Donna’s Journey: Balancing Health & Finances

Donna's journey is one of resilience and gratitude. Despite the challenges of battling cancer, she continues to work part-time as a Quality Assurance Analyst. The ability to work remotely has been a blessing, allowing her to manage her health while staying productive. Her company has been incredibly supportive, accommodating her schedule and understanding her need to stay safe due to her immunocompromised state.

The pandemic, in a way, prepared Donna for this new way of life. She has adapted to doing more from home, including hosting her beloved knitting group on Zoom instead of in person. This shift has allowed her to stay connected with friends and maintain a sense of normalcy.

In 2021, Donna's life took a turn when she was diagnosed with Myeloma, just six weeks after becoming eligible for Medicare. She had chosen a Medigap supplemental insurance policy and a Medicare Part D plan. While the high drug prices were initially a burden, she will see improvements over time.

“When I was first diagnosed, I was on private insurance which didn’t have the flexibility Medicare did when it came to tests and scheduling,” says Donna. “The supplemental insurance policy and Plan D really gave me piece of mind in moving forward with my treatment.”

Donna's support system has been a source of strength. Though her two children live far away, her siblings and close friends have been there for her every step of the way. Their presence has made her cancer journey more bearable.

Myeloma, though incurable, can be managed as a chronic condition. Donna receives periodic infusions covered by Medicare Part B and takes Revlimid, a costly prescription drug partially covered by Medicare Part D. To prevent blood clots, she also takes Eliquis, another expensive medication. Initially, grants from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and other sources helped cover the costs, but these were temporary solutions.

Despite the financial strain, in 2024 Donna was able to pull from her personal saving to cover her out-of-pocket prescription drug limit of $8,000, due to a change in Medicare rules that AARP advocated for. In 2025, her out-of-pocket costs will decrease to $2,000, providing much-needed financial relief.

Through it all, Donna remains grateful for the support she has received and the advancements in her treatment. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptation, and the importance of a strong support network.

“My advice to others who may be in a similar situation is to explore what plan is right for you and your unique circumstances,” says Donna. “The supplemental plan worked for me because it allowed me to see any doctors that I needed to see.”