Just ranting...

[Szs3eb]

I'm supposed to start on DMT. Generic tecfidera was called in to Walgreens. Two Rx's as you need to titrate up in dosage. First the app said it was out of stock. Then Walgreens cancelled the 240 mg RX and now it says problem with insurance. I called and the person on the other end of the phone was rude and not helpful. Denies that they canceled the second prescription. (I have a screenshot) She says My insurance will only cover it if its filled it at a specialty pharmacy. She rattles off an 800 number... did I have a pen? Of course not. I call this 800 number and they are closed today. If you get prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy in California it causes all sorts of issues. I don't need this today. If I told you how much I pay for my medical insurance a month, I am sure many of you would go into shock. The whole insurance racket in the US is so annoying. Very grateful that I can pay but there are still barriers to getting what you need no matter how much money you shell out.

[DM0329]

Boy can I relate to your post about the frustration of the Medicare pharmaceutical industry in the USA. Although I "retired at age 45" after working more than twenty years after my MS dx in 1994.

Due to disability, I transitioned onto Medicare in 2012, and was eligible for the Low-income Subsidy for my Part D medication. At that time, I was on Avonex. My yearly out of pocket was about $18,000.

I switched to Aubagio in 2022 after starting menopause; I was done with the weekly pokes. It seems my portion of Aubagio would be about $22,000 per year, but now it's generic, but again the LIS Part D program helps me with my co-payments.

(((Cyber Hugs))) I just wanted to send you some positive vibes as stress isn't good for MS, but we all have bad days and daily frustrations can sometimes get the best of us. Hang in there!

Be Well. 😇🙏🤞😽

[Szs3eb in reply to DM0329]

Thank you so much!

[Birdymom3 in reply to DM0329]

Talk to the manufacturer the can usually help with cost. I have been on name brand Tecfidera for a while I can only take the 120 mg so I take twice a day my MRI show positive results. Check the cost the difference between name brand and generic is only 2 0 dollars then it only made by the manufacturer because they are only basically the same but they can change somethings in it.

[bxrmom]

Szs3eb I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this. I am on generic Tecfidera as my Part D would not pay for the brand name anymore. I am doing good on it. I do believe Tecfidera may have to be filled through a specialty pharmacy. That is why I was surprised that my hospital pharmacy was able to fill it (my Neuro or her staff found this out).

[Curlygoats]

When I was put on it I got it directly from the drug company. I qualified for free meds according to income. These pills were $40K a year and I certainly do not have that. They sent me a years supply and I had terrible side effects from it. So I ended up with all this medicine I never used. Sadly I threw them all away or I would gladly have sent them to you.

I am not surprised that your local pharmacy didn't have it and I am surprised your Dr didn't say anything.

try this link to get your script

quickrxspecialty.pharmacy/t...

Hugs,

From the goats

[Birdymom3 in reply to Curlygoats]

I get mine through Biogen it is called The Assistance Fund, I believe Biogen also makes a generic version too

[Szs3eb in reply to Birdymom3]

Thank you!

[Szs3eb in reply to Curlygoats]

Thank you. Hug the goets for me.

[ahrogers]

I lived in California when I was first diagnosed. I started out on Gilenya and did have to get it from a specialty pharmacy. My neurologist seemed to know this as that is where my Rx was sent. Also had copay assistance so only paid $35 per month. Insurance is very frustrating. Hopefully you can resolve this on Tuesday once the holiday weekend is over.

I also checked the website for Mark Cubans pharmacy, cost plus, and they do have generic Tecfidera.

costplusdrugs.com/medicatio...

[Szs3eb in reply to ahrogers]

Thank you so much.

[Mark1499]

It’s unbelievable the cost for some of these DMT’s. I have been taking Tysabri for four years it is $60,000 a dose. I get it by Infusion monthly my insurance pays 38 five and patient assistance picks up the rest. For the life of me I cannot understand how a one hour infusion such a small bottle of Tysabri can cost $60,000 not complaining about the results of my DMT, but the cost is astronomical.

[Szs3eb in reply to Mark1499]

I don't understand either. I'm so glad you get your medicine.

[twooldcrows]

wow never heard of such a thing ...good luck finding a balance between all of them ...

[PWilli]

I’m so sorry you have gotten the runaround. It is extremely frustrating. Over the last 9 years I have learned to be my own advocate (sometimes with the help of my hubby) and it has served me well. I have made multiple calls to the same place and get a different person with a different answer each time. Sometimes you just have to laugh and take a deep breath and try again. I discovered that ice cream can help coping with anything !!

[greaterexp]

I'm so sorry you've had these issues. I'll bet we can all relate.

I spent nearly the entirety of a visit with family out of state calling pharmacies, insurance companies, and doctor offices to get Copaxone refilled. After 4 years of the battles, I had enough and just stopped the medication. When I did so, with my neurologist's blessing (!), she promptly dismissed me and said my primary provider could take care of my needs. I am so shocked at what healthcare has become and am sorry every time I have to deal with it.

Hang in there.