Financial Mess

I think when i see oncology clinic on Thursday ill see about some help with my swinging emotions. 

Defintiely go public @cranky_granny   -  all your records can be sent to your new cancer centre so they are up to date with what you've had done - or have you asked your breast specialist (assuming it is the surgeon) if you can be 'treated' as public, as many already work in both areas.  Explain that it is crippling you financially & not likely to attend otherwise ....

(or do you mean you are going public already 'through the clinic?' but not your surgeon? ) . Apologies if I've mis understood.

I went private for my surgery, just so it could be done within 2 weeks of diagnosis (2 years tomorrow!)..... but ever since, I've been public (tho I still see the surgeon, so a bit of a gap there - but that is only yearly ....) . My Oncologist and rads oncologist is free, as are my scans & even my MRI . 

All the best xx

thanks everyone i was feeling a little low with just coming out of Christmas wages dropped to minimum and some bills i didn’t account for came in. 

cranky-granny You have the option of electing to be a public patient. I have been on very expensive treatment for eight years, had three surgeries, radiation therapy, CT Scans etc and my only cost has been parking fees. I agree with Harpie, phone the BCNA helpline (angels in disguise).

Many of the hospitals have a welfare officer who should be able to help you with assistance available to you.  When I was having my treatment, I ended up being about $7000 out of pocket, then on top of that, In the middle of my radiation regime, I got another bill from my pathology for $500 that wasn’t covered by Medicare or health fund ... and it nearly broke me.  I just burst into tears and couldn’t stop.  The welfare officer arranged for a one off ‘assistance donation’ from wonderful people who donate $ to Cancer Australia to offset the $500 - I am/was eternally grateful as I was emotionally spent.  It had to relate to a utility bill tho, not the pathology bill ... power, water, rates, etc .... so if you have one coming up that is in that area of $300 ... try and chat with the welfare officer.

if you are a pensioner, you should also get power and water rates discounts as well.  Your drivers licence should also be free. 

All the best ... if you find yourself really stressing about your finances, ring the helpline here and have a chat 1800 500 258  .... sometimes a problem shared is a problem halved xxx

Have you seen the council for rates and added your health care card to their records to get a rate reduction? We did.