Avonex at 65

[P00dleLady]

Hi, I've been on Avonex for about 15 years. I retired this year at the age of 65 and through my insurance company got 3 months of Avonex. I am at the end of my last refill. My neurologist has me switching to every 2 weeks until it runs out. The problem is Medicare does not cover the drug. When I called them, they said that they would cover it if I had a health care professional do it once a week. I've always self injected but those are their rules. My neurologist told me that they couldn't do it at the office because there's not enough nurses. She suggested that I call my general practioner. My GP's office will not do it becaiuse it's not on their formulary so theye would not get paid.

not sure what to do!

[greaterexp]

Can you appeal their decision? Your neurologist may be able to help with that. Are you willing to try a different DMT?

I'm sorry you have to deal with this. Please let us know what happens and what you choose.

[CloverPrincess]

I’m sorry you have these issues. Maybe the National MS society has resources that can help: nationalmssociety.org/Resou....

May you be blessed with a solution soon

[Juleigh21]

Why does everything have to be so complicated?? Good luck to you. I’m sorry that you’re experiencing this. Could a visiting nurse give you the shot?

[Kenu]

Have you researched and found a good supplement policy that covers ms medications? It’s open enrollment right now and there are government paid agents that can help you sort this out. Also MSAA can help you find funding to help also! Good luck 👍 🙏😉🐾🐾 Ken

[ganna64]

Hi, I was on Avonex for 7 yrs, got switched to Rebif for3 yrs, then went to Copaxone for 7 yrs. I decided at 63 yrs old, I had had enough of all of it and ended everything except baclofen. After 17 yrs on injections I have to say I have never felt better. I had a friend to inject the Avonex and self injected the other two. The rules must have changed. I sure hope you find the help you need. I think it's terrible neither office will help you. What good are they?

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hi P00dleLady m so sorry you're having to go through this! It can be very frustrating, when all you want to do is take care of yourself!

Call MSAA tomorrow Toll-Free Helpline: [phone] ext. 154 and let one of the counselor's help you out with that! ☺️ Just don't tell them I sent you!😉😂🤗💕

J🌠

[pamgarner]

URGGHHH! they make it so hard.have you tried to contact the manufacturer of avonex?they want you to stay on their meds so they are a good resource of maybe getting it at a very reduced rate or free.they will guide you, they are a good resource.I am on medicare and I have a grant at healthwellfoundation.org they deal with medicare patients.good luck

[Buddy2009]

I was I avonex for about two years but I had to stop taking it because it affected my thyroid so my doctor put me on tecfidera, I know I got the 10 dollar copay thru the avonex makers you could try that,Good Luck and Prays Your Way.

[kycmary]

At 65 & Medicare you need an advantage plan & they should cover your Avonex, it is open enrollment time so check them out & get one that covers what you need. If you don't get it now you pay a penalty for each month over & it NEVER STOPS!! We are going thru this with my hubby.