9 replies to this topic

[ThomasR]

Hello,

if you don't mind, I have another question for you Americans and Canadians.

I have graduated recently and now I consider applying for a doctorate program in the United States or in Canada. However, I would like to know how much you approximately spend on your medical supplies.

When I was in he US as an exchange student in 2010, my parents would always send me packages with the stuff I need. Of course, postage was expensive and since a couple of packages did not even arrive I had to buy those things in America, which means that I had to pay 2000$ which I did not get back from my insurance.

In case, I am accepted to any of the doctorate programs, I would have to know how much I would have to pay for medical supply and if there is any possibility to get funding. I am aware of the fact that the costs differ from person to person, but I just want to get a general picture of the range of costs.

Thanks in advance!


Thomas

[bruceofmaui]

I buy my medical supplies from http://www.caremedicalsource.com/ as they are wholesalers and better prices then stand alone medical house. Free shipping with a purchase over $50 Good luck Bruce

[quadinva]

I think my condom catheters, straight catheters, and lube cost about $250 a month. I imagine its more if its out of pocket, opposed to insurance paying for it though.

[Aparr]

Thomas~

My thought is for you to see if you can apply for international health insurance. Sometimes (if I'm not mistaken) the school you would attend may offer insurance. It may be a place to start to see how much that would cost. Then you can see what is covered verses what is not covered to find out your costs.

[ThomasR]

Aparr, on 07 October 2011 - 03:04 AM, said:

Thomas~

My thought is for you to see if you can apply for international health insurance. Sometimes (if I'm not mistaken) the school you would attend may offer insurance. It may be a place to start to see how much that would cost. Then you can see what is covered verses what is not covered to find out your costs.

I didn't even know that that international health insurance exists. I had additional insurance when I went to the States but it did not cover existing health issues. So anything disability related they would not pay for.

I found 2 or 3 schools that offered funding for disabled students, but that's it.

250$ would be manageable, I guess. I ordered from 2 different medical stores back then and they both seemed to be very expensive. But those were the only ones that had the items that I needed.

Thank you for your replies!

[biggdoggpa]

where ever you apply or get accepted just talk to your advisor and i am sure you would qualify for one of the many programs to receive subsidized supplies!! thats what the advisors do anyway lol let them work for you!!!

[DreamWeaver]

My husband's closed cath systems are $1800/month billed to insurance. If we had to pay out-of-pocket I think the cheapest I can get same supplies would be $1000/month. Enemeez enemas are $40/mo through Alliance Labs using their subsidy program. Good luck with everything.

[goose]

There is an online medical supplier that runs 20-25% off sales often. Allegro Medical. Buying by the case is also cheaper.

[yoggy99]

Hey Thomas,
I know what you are talking about, I am more or less in the same situation because my intensional is to work in the states as a therapist. If you got a job right away, everything will be ok but how to bridge the time meanwhile you are looking for something. Get a job and I you has to be insured by your employee but that requires a certain visa ... and so on.
may I ask you where you are from?

Christoph

[Kwag_Myers]

Before I got on Medicare I paid for my straight caths from Sportaid out-of-pocket. Right now, a box of 30 is about $50. I wish I could still use them, but they don't do Medicare.