and things including people are very nice.....it is a bit further but worth it...

Another difference is Linda has to go to the doctor every week to get her blood checked...even though the next infusion is in three weeks...they are very serious about keeping track of the blood work.

The Oncologist said the Alimta is a great drug.....fewer side effects....and can be used for a long time if it is effective.....he has a patient who has been on it for a year....the scans tell whether it is maintaining or improving the situation...and it is used till things go "south". He said Linda's nerve pain last infusion was not a side effect that should be attributed to the Alimta..so he is going to monitor it closely.

That's about it!