Ocrevus

[greaterexp]

For those who have chosen to start Ocrevus, could you share how you qualified for reduced or no copay programs? What kind of information did you have to share? Income limits, etc?

[Raingrrl]

Hi greaterexp ! I just qualified and I have no idea how. I talked to a "case manager" on the phone who looked up the info my neuro's office had sent them. Then asked if I wanted to talk to someone in the co-pay program. So...they passed me off to someone else who asked me about my health insurance. Then she made me listen to about 10 minutes of legal mumbo-jumbo about the rules of the program. One of the "gifts" I have from MS is when I'm listening to someone talking longer than about 5 minutes, I lose focus and can't tell you anything they said. Having to listen to 10 minutes and agree to those "rules" was stupid. Then that person put me on hold and looked up my info and next told me I qualified for the co-pay program. They are supposed to be sending me a printed copy of all of it but I haven't received it yet. Weird experience and very different from when I qualified for assistance for Tysabri. Your experience could be very different.

[BillD999]

greaterexp Thank you for posting this question, I am curious because I am going through this process right now. I scheduled my first infusion, then was informed (when I called & inquired) of my copay (a large number). I spoke to a rep at Genentech and was informed that I must first try to obtain assistance from an independent copay assistance foundation before they (Genentech) would even discuss the issue. Although they do offer assistance in finding outside help.

Patient Access Network Foundation (patientaccessnetwork.org) appears to be the best source of actual financial help from what I have heard. Unfortunately when I tried to apply through their website I was informed that applications for MS or Ocrevus are closed at this time. I suspect they may be overwhelmed w/Ocrevus applications.

Looks like I have a few more hoops to jump through.

[bavery207]

greaterexp I am late seeing these posts, but want to respond to you. I am not sure how my first (half)doses of Ocrevus were paid for. I have Medicare and my secondary ins. is Anthem that I had at work before my retirement. I called Genentech before my infusions and asked about payment (among other things). The person I talked to said it looked like it was covered by my insurance. I assume that was the Anthem, but I have not seen any paperwork.

[greaterexp]

I'm wondering if I would be too old, since I'm 58 now.