Financial Assistance Ideas

Several people wrote in to weigh in on financial assistance ideas. If you have additional ideas, please leave a comment on this entry and I will be glad to update!

Here is what we have compiled:

1. Medicaid (source varies by state)

2. Medicare (source varies by state)

3. Food Stamps (source varies by state)

4. Disability (source varies by state)

5. WOMEN'S HEALTH (recommended by Teresa) - offers award-winning comprehensive websites that provide reliable, accurate, commercial-free information on the health of women.

6. SSI (source varies by state)

7. NEEDYMEDS.ORG (recommended by Carrie) - for help with cheaper drugs, low cost clinics, low cost cat scans/MRIs.

8. RX OUTREACH (recommended by Carrie) - list of medicines to help people with costs regardless of insurance, just based on income.

9. Negotiating the contract rate with insurance (recommended by Carrie) - insurance companies have a special, contracted rate with certain hospitals. You can usually negotiate a 15-25% payoff amount.

10. "OBAMACARE" (recommended by Rebecca) - new rules on pre-exisiting conditions.

11. VERMONT CHRONIC CARE INITIATIVE (recommended by Katie) - VCCI focuses on the whole person. Registered nurses and medical social workers encourage healthy behaviors and help with related issues such as housing, food security, and transportation to medical appointments. They help beneficiaries talk with their health care providers and may meet with both to develop and support a plan of care.

12. Your Community (recommended by Jen) - "our community stepped up and helped us. They donated enough $$ and supplies to get us through a year of out of pocket medical expenses...you can do fundraisers, benefits."

13. The Health Department (recommended by Tammi) - your local health department prices based on a sliding scale of income. They may be able to do free blood work and help you until you're able to get on your feet.

14. DISABILITY TAX CREDIT IN CANADA (recommended by Alain) - in Ontario and Canada there are a lot of programs for disability. The first step if you are in Canada is to get your doctor to evaluate you so that you can obtain a certificate of disability. This well help you and your family get a tax credit.

15. MODEST NEEDS (recommended by Audra) - Modest Needs is a registered charity that promotes the self-sufficiency of low-income workers by helping them to afford short-term, emergency expenses.

16. Local Churches (recommended by Margaret) - Check with churches too. They may have resources to help you or might be able to refer you. Many churches have food pantries and might be able to help assist you short-term.

17. PATIENT ADVOCATE FOUNDATION (recommended by Debra) - The fund will assist patients suffering from Multiple Myeloma with their co-pay needs during treatment. These funds will be made available to Multiple Myeloma patients who are insured and qualify both medically and financially.

18. Drug Manufacturers (recommended by Debra) - try calling them to see if you can get your prescriptions at a discounted rate or see if maybe you could get them for free with coupons.

19. Utility Companies (recommended by Debra) - try calling your utility companies for extra help with bills while you're applying for assistance.

20. GASTROPARESIS AND ME (recommended by Karen) - soon, this nonprofit organization will be able to help those who may need financial assistance.

21. WALMART - places like Walmart and Kroger have discount prescription programs. You can get most generics for $4.

22. HOPE AIR IN CANADA (recommended by Corry) - Since 1986, Hope Air has been arranging free flights to get financially-disadvantaged Canadians to the healthcare they need. Hope Air is the only registered, national charity that provides free flights to people who cannot afford the cost of an airline ticket to get to medical expertise or specialized medical technologies that usually exist only in larger urban centers. Hope Air is unique among Canadian charities in what we do. And we are proud to provide all flights to our Clients completely free of charge: no cost is transferred to Clients.

23. GO FUND ME (recommended by Ariella) - A personal way to collect online donations from organizations, friends, and family in order to receive help with medical expenses.

24. GIVE FORWARD (recommended by Garry) - GiveForward's online fundraising pages empower friends and family to send love and financial support to patients navigating a medical crisis. Start a GiveForward page today to ease the burden of your loved one's out-of-pocket medical bills.

25. CARING BRIDGE (recommended by Garry) - An online space where you can connect, share news, and receive support. It’s your very own health social network, coming together on your personalized website. And thanks to those who donate, they are available 24/7 to anyone, anywhere, at no cost.

26. Pets (recommended by Lora) - "It is fairly simple to get a favored pet established as a 'emotional support' animal, thus making it possible to take the pet with you EVERYWHERE (without additional fees when traveling!) That would help those in hospitals, housing issues, travel, etc. There are no actual requirements for training, just need a doctor to fill out the proper paperwork for a certificate. Here's a WEBSITE with a little info on the subject.

From the book, "EVERY DOG HAS A GIFT: TRUE STORIES OF DOGS WHO BRING HOPE & HEALING INTO OUR LIVES" BY RACHEL MCPHERSON, Founder and Executive Director of the Good Dod Foundation Link here: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Dog-Has-Gift-Stories/dp/1585427950/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1504704126&sr=8-1,

"The Americans with Disabilities Act defines service dogs as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal who is trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. For example, some dogs are trained to pull wheelchairs, others are taught to alert to the sounds of the telephone, oven timers, alarm clocks, smoke alarms, and even a baby’s cry. Service dogs are not considered pets. People frequently ask me how their dog can become a therapy dog. There is a common misconception that therapy dogs need to be a certain breed, or raised to be therapy dogs from a very young age. On the contrary, therapy dogs come in all breeds and sizes!

A therapy dog can provide healing to his or her companion or family, as well as hundreds of other people in a therapeutic setting – whether a hospital, a school or a retirement home. The remarkable work of therapy dogs (as well as service dogs and household pets) inspired me to write Every Dog Has a Gift. Likewise, I hope that readers will be inspired by the amazing stories in this book to do some good work with their own companion dog!

If you’re interested in getting your dog certified, here are some tips to get you started:

Find a reputable therapy-dog organization. If you’re located on the East coast, visit TheGoodDogFoundation.org. If not, find an animal-assisted therapy organization in your state that offers a training program. There are a number of organizations mentioned in the book, and many can be found online as well.

Undergo an evaluation and a training course. A good animal-assisted therapy organization should offer a thorough evaluation, training program, basic obedience training (if necessary) and follow-up. An experienced trainer will evaluate you and your dog as a team and place you in the appropriate courses. Training courses should use positive reinforcement and patient, reward-based methods.

Volunteer! The Good Dog Foundation maintains relationships with hospitals, schools and other facilities where we help schedule and orient therapy teams as they begin their outreach. After certification by a therapy organization, you and your dog can volunteer on your own or, even better, work with that organization to find volunteer opportunities in your area.


Service Dogs vs. Therapy Dogs: What's the Difference?
Unlike therapy dogs, service dogs and their human companions must be allowed access to buildings (including restaurants, libraries, supermarkets, and churches), transportation systems, and other public areas and services. Another difference between therapy and service dogs is that the latter are often picked by breed for certain characteristics.


What It Takes to Be a Service Dog

Service dogs should have all the characteristics of a therapy dog, plus a few others. For example, certain breeds are chosen for specific types of service. In the United States, 60 to 70 percent of all working guide dogs for the blind are Labrador retrievers. Golden retrievers and German shepherds are next in popularity. These dogs are chosen because of their temperament, versatility, size, intelligence, and availability. Guide dogs must be hard workers, large enough to guide people while in harness and small enough to be easily controlled and fit comfortably on public transportation and under restaurant tables.

You may find that some service dogs seem to 'stretch the envelope' when it comes to fitting comfortably in public places. One such dog appears in section one of Every Dog Has a Gift. Hooch is a massive Rottweiler who is a service dog for Daniel. Although Hooch weighs in at more than one hundred pounds, he manages to wrap himself around the pedestal of a cafe table and be as unobtrusive as possible!

Article information found at: http://www.petfinder.com/animal-shelters-and-rescues/volunteering-with-dogs/service-dog-vs-therapy-dogs/

27. GOOD RX (recommended by Carrie) - Compare drug prices at over 70,000 pharmacies, and discover free coupons and savings tips. Even if you have insurance or Medicare, GoodRx can often find you a better price!"



Here are some other ways in order to cover your healthcare costs, which I'm updating with what I have been sent and what I have researched,

1. MENTAL HEALH AMERICA. Their website states, "
The ongoing cost of prescription medications can be a challenge, especially if you are taking more than one prescribed medication. Some pharmaceutical companies offer prescription assistance programs to individuals and families with financial needs. These programs typically require a doctor's consent and proof of your financial status. They may also require that you have either no health insurance or no prescription drug benefit through your health insurance. In addition, there are county, state, and national prescription programs for which you may qualify and special drug discount cards offered by some pharmaceutical companies." They list resources already found in this article, like GOODRX, but also give you several options I did not include above.

2. DRUGS.COM. This is an online, discount drug card. Just present this to your pharmacist and they will be able to process it like insurance, but keep in mind it is not, in fact, insurance. Their website states, "You'll save on most, but not all, prescriptions. The card is good for prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies if written on a prescription blank, and pet prescription medicines purchased at a pharmacy. The card is not valid in combination with other insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid or any state or federal prescription insurance. The card can be used only if you decide not to use your government-sponsored drug plan for your purchases." It claims to, "Save up to 80%. Never expires. Use the card as often as needed. Share the card with friends and family. Free, no fees or registration. Use at over 65,000 pharmacies nationwide including all major chains."



Getting Started
(Created by Melissa V** & Emily S. - and I will go through them and put the descriptions down later)

One good place to begin when searching for information regarding gastroparesis is with Emily Randolph Scherer’s blog: http://www.emilysstomach.com/. This blog is an excellent source – full of great advice/tips about all aspects of living with gastroparesis. The following are additional resources that might be helpful when looking for more specific information.




Gastroparesis Explained

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/04/resources-for-help-to-explain-gpdtp.html

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/gastroparesis/Pages/facts.aspx#1


http://livingwithgp.com/info/

http://livingwithgastroparesis.com/
Gastroparesis Diets

http://gicare.com/diets/gastroparesis-diet/

https://stanfordhealthcare.org/content/dam/SHC/for-patients-component/programs-services/clinical-nutrition-services/docs/pdf-lowfodmapdiet.pdf (FODMAPS)




Digestive Disorders Organizations

http://www.agmd-gimotility.org/

http://www.iffgd.org/

http://www.dha.org

http://www.g-pact.org/

http://www.ddnc.org/Home_Page.html




Pain

http://patients.about.com/od/painkillerlegalandsafety/a/Pain-Drugs-Drug-Seekers-Your-Doctor-And-The-Law.htm


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chronic-Pain-Management-Program/138419476204932

http://theacpa.org/

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2016/02/to-loved-ones-of-person-living-with.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/04/painkillers-in-your-kitchen-alternative.html




Weight & Malnutrition

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/malnutrition-obesity_b_1324760.html

http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-weight-gain-shockers

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/06/the-impact-of-vitamin-deficiencies.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/06/information-about-malnutrition.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2014/01/the-gastroparesis-diet.html

www.pinterest.com/chikensrule

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2014/11/handling-holidays-with-chronic-illness.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2015/04/gastroparesis-vs-eating-disorders.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2018/04/gastroparesis-and-eating-disorders-part.html




Educational Resources to Help You and Your Friends/Family Understand Gastroparesis

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/06/poop-what-different-colors-and-smells.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/07/gastroparesis-patients-vs-drug-seekers.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2015/02/frequently-asked-questions-regarding.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2016/01/a-letter-from-gper-to-friendfamily.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2016/07/information-about-vagus-nerve.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2017/06/pyloric-stent-pyloroplasty.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2017/09/the-brain-in-your-gut.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2017/11/information-to-help-newly-diagnosed-and.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2018/04/gastroparesis-different-ways-it-effects.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2018/06/a-collection-of-gastroparesis-studies.html



Grieving Process with Gastroparesis

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2014/02/the-grieving-process-for-chronic.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2018/04/socializing-with-invisible-illness.html





Feeding Tubes

https://www.facebook.com/APFED

http://www.digestivedistress.com/tube-feeding-info

https://www.facebook.com/ThriveRx/timeline







Disability

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/resources/disability/getting-social-security-disability-benefits-se

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/topics/social-security-denials-and-appeals.htm

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/tip8.html






Coping

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/06/how-to-stay-positive-especially-in.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/07/how-to-stay-motivated.html

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/turning-straw-gold/201207/what-those-chronic-pain-or-illness-do-want-hear

http://www.a-spiritual-journey-of-healing.com/7-stages-of-grief.html

http://www.aboutkidsgi.org/site/living-with/talking-about-gi-disorders/back-to-school

http://invisibleillnessweek.com/2012/08/14/you-look-so-good/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lottie-v-ryan/living-with-chronic-illness_b_5878410.html

http://gastroparesisclinic.org/index.php

http://www.faithgateway.com/depression-fighting-dragons/?utm_source=fgwomen&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fgwomen20141211&spMailingID=47579586&spUserID=MjkwMzMyOTA1NzES1&spJobID=581738107&spReportId=NTgxNzM4MTA3S0#.VJ1egl2AAW

http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/

http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/pdf/Dealing_with_Holiday_Stress.pdf





Common Problems/Conditions

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2014/11/how-to-feel-sexyhave-sex-with.html

http://optimumhealthvitamins.com/OptiBlog/tabid/105/entryid/173/Default.aspx

https://www.yahoo.com/health/how-your-body-signals-that-youre-vitamin-deficient-100516369838.html

http://www.greensnoteasy.com/2013/06/domperidone-reglan-and-gastroparesis.html

http://www.med-health.net/Feels-Like-Something-Is-Stuck-in-My-Throat.html

http://www.puristat.com/bloating/sibo.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0jaF6Rnuv4&feature=youtu.be

http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/difficulty-swallowing-dysphagia-overview



Links to Various Gastroparesis-Related Resources
(Created by Melissa V.and Emily Scherer)
There are a lot of ways to find help you financially cope with the burden of deductibles, high out of pocket costs, and even if you do not have insurance, there are ways to help you afford your healthcare: http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/04/financial-assistance-ideas.html


Help with Medical/Prescription Costs

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/prescription-assistance (*Start Here*)

http://www.needymeds.org/index.htm

http://rxoutreach.org/

https://www.pparx.org/prescription_assistance_programs/savings_cards

http://www.simplesavingscard.com/HowItWorks

http://www.drugs.com/discount-card/

http://www.ssa.gov/medicare/prescriptionhelp/

http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/help_with_medical_bills.html

http://www.gskforyou.com/index.html


Help with Nutritional Supplements & Equipment

https://www.rxhope.com/PAP/info/PAPList.aspx?programid=10067&fieldType=programid

http://www.oley.org/equipexchange.html

http://www.g-pact.org/supplydepot.html

http://www.oley.org/lifeline/ndtubetalk.html

http://www.feedingtubeawareness.org/resources.html

https://www.facebook.com/groups/183532715060740/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thekindermedsuppliesboard/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MedicalSuppliesBST/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MedicalNeedsExchange/

http://www.rmmor.org/nonprofits.htm



**Giving credit where credit is due. These were made for the groups I owned and ran at the time. Since it's wonderfully put together, andI just found it going through group files, that I had to share it. I wanted this to benefit all, and did want want to just delete it. If I did that, that would make you guys he victims andy you'd suffer, because I was being petty. I did NOT want to do that.

Pre - Surgery Today For my Knee

The doctor is going to do the surgery for the Boston Scientific Electrical Stimulator trial. They are going to put me under, put the leads in, wake me up and adjust the electrical pulses, and then put me back under to complete everything. I will know in a day or three if it works or not. If it works, the doctor is going to go ahead and schedule the permanent implant surgery.

My husband thinks that this will cut my vomiting in half. His reasoning is that vomiting is also my pain response, so it's hard to tell what's gastroparesis and what's my knee. After this, I should know.

I have an appointment with my doctor on Tuesday to talk and follow up. I still need anti-nausea medicine. It helps me function. Without it, I vomit about 8 times a day. It does help keep the vomiting down. I'm just frustrated and tired of vomiting. The doctor wants to figure out why I'm vomiting so much. He says that with gastroparesis that I shouldn't have stomach pain or vomiting. Since the ERCP surgery, I have had less pain. It's no longer sharp and stabbing. Now, it's more like intense stomach cramps.

I had a funeral to go to last Monday and they made me take communion. I was scared because I haven't been able to keep much down. The priest dipped the wafer in the red wine (my stomach can't handle alcohol) and gave me communion. I tried not to vomit up the Body of Christ because it would, in all honesty and jokes aside, make me feel awful. I kept it down for the funeral, so I did not vomit up the Body of Christ on anyone. My stomach behaved until I got home but I had horrid cramps and pain. I also started vomiting again. It's been a rough week with the death of my aunt and then the surgery today. I'm just grateful that I didn't get sick in the church.

I also have an appointment with the Nutritionist next week to go over a diet plan and the insurance doesn't cover it. So, it's going to be $100 a pop to receive advice about my diet and eating habits.

I'm really nervous about the surgery today. The last time I had surgery, I stopped breathing. Now, I'm scared that I won't wake up. I just want to feel better. I'm also worried about the IV placement. The nurses can never find veins. They had to put in a pick line in the hospital. I just don't want to get poked about 12 times.

Well, I will keep everyone updated. My surgery is scheduled for 2pm.

GPACT

I found two pictures, courtesy of GPACT that made me feel a bit better. I'm still vomiting, even after the ERCP. I'm still in pain from healing as well.

I met with the knee doctor yesterday and he's just waiting on the insurance to improve the trial.

More information can be found HERE.

So, I guess I'll wait. Hopefully, if I can control the knee pain, the vomiting will be cut in half since it's my pain response. I'm trying to figure out if the vomiting is actually coming from my gastroparesis or if it's caused by pain. It's a hard thing to determine.

I just feel very tired and weak. I have a cold, too. I've been sleeping a lot the past two days hoping I'll feel better.

GPACT could really use your help if you are interested in donating to help find a cure. The information can be found HERE.

They write on their Facebook page:

G-PACT Fact, Day 31- As we close out DTP Awareness Month 2012, we want to thank all of you for your support!

G-PACT is a non-profit which was founded on Aug. 23, 2001 by a group of patients. Most of us are on disability from this (and/or
a combo of other conditions) and saw the needs that so many patients had. We fight this every day along with you. We are all volunteers which can make this very difficult as our health is very unpredictable. You understand! A small handful of volunteers have run G-PACT, which has become international and reaches out to over 30 countries and all 50 states, from hospital beds, nursing homes, and home computers all over the world.

An added challenge is that we do not work from a centralized location and are scattered across the world. While this allows anyone to get involved, sometimes it can also take us a little longer to get everything done.

These are two unique challenges we face as we fight for you. We volunteer up to 80 hours a week during busy times, so we appreciate your patience and support as we work hard to bring you the best that we can given the circumstances! We are inspired to continue our work because we see progress and feel that our work has made an im-PACT.

There is still time to do things from this month. We extended the media letter writing campaign in order to accommodate some events taking place this weekend. Please send us your letters so we can begin putting final details into the project. Awareness and a cure is important as the death of another member harshly indicates.

If you would like to help us in any way to continue our work, we could use additional funding to continue our work, volunteers to lighten the load on a few of us, or other contributions to help us get things done. Increasing awareness is vital and awareness events are appreciated to help spread the word. If you would like to do anything, please contact us at contact@g-pact.org. Donations can be made through Paypal at accounting@g-pact.org or on our website at www.g-pact.org/giving.html. There are many ways you can help, even if not financially. We appreciate hearing from you and knowing you support the work that we do.

We do this for you and we fully understand what you are going through! That's why we are so passionate!

Even though today is the last day for DTP Awareness Month 2012, we do not stop. We do this year round. Look for activities coming up in 2013 and many ways to increase awareness and get involved in some of our political advocacy work. We are encouraged by the approval of Linzett yesterday, and hope to see many more in the near future until everyone has something that works well for them. We all want to eat normally again! :D

My Visit with the Specialist

The Motility specialist visit was today. I told her all about my history of anxiety and how I vomit when I'm in pain. She told me that the gastric emptying test at the hospital might not have been accurate because they were giving me pain medication in the hospital which slows down digestion. So, she is going to give me something called a smart pill.

Here is the information on the smart pill

She says that it's good that my doctor put me on neurontin because that will help. If the smart pill confirms the gastroparesis, then she's going to try Nortriptyline. She says that a lot of her GP patients have had wonderful results with the medication. If I can't keep it down, I can sprinkle it on a teaspoon of applesauce and just swallow it.

Information on Nortriptyline


I hope the smart pill is covered by my insurance, but I'll have to check. If it's not, I'll have to do another gastric emptying test (which hurt tremendously last time) and a barium swallow to make sure that my colon is all right - no polyps,
Crohns, or worse.

The original thought that my regular GI doctor had was that the GP was a result of my gallbladder surgery but the specialist thinks it is the result of a virus. She told me to have hope, that the GP will go away if that's how it started.

I'm anxious about school and not sure what to do. I'm going to search around for an online class. She told me that I can't go to class puking, obviously. She's going to try her best to figure out what's wrong but also suggested that I see a neurologist since all of my problems seem to be nerve related. She also suggested that the neurologist check me for autoimmune diseases. I know that I've been tested for Lupus and that was negative. I may or may not have Celiac.

The specialist also suggested that the vomiting could be caused by abdominal migraines. I have never heard of such a thing.

Info about Abdominal Migraines here

I didn't even know that they existed! She has a lot of theories besides gastroparesis and she's going to check them all. She said that doesn't mean that I don't have gastroparesis but she wants to make sure.

I really liked her. My only complaint is that she talked too fast and wouldn't really listen to any of the questions I answered. She would tell me not to interrupt her. But, I guess she's busy and she can't spend all day answering my questions. Other than that, she was friendly and gave me a lot to think about.

The last resort, she suggested the electrical stimulator be placed in my stomach. But we're going to try the tests to confirm, the medicine to see if it works, and then go to the drastic surgery. I just don't want to to the gastric emptying test again or the test with the barium swallow. I'm not going to be able to keep the barium down.

Her nurse is going to check with the insurance and call me back about the smart pill. Keep your fingers crossed because that's the best test option I have. I hope it's covered. I could use some good news. I'll keep everyone posted.

I've lost close to 20 pounds since March because of the gastroparesis. I haven't been able to wear this shirt in two years. You can't really tell I've lost weight ... but I can. It's not the way I would have chosen to lose weight though. She said that I need to change my diet so I need to meet with a nutritionist - but I have to wait until after the tests. She said for me to eat less fiber and less fat. She said I could eat gluten that not eating gluten really didn't matter. I guess I should start eating it again and get another test done to see if I really do have Celiac Disease.

I just filled my pill caddy. The amount of pills I have to take is ridiculous.