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Healthcare Limbo


This week I went to my doctor for medicine refills and a check in.  I had been in April for my annual physical but forgotten to ask for a particular medicine I was almost out of and the policy is you must go for an appointment to get a refill. 

My doctor is a 2 hour drive away, one way.  I have been seeing her for years and I really trust her.  I feel like she cares and I know she listens.  She has always been very conscious of my lack of insurance and out-of-pocket pay.  For instance, any time I needed tests or medication, she would explain all the options, costs, and reasons.  We always addressed my health as a team. 

When I moved I didn't change doctors because of the Affordable Care Act.  We moved in 2012 and I knew I was going to get insurance (for the first time in 20 years) and I didn't want to have to change doctors twice.  I have a pre-existing condition so it was not an option until the ACA.  Now healthcare.gov is here and I have been attempting to sign up. 

I have not been able to sign up.  I've tried but cannot get past the security questions.  I've tried over 25 times in the last month.  The website keeps telling me I need different answers to each security question—which I have provided.  It simply cannot "see" them. 

When I saw my doctor this week, she fired me.  She was gentle and kind, but firm.  She said, "you need to check out doctors in Austin."  I know.  I felt like she gave me permission.  We both know it is the right thing to do.  She kindly refilled all my prescriptions so I will have time to find a doctor and I know I can get all my records.  I will miss her and I am grateful to have had such wonderful care the last 12 years.

So many things feel like they are in limbo until I can get signed up.  I don't want to get the prescriptions refilled until I know what pharmacies will be in my network.  I have a prescription for physical therapy and it is the same situation.  What if they are not in the network.  There are several preventative tests and procedures I have been putting off due to no insurance such as mammogram, colonoscopy, bone density test, and blood tests.  Those can wait, but some things need to be addressed now and I need the website to work. 

I want to get signed up so I can start establishing my personal "network" of pharmacy, doctor, lab, chiropractor, and hospital.  I want another doctor like I had who will treat me like an adult who knows her body and listens to me.   Today I have decided that I will try the website one more time and if no progress, I must just call the 800 number and try to sign up online.  Wish me luck!
 
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