To: President Donald Trump, The United States House of Representatives, and The United States Senate
MYELOFIBROSIS & MEDICARE
Medicare refuses coverage for stem cell transplants for Myelofibrosis patients. Myelofibrosis will evolve into leukemia, thus the disorder is life threatening.
Why is this important?
I was diagnosed with Myelofibrosis one year ago and have been receiving treatment at MDAnderson, where I am participating in a research study . This is a rare blood disorder and the only cure is a stem cell transplant. When I was denied insurance coverage by Medicare, I realized that they factor in your age, and "old people" are going to die anyway, so why allow treatment when this individual already lived their life. Sorry but I'm 66 years old, and I have a lot of life left in me. If I need the transplant, I want the transplant. I am doing my part participating in this research study and I should at least be given the option of a life saving treatment.