At Compass Rose Benefits Group (CRBG), we feel it is our duty to step up and help our members in good times and tough times. Such was the case for John R., a member at CRBG for over 50 years. When John’s wife experienced life-threatening complications from Hepatitis C (Hep C) and Parkinson’s Disease over the years, the people at Compass Rose stepped in to help, with hands-on assistance that was timely and essential for Mary, John’s wife.
Mary was diagnosed in the late ’90s with Hepatitis C, a condition that was traced back to tainted blood she received from an operation in 1975. In late 1998 and 1999, Mary underwent an experimental chemotherapy procedure that showed promise in curing Hep C, but in this case, the treatment resulted in a worsening of Mary’s condition.
For several years Mary continued to have regular blood tests to monitor her Hep C. In 2004, things got a bit more complicated as she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. After reviewing Mary’s medical tests and blood work, doctors recommended she visit the Mayo Clinic for an evaluation and additional testing. The hope was that these new tests would result in additional treatment options that could significantly improve Mary’s health.
At over 65 years of age, Medicare was now her primary insurer. The approval for the tests were initially denied by Medicare so John reached out to the Compass Rose Health Plan. He needed help and was not sure where to turn. Compass Rose stepped in and told John to take Mary to the Mayo Clinic and that Compass Rose would cover at least 90% of the cost.
In December 2007, Mary received the tests and evaluation from the Mayo Clinic. John was relieved and astonished – ”We never had to pay a penny for all the tests taken at the Mayo Clinic. The Compass Rose Health Plan picked up all the costs that Medicare would not cover.”
Mary improved but had another setback in 2015. Mary’s on-going blood work started showing some alarming changes. Her liver was not functioning properly, which can be life-threatening. Doctors prescribed a new drug called Harvoni and wanted to start immediately. Once again, Medicare denied the request. The Compass Rose Health Plan intervened and approved paying for the cost of the medication, which was in excess of $90,000 for a 90-day supply.
“My total cost was $575.11 for the 90-day supply of the medication, which was going to be over $30,000 a month,” exclaimed John. After taking Harvoni, Mary was Hep C FREE! There have been many blood tests since and Mary still shows no signs of Hepatitis. Her liver is no longer in the danger zone.
John’s closing pronouncement is the one that is most important to the people at Compass Rose Benefits Group: “Without Compass Rose, my wife would not be alive today.”
Compass Rose Benefits Group is here to help — today, tomorrow and well into the future. Our members are our family and we treat them accordingly. The benefits at Compass Rose go way beyond what is listed in a policy. If you need help with the complexities of the insurance landscape, we are always here to provide the support you need.