NEW member here: Restaged to 3C. Tumor left upper arm

Sorry for what you and your fiance are dealing with!  It sounds as though you have become well versed in melanoma quickly.  That alone is more than enough…insurance issues are the last things you want to deal with just now.  Here is a list of docs with an international reputation in California:

Dr. Daud –https://health.usnews.com/doctors/adil-daud-430791  

Dr. Hamid: 

http://www.theangelesclinic.org/Home/SpecialtyCenters/MelanomaSkinCancer/tabid/19288/Default.aspx  

Dr. Ribas:  https://www.uclahealth.org/antoni-ribas  

However, that does not mean that going to them (since I am not sure how helpful this is to you geographically or in regard to your insurance company) is essential.  I do recommend a melanoma specialist if at all possible, as treatment options have changed dramatically in melanoma since 2011.  Still, if you are seen by a treatment facility and doc who have experience in melanoma and immunotherapy, you are likely to have good care in that circumstance as well.

Though you may not need it, here is a primer I put together about melanoma and treatment options should you be interested:  http://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2017/08/melanoma-intel-primer-for-current.html  

Perhaps others more knowledgeable in the Sacramento area can give you additional oncology options.  Ask more questions as you need.  This forum is filled with smart and caring peeps.  I wish you my best. Celeste

All of the oncologists at the UCSF melanoma center are excellent including Dr. Daud as Celeste mentioned and I do know they take some medi-cal plans. I would call ahead of time to verify with them your specific medi-cal plan would be accepted. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/clinics/melanoma_center/index.html  They also have great a financial assistance program that can be arranged with their social workers.

UCSF will always be my #1 recommendation since they have been nothing but top notch in my treatment and care. I met lots of great patients that came from all over, as far as Redding, San Luis Obispo, Arizona, etc. So, it's not uncommon to travel a ways to go to the best.. it's time consuming, but very worth it.

I do know that Sutter Health down here on the Peninsula takes medi-cal plans. I am not sure about the Sac area but I know they have cancer centers up there http://www.checksutterfirst.org/cancer/contact.html

I can't say whether they have melanoma specialists or anything, but just giving a suggestion based on somewhere that might be in network with your insurance.

Wishing you and your fiance the best,