The healthcare system in this country is a fucking joke. I am so sorry that happened to you, and I wish I had some great advice or a pep talk. It’s shameful in a country this wealthy that people can’t afford their meds. Shameful.
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Now don’t say that – we would miss you. I’m sorry this change is so difficult. Healthcare should never be for shareholder profit IMO.
Have you explored GoodRx and other discount prescription services? Also Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart have good prices on certain drugs. I hope you find a solution to make this situation manageable.
And don’t forget 988 is a resource if you feel really hopeless.
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Just this morning, I helped my Mom find one of her prescriptions on GoodRx.
She was pleasantly surprised!!
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Is the ACA (marketplace) an option?? This might be a “qualifying event” so you can get on the ACA (Marketplace)??
What about Short Term Medical?? (you can now purchase a short term plan that goes up to 3 years) And you can see if any of your present doctors participate in those plans.
(PM me for details on one company I’m looking at)
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And each day it gets worse and worse and worse…
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One of my doctors recommended it as well. It’s a great source for discounts.
Is there only a single health plan you can choose from? If so, that was a horrible decision by company management to change plans!
glad nothing else caught fire. scary!
I am so sorry to hear this. I hope some of the leads here will help you out.
ETA Apologies . This thread could use something upbeat and this ain’t it!
Son was in Tahoe last weekend, but fortunately not on the slopes. Awful thing in a beautiful place.
NY T gift link about Tahoe Avalanche
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Very sad to hear about those lost in the avalanche.
……
This happened at North Star resort at Tahoe on Feb 18th, 2026.
https://www.powder.com/news/bears-northstar-powder-day-video
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This sucks, and it’s probably happening or going to happen to more people.
Please check out Mark Cuban’s company Cost Plus Drugs
and if you are a Costco member, they have very good prices on many drugs.
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Please continue to fight the good fight. Folks are being put in awful situations right now because of healthcare—or more accurately, the lack thereof—in the U.S.
You are heard and appreciated here on HO.
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Matt, I usually avoid this thread, but for some reason, I looked this morning. It sounds like you are satisfied with your current medical team—have you spoken directly to them about this new development? Perhaps someone could come up with a creative solution?
In the situation where staying with your current providers is not possible, is there something, for example, in this NYC sub-Reddit thread that could be useful (I think you’re in NYC)? There must be many similar conversations on Reddit, which, once you get past the noise, can contain some useful real-world information.
I’m going to ask my husband about direct primary care plans (he’s a PCP in Greater Boston), which sound like they could be a low-cost option but I don’t know anything about them.
There are people here concerned about you.
ETA: I just asked my husband about direct primary care plans. He says they’re best for those who have no-to-few health issues. Select meds are covered. Not sure if this would be option for you @backyardchef.
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This will definitely be something I look in to once I retire and am off my company’s health plan. The major drug I’m taking isn’t listed, but the cost savings on the 4 others I’m taking will definitely help offset. Thank you for the reminder, @grumpyspatient.
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Great Idea!! 100% Agree with this.
I had to do this with my ophthalmologist when he and my insurance company parted ways. I didn’t want to change doctors, I’ve been going to this particular ophthalmologist for over 10 years.
Long story : short – He worked out a payment plan for me and gives me “samples” of the eye drops I need (when he has them). Some of the drops are still covered by my insurance and the others I use GoodRx.
Many doctors are kind and truly care about their patients.
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Most health care providers will let you do a payment plan. We just signed up for our most recent disastrous bill at $100/month. Only 24 months to go 
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Similar Story - About 10+ years ago, I had an early cataract and needed surgery. Apparently, when the doctor told me I turned white and he could see the immediate fear in me. He told me “Relax, I’ve done thousands of these”. I told them that wasn’t the issue, I didn’t know how I was going to pay for it.
He laughed and said “No problem” He called over one of his office people and told me “She’ll take care of you” Sure, enough – inside of 10 minutes the assistant had an affordable (no interest) payment plan for me and scheduled my eye surgery.
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You don’t need to be a member for prescriptions at Costco (but they do have a membership discount plan).
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