Lived Experience Forum

[Shanc81]

It's been a while since I've been on here and forgot the instant release of pressure when I read others posts. I have BPD and have therapy twice a week.

I want to share something that made me meltdown so badly that it was almost the end... MEDICARE will only help you for 50 visits to see a psychiatrist a calendar year. After 50 you are on your own. I had to pay $150 twice a week for over 3 months and have no savings at all now. So want you all to be aware. If once a week you should be fine. Half price therapy is still a damn heap of money for a student that works part time.

Luckily after 4 years my mum acknowledges my illness and has said she can help this year.

[Former-Member]

F .... ... .... K!
That totally throws a spanner in my plans. WTF is wrong with our current government. Preventative medicine (therapy) is actually cost-saving. F them. F them so hard.

[Shanc81]

I agree.. basically the receptionist said I had to pay full fees.. paid them thinking it was a medicare mistake... oh no.. paid 2 sessions at 335 a piece and then completely lost it when I thought I would have to do it alone.. NO medicare said under the list item that 50 is it... it completly destroyed me ans don't want anyone to go through it.. maybe check with medicare

[Former-Member]

I wonder if any other specialists are limited by the number of visits they have in a year?

[Shanc81]

Who knows what the government has come up with to 'save money'. I almost gave up on life and don't want anyone to go through it

[Former-Member]

It's not worth giving up for, but your doctor should have told you that was the case before it happened!
I hope you're feeling a bit better now?

[Shanc81]

She didn't know.. was the tip of the iceberg when I thought I couldnt see her for 3 months.. was a really bad 2016..

[Former-Member]

Goodness, that sounds very very stressful. I know I'd be very unhappy to say the least if that happened to me!
Have you got this year sorted out?

[Shanc81]

It's affected my finances and am paying off credit card that I used. Basically it will be the same story I just know it's coming anf have to save. Thank you for your messages and hopefully the info has helped you or at least got you to inquire

[Former-Member]

No worries, Thank YOU. I now know I need to plan differently.