Linking you to resources and support in the lung cancer community!

second opinion

hi,

I am a 62 yrs old female a survivor of breast cancer. who was diagnosed with breast cancer (breast mucinous carcinoma) in 1997. It was operated and the cancer was removed by surgery. Now, it has come back. I am detected with Non-small cell Lung cancer in stage 4 Adeno Carcenoma by the PET test. The diagnosis was done outside since I dont have insurance here as I am not a US citizen.
Is there a possibility that I can take opinion of doctors here in US. I am living here in washington DC area. From whatever research I did online, I hear that the stage 4 lung cancer can be really dangerous. I am a strong women otherwise, but this doesnt seem easy.

thanks,

Tara

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Permalink Reply by John H MOD on February 9, 2012 at 9:21am

Hi Mummy, I'm not sure about your situation with the insurance company . I can only say to contact the Lung Cancer Alliance at www.lungcanceralliance.org as soon as possible. They will be able to help direct you to some help I'm sure. I can only imagine how hard this is for uyoi
But it will get better.
Good luck,
John

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Permalink Reply by AmyLCA on February 9, 2012 at 10:07am

Hi Tara,

I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with cancer twice.

For people who are uninsured, generally the best way to get care and treatment is to apply for Medicare or Medicaid. According to a website that used to track insurance info from state to state, if you are a legal resident but not a US citizen, you may be eligible for Medicaid. Contact the Virginia Department of Social Services at (804) 726-7000 or toll free at (800) 552-3431 for information on your eligibility.

You may also look into PCIP - Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plans. They are expensive, but as a legal resident, you may qualify. Here's info about eligibility: https://www.pcip.gov/Eligibility.html. You can also call 1-866-717-5826 for information.

Finally, there is this program: http://www.pafcares.org/ Again it requires you to be a legal resident but you don't have to be a citizen. Might be worth calling to see if that is an option for you.

If you are not here legally, I'm not sure about options. There may be hospitals nearby who are willing to treat a person without health insurance or state/federal benefits, but I don't know which. Would treatment in your home country be an option?