Switching insurance mid-way chemo (HMO and PPO)

[mcintoda]

I have an HMO now and planning to start treatment prior to new year. Next year I have PPO plan which would consider treatment at the HMO as out-of-network. I'm paying out of pocket to meet with oncologist to preemptively try and continue my chemo at an in-network facility. Anyone have experience with this?

I thought about purchasing double insurance (one PPO I already have bought) and buy another policy on ACA Health Exchange

----
Portland, OR, USA
31 yr , CSIa, 100% pure embryonal. 1xBEP adjuvant

[Davepet]

If you are just getting 1xBEP, can you get it done before the end of the year? Even without switching insurance, deductibles & max out of pocket usually reset on Jan 1, so getting as much as possible out of the way before then is a plus, usually.

Dave

[mcintoda]

I tried to get in on time, but I will have the last Bleomyacin after the new year. Anyone have experience in changing the infusion center mid way? I am actively pursuing another doctor under a PPO plan so I can try to line up the change mid-way.

[Davepet]

No experience, but any center should be able to administer the bleo. It's more a logistical problem of getting that last treatment set up ahead of time so that there is no delay. Chances are you will be paying for that treatment out of pocket anyway, might be easier to just get it at the original center? The main downside is it wouldn't count towards next years deductible on the new plan.

Dave

[mcintoda]

OK. I do have insurance for next year, it's just that I would need to do it at a different place and I'd have to be put on their schedule. I'm ok with paying the deductible/OOPM, I just don't want to pay the sticker price. One thing I was thinking about is buying double insurance (one on my employer for PPO I have ) and a 2nd one via the ACA exchange for HMO.

[mcintoda]

Any idea how much 1x bleo would cost (raw bill) ?

[JeskiM69]

I believe a single dose will cost around $500 - $600.

You should be able to inquire at the infusion center/pharmacy for a better estimate.

- Matt

[Davepet]

OK. I do have insurance for next year, it's just that I would need to do it at a different place and I'd have to be put on their schedule. I'm ok with paying the deductible/OOPM, I just don't want to pay the sticker price. One thing I was thinking about is buying double insurance (one on my employer for PPO I have ) and a 2nd one via the ACA exchange for HMO.

OK, I think you might want to jump through whatever hoops you need to then. Contact the new insurance & explain the situation. Something should be able to be worked out.

Dave

[mcintoda]

Thanks Davepet. It seems switching infusion centers mid-way is not that big of a deal -- just need to work with them.

UPDATE: I switched insurance and infusion centers mid-way and it wasn't a problem.