Gap in care with provider going out of network (United HC)

I am stuck in a loop with United Healthcare with no in-network doctor and not sure what to do next.

Facts:

My specialist doctor (rheumatologist) went out of network in August with no advance notice. I have ongoing care needs (monthly in office injections that cost around $8000/month).

I had met my in-network deductible already. My out of network deductible is really high and I cannot afford to pay for it.

The first available appointment I could get with another specialist in-network is in DECEMBER. They will have to re-diagnose me and then get approval for my medication. The doctor is a 1.5 hours' drive away.

I can switch my meds to be prescription based (to make them a lot cheaper) and self-inject, but the request has been sitting with some third-party provider now for 6 weeks and my doctor and UHC both say they can do nothing to speed it up.

I have tried to ask how to get continued in-network care for my injections until after I see the new doctor in December, but both my doctor and UHC are not helping at all. I have talked to them several times over the last few weeks, and no suggestions or help. It seems they are in a big fight, and I am caught in the middle.

What do I do? Suggestions? A gap in injections is really bad for my health. Worst case I can lose my vision.

submitted by /u/TennisLawAndCoffee
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