Hi Don, I'm Medicare eligible, but currently on Group Insurance Coverage. I just came home from ICU due to a leak which has happened now for 3 consecutive months. I'm debating if I should stay on group coverage & debate approval with the private insurance coverage or switch to Medicare & request coverage. How did the process go for you or anyone else ?? Thanks & I wish you all good health !!!

DYFE...I was lucky because I am in the VA healthcare system and during a consult with a VA Hemotologist, we discussed my options for treatment of SCLS. Of course he was not familier with the disorder and after he did some reasearch and a conversation with Dr. G at Mayo, he was able to get approval for the IVIG Therapy. I began the therapy in April of this year and I receive 35 Grams every 4 weeks. I never approached Medicare and I have no other insurance, so I am very fortunate the VA stepped up. Best of luck to you! ...Donn

dfye - I may have missed something so...But with the Group policy - is there a problem? What type of "private" and what group is it? I read this and I'm thinking that I may have missed another discussion you had with Don regarding insurance. I'm curious what type of policy you have vs. what you are considering and why. And what state are you in? (I'm not nosy -I swear-) but what choice you make could have serious consequences as I'm sure you are aware, so I'm curious about the details. Carole T.

Thanks for the update Don - Medicare & VA offer different benefits. Thanks for your service to our country, Don ! Carole, I carry Medicare A only. I have dropped my Medicare B years ago & am covered under my husbands group health coverage thru his work. My Dr just submitted to my current group insurance for IVIG approval. I'm going home today from my 4th ICU stay in 3 months due to a leak. The last 2 visits my theophyline levels were within theraputic range. I was originally considering taking my Medicare B if IVIG was getting approved thru there, but upon my latest ICU visit, I'm trying for approval thru group insurance first. Hopefully they are getting tired of paying the ICU claims !!