Support when you need it
The Lupus Society of Illinois offers support on virtually any lupus related topics. Over the last few weeks, LSI has received questions on everything from support groups, medications and physician referrals.
Pay your premium
The Importance of Paying Your Insurance on Time
It's important to pay your insurance premiums on time. Insurance companies can cancel your insurance if you fall behind.
The Lupus Navigator got a call from Benlysta Gateway about financial assistance for an Illinois resident who had not paid her insurance premiums in full and fell 90 days behind and as a result her insurance was cancelled. Subsequently, the patient owes over $10,000 in medical expenses for infusions.
How did this happen? The office infusing the patient wasn't notified that the insurance was cancelled and when the doctor's office checked the insurance status of the patient, the patient was still listed as insured. So, the patient continued to get infusions monthly not knowing each infusion would be costing her upwards of $4,000 each.
Benlysta and the makers of Benlysta, GlaxoSmithKlein, have financial assistance for those who cannot afford Benlysta however, use of the assistance should be secured prior to receiving the infusion.
Since the patient was infused over 3 times without insurance, the medical bill is in excess of $10,000.
LSI was able to offer some help through the Living with Lupus Grant program.
If your insurance is changing or if you are having trouble paying your premiums, keep in contact with your doctor's office.
If you have any lupus-related questions please contact the LSI's Navigator for assistance or call 312-542-0002.
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