medicare and DMT

[Vinagirl]

I will be getting Medicare shortly. I am concerned about the price of MS meds. I am on Tecfidera and it appears that it will cost me about $8000/year. OMG - there has got to be another way to get this medicine Help!!

Karen

[Taylorsmom]

Hi Vinagirl In case you aren't already aware, if you contact the pharmaceutical (Biogen) directly, they offer financial assistance. Tecfidera is very expensive and my health insurance denied it several times. Thank God, I was just approved for Biogen's $0 copay assistance program, I have a number for them which is [phone]. I hope that this information is helpful to you.

[Vinagirl in reply to Taylorsmom]

I talked to Biogen a few months ago. They told me to call back when I get Medicare. Duh....... I thinks I'll call them again. Thanks!

[Doubled51]

I Hope I'm wrong but Medicare would not approve texfidera for me. Nor does biogen offer copay help for Medicare receipients. My doctor had to change me to Pelegridy before they would approve it. But all plans are so I hope the best for you. Good luck to you.

[TwoFacesofMS in reply to Doubled51]

You are not wrong about part of that. If you have prescription coverage it will. Where Bush Jr screwed it up is not allowing the government to negotiate with pharma cos. And people on Medicare can't participate in the patient assistance programs so you have to find an org that will help with copays. NeedyMeds is one.

twofacesofms.wordpress.com

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Vinagirl I hope it all works out for you .

[Vinagirl]

Thanks It seems that I will need prayers and a bit o'luck ☘️

[melack01]

wishing you luck Vinagirl . Luckily I get my Tecfidera through the VA so I don't pay much at all. Prayers!

[greaterexp]

Vinagirl , you'll have lots of prayers on your behalf that your Rx is covered. Hang in there and keep us posted.

[punterstein]

I am on Medicare and take Avonex and Biogen has always been very helpful in either getting me funded through grants or $0 copay if I wasn't approved for a grant.

[Cprosa]

I have been on medicare for 7 years, United Health Care and now Blue Cross Blue Shield. I am on AVONEX for 18 yrs. my ins covers and I get help for my copay. A Few years ago UHC wanted me to change meds. My Dr worked with ins co and I stayed on AVONEX. I have friends, tecifedra, aubagio, rebif, tysabri, the new drug Ocralizumab, your DMT will work out. Good luck

[Vinagirl]

Update: good news! I have been on medicare for 6 days. On day 4 Biogen called me to arrange financial assistance! They first looked for outside funding and when none was available, put me on the free med plan. They said that I should call them if my family income increased by $100,000. ( Yes that is whAt they said)

[bxrmom]

I'm on Tecfidera with Medicare & Part D for my scripts. Biogen has been paying for my medication since I started this year and part of my Part D picked up the other part and I had no copay. Next year I may end up having a small copay because I have already met my deductible for this year. I also qualify for extra help from my state for prescription costs.

Jessie