My Friend Pam

justine, i fought blue cross and eventually was able to get approval for avastin. just when i got approved for the next round ‘we’ decided to stop treatment for awhile. however, i was helped by the california state department of insurance. i sent them a huge file of rejection form letters from blue cross and details of my ongoing battle with cholangio. also, i was able to receive some avastin through ‘single point of contact’ in that i qualified due to financial parameters.

i enlisted everyone’s help that i could think of for my fight. several nurses at norris cancer center (where i receive treatment), my oncologist, my husband’s work, me making endless phone calls and letter writing and threatening to contact a lawyer. it was a longgggggggggggg battle and very stressful, but if eventually paid off. i’m still alive after 7 years.

due to many other stresses in my life, i do not come here often, but i will try to check back here for the next week or so in case i can be of any assistance. also here’s a phone number for the nonprofit patient advocate foundation
800-532-5274; http://www.patientadvocate.org. plus other possibilities are:
http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.net for guides for each state; http://www.naic.org is the national assn. of insurance commissioners.

i also have a bunch of word files with info that might be useful. if you would like them just post an email address and i will flood you with that stuff. it’s not well edited sooooo, it might be a bit overwhelming to get through.

wishing you the best,
barb h

Justin….You might also want to scroll to the “Insurance” section of the discussion board. In addition too, the “Google” Search function (top, right hand side of page) may be of help to you. Simply, type in the word “Avastin” and several previous postings will appear. At least this is a start. Hopefully, others will chime in also, soon. And, do not be afraid to ask for help with navigating this site. We are here for you.
Best wishes,
Marion