'Cancer Does Not Wait'

Why this year's Relay for Life?

Salem N.H. Relay for Life has always been a passion of mine for the past seven years. Losing my Dad to stomach cancer in 1996 and having a brother-in-law as a survivor of esophagus cancer gave me a reason to be part of this amazing event to raise the awareness and dollars for research.

Why this year more than ever? My name is Jane Lang of Salem, N.H., a 64-years-young woman without health insurance and this is my story.

From October through December 2011 I had been feeling ill. Having lost my health insurance due to the loss of my job, I would often try over-the-counter remedies to eliminate the expense of a doctor’s visit without insurance. 

Have you tried looking into purchasing health insurance? The cost is so high along with a deductable way out of normal range. I have worked my entire life and never had been without health insurance until now.

Who knew cancer would make an entrance?

On Jan. 6, 2012 I was diagnosed with vulvar cancer, a rare cancer caused from an auto-immune disease called Lichen Sclerosis and two tumors of more than four centimeters growing in the area contaminated with cancer.

Living on mine and my husband’s social security, to cover the medical bills I would be accumulating, applying for N.H. State Medicaid was my only choice. I took the initiative I needed to put together the necessary paperwork to apply (thanks to the help of Servicelink in Salem, a resource organization).

On Jan. 11, my husband and I arrived at DHSS in Nashua where we waited in line for 2.5 hours to submit first the application. Once we reached the window the associate on the other side offered to set up for an appointment at a later date, which I automatically requested an appointment that day (if an opening was available) as I felt the urgency of having cancer the priorities would be set in motion. Not there! It’s first come first serve...

After voicing my concern a 3 p.m. appointment became available and so we waited. Meeting with my assigned case worker once again I urged the importance of trying to move this faster than normal as cancer does not wait, but was told it could take anywhere from 90 days and up. Retroactive benefits were a noption as long as you were approved.

Cancer does not wait for N.H. Medicaid to be approved...our N.H. DHSS system needs to set priorities.

I was told we needed a few more documents which once again I took the initiative and made sure I got what they needed.

As of Thursday, Jan. 12 we had submitted all the necessary paperwork requested by the caseworker and obtained a case number.

I knew I had to advocate for myself to move the application as quickly as possible. I connected with Gov. Lynch’s office asking for support. I also presented a statement to our local State Representatives at an event “The State of the State” sponsored by the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce. I also made attempts to obtain medical records (biopsy, cat scan report etc) released to me faster than sending in a request to send up to the Medicaid Determination office in Concord.

After calls and e-mails to try and move this on faster than usual, two weeks later I placed a call to the Determination office to find out where to expedite the information I was gathering.

Their reply: ”Sorry, we show no records for you.”

I thought I had better call the case worker just to make sure the paperwork I had made every effort to get to them in a urgent manner (as cancer does not wait) was in fact on the way to Concord.

When I reached the case worker, she calmly remarked nothing had been done, but reminded me: ”Federal laws give us 30 days to first review the paperwork and I am booked solid today and out of the office on Monday.”

Priorities? None there!

I was scheduled for surgery to remove the tumor called a Radical Vulvectomy (sounds like and was a revolution on my private parts) on Feb. 2, 2012 at Lahey Clinic.

Continuing my advocating I knew I had only a few weeks to be approved for N.H. Medicaid and had heard horror stories of the many months it could take. That was not going to stop me.

On Feb. 13, 2012 (five-and-a-half weeks) I was approved for N.H. Medicaid.

But it does not stop there.

Yes, I was approved but with a pay-down deductible of $2,509.10 a month. I am financially responsible for each month before Medicaid kicks in .How do they determine these numbers?

I have reached out to our governor and many N.H. state political leaders and no one has an answer. What I am told by the case worker is it’s determined by your income and the federal guideline poverty level of $675 for two people. N.H. DHSS took our gross income, gave me a $20 allowance and deducted $675, andthat’s my deductible. Taking in no consideration for living expense?

I had my surgery and now will start with radiation and chemo next week. I am currently in debt for over $15,000 and covered for Medicaid through June 30 when I will have to re-apply again.

I cannot wait until I turn 65 next February when I am enrolled in the Medicare program.

Priorities for Disability Medicaid should be placed in motion. Our state DHSS system desperately needs reform. Cancer does not wait.

My challenges and lessons I am learning from this experience can only make me stronger to help advocate for another person in this same situation. Health care should be a right, not a privilege.

On Wed., May 23, 2012, I concluded my radiation and chemotreatments. During my treatments I continued to advocate for Women’s Health.

I want my story told to giv eothers the courage to forge ahead and know someone is out there willing to help them move forward...

This years Salem N.H. Relay for Life will be on Saturday, June 23 at the Salem High School track starting with the Survivor Lap at 4 p.m. Please join us for this awesome event. For more details please go to relayforlife.org.