I have a friend who has, in the past, suffered from anaphylactic (throat closing up, generalized body swelling, impaired breathing) reactions to bee stings. The doctor has recommended that she always carry an Epi-Pen, but these need to be replaced every six months, and at $50 a pop, it's not something she can afford.
Since we live in Michigan, really, the most dangerous time for her would be April through September, so she'd be pretty safe not carrying one in the winter months.
Does anyone know of a way that she can either get one free or at a very discounted price? (She has no health insurance.)
Where can she go (or who can she talk to) to ask about this?
Thanks so much.
2007-06-16 02:47:25 · 9 answers · asked by biiiiaaach 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
Yes, basic health care is very expensive over here and out of the reach of "the working poor" (as we call them -- people who go to work every day, whose employers themselves can't afford to cover their employees under a health plan). That's why many Americans get very upset when they see our government sending aid to places like Africa (who don't appreciate it -- and for the most part hate us) or spending all that $ in places like Iraq/Afghanistan (who also don't like us. Many Americans would like to see our military, save the $, pull out, stand back, and just let them kill each other).
We have tax-paying people over here, who are funding all that crap, and we're sending aid to countries wouldn't even think of helping us if the chips were down...and yet...some very hard working taxpaying people over here are going without some basic things and could use a little help...see...got me started....
2007-06-16 03:44:39 · update #1
Go to your local Health Department and explain to the the situation; it is likely that they will be able to help.
Paramedic in SC
2007-06-16 07:18:58 · answer #1 · answered by JD, MAPSY 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not as far as I know, but check with your vet. You'd only have a problem if your dog's allergic to bee stings, in which case there might be something your vet can give you to keep at home. Most dogs aren't. They hurt and I always ice the area and make sure the stinger's gone. Also, when I had a dog who loved trying to catch bees, I asked the vet what to do if he ever got stung in the mouth and she said to keep Benadryl on hand. It's only if your dog is allergic and can't breathe that you need a vet fast.
2016-05-17 07:49:28 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would check with the Pharmacy about the shelf life of the Epi-pen as they should have at least 12 months, if they offer one with 6 months, it has been sitting for some time. I would go to another Pharmacy who will give your friend a Epi-pen with twelve month shelf life.
Pharmacies who sell short life products are ripping people off, unless they tell people that its short shelf life, your friend has the right to refuse any medication especially if its the Epi-pen that has a short shelf life.
While $50 is a lot, its worth the $50 if it saves a life. Also does your friend wear a Medic Alert medallion?
2007-06-16 21:10:43 · answer #3 · answered by Georgie 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow, are things really so bad there that people can't afford basic stuff? That's sad. But if there's no health insurance and things like that aren't free, then it comes down to how much your friend values her life. I'd try and get the money somehow, at least during winter. Can't her doctor figure out a way she can get it reduced, don't you have any schemes like that over there? There must be something.
2007-06-16 03:21:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd suggest talking to her doctor. Or shifting priorities - isn't her life worth $50 a year??
Having said that, many insurance companies have special programs for uninsured. Check out epipen.com to see if they have anything or contact them to ask.
2007-06-16 03:44:52 · answer #5 · answered by Debbie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most epi-pens last a yr. or more if not used... If you have access to a free clinic they may be able to provide one there. Also, if she were to take benedryl that would help at least get her to a hospital if she was in fact stung....
2007-06-16 08:43:44 · answer #6 · answered by pebblespro 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine costs me almost $90 without insurance over here.
She might be able to make installment payments with her doctor and or pharmacy.
2007-06-17 17:24:14 · answer #7 · answered by Nietzschean 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
she should go and talk to her local office of social security, or wht ever you guys call it over there.
is a shame you dont have a national medical scheme over there like we don in australia - am an anaphylactic to tomatoes - i think i paid $5 AU for my last one.
2007-06-16 02:55:46 · answer #8 · answered by deaity 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
try the health dept. they might be able to help or direct you to someone who can.
2007-06-16 02:59:39 · answer #9 · answered by aiya 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋