Many families face the difficult challenge of paying for the medical claim portion or bill that the medical insurance does not cover. Some medical insurance policies only cover 50% of the cost of medications and treatments. Others cover as much as 70% or 80% of the cost. That still leaves a substantial portion of medical care costs for thyroid cancer treatements and llfe long follow up that many thyroid cancer patients and survivors just cannot afford. Most of us will agree that 30% of a $100,000 medical bill is pretty hard for the average low or middle income family to handle. In fact, hundreds of families in the United States face medical bankruptcy everyday! This is unconscionable -and we must do something to help!
In addition, not all medical insurance policies cover the same costs or even recognize as “usual, customary and reasonable” the same treatment for thyroid cancer and follow up care. Not all medical insurance is the same. For instance, if a patient is diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer today, depending on their insurance carrier, some patients are told that after having the thyroid removed they should have radioactive iodine treatment to “kill” or destroy any remaining cancer cells. Other medical insurance carriers consider this “standard” practice tell “optional” –and therefore do not “cover” it.
Most doctors agree that “radioactive iodine ablation” treatment increases the odds that thyroid cancer will not recur for thyroid Cancer patients diagnosed with stage II papillary thyroid cancer and beyond as well as follicular “variant” papillary thyroid cancer at any stage and well differentiated follicular thyroid cancer.
Additionally almost 50% of all thyroid cancer patients do not have Thyrogen One Injections in preparation for, and prior to their radio-active ablation treatment, either because that option is not discussed with then by “medical” providers that have to “fight” medical insurance companies to cover this medication as a medically necessary or because the medical insurance carrier does not cover the injections and they simply cannot afford the $5,000 plus out of pocket cost for a series of three injections.
Stevie JoEllie’s Cancer Care Fund is working to develop an access to care grant program for thyroid cancer patients and survivors dedicated to helping bridge the financial gap between out of pocket costs health care costs (insurance policy deductibles and co-pays and “left-over” balances), thyroid cancer treatment and survivor follow up so that thyroid cancer patients and survivors that are denied critical coverage such as this might be able to pay for the option that could mean the difference between life or death.
But we can’t do it alone, we need your help. If you can help financially, it would be greatly appreciated. A donation of any amount is needed. Donations are tax deductible under IRC Section 170 and all donations in excess of $250 will be provided a proof of donation letter. Donating to Stevie JoEllie’s Cancer Care Fund will make a huge difference in somebody’s life and their family’s life.
Your support is greatly needed.
Stevie JoEllie's Cancer Care Fund is a project of United Charitable Programs Inc., a 501(c) 3 Public Charity. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law and all funds raised by Stevie JoEllie's Cancer Care Fund are received by United Charitable Programs and become the sole property of UCP, which, for internal operating purposes, allocates the funds to the Project (SJCCFThyNet). The Program (SJCCFThyNet) Manager makes recommendations for disbursements which are reviewed by UCP for approval.
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