Extra Meds for Travel

[Suchet23]

Given that Medicare approves only 30 days of immunosuppressants per month and we are planning on a multi month stay in Europe, is there a way to get Medicare to approve additional months supply in advance. I know this is a trivial question to many, but part of having a full life post transplant is to do things that we want to do. Thanks

[6V53]

I don't know, but that is a good question. My transplant center wants me to have 2 weeks supply on hand at all times, but Medicare won't refill until I have 10 days or less. It has been suggested I purchase out of pocket, but that isn't always a viable option. For now I just hope that our freight infrastructure doesn't ever break down.

[Jayhawker]

Interesting question. Just thinking outside the box some, is it possible to fly back to US in the middle of your trip to get the second month’s Meds?

I’m honestly not sure if it would be cheaper to fly back midway through your trip to get the next month supply or just buy the meds out of pocket with coupons from a site like GOODrx.

Are your meds shipped to your house? If so could a neighbor or family member gather them in and ship them on to you? (My meds are shipped to me…) Timing could be an issue with this option.

Please let us know what you figure out. I’m hoping to travel to Europe after I retire next year hoping my CMV issues will eventually calm down.

Jayhawker

[Suchet23 in reply to Jayhawker]

Thanks for the comments. Flying back and forth really is not doable and would consume too much time. I can't believe that I am the first one to encounter this issue so I will keep looking for a solution.

[LavenderRabbit]

I would ask my doctor. They have encountered it all.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Just let your pharmacist know. They can put an order in for more than just a month supply & can let Medicare know about the exception

[Suchet23 in reply to WYOAnne]

I already did that and they told me that I needed to go to Medicare directly. Then Medicare said there was no exemptions. Have you successfully got an additional supply of meds as a preorder?

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Yes I have. There has to be a way that you can take that trip with enough meds. Make some more calls, daily if you have too, to Medicare. Maybe you aren't reaching the right person that put in the exception.

[Suchet23]

Good to know that it is doable. Did your pharmacy manage for you or did you deal directly with Medicare?

[rabbit75]

Not sure if it’s been mentioned and is relevant but I’ve been saving loads paying out of pocket using cost plus drugs (it’s a Marc Cuban backed effort). They take some insurance and are always taking feedback for which meds to add next if they don’t currently have it. Way better rates than gold rx membership on immunosuppressants.

[Randy1805]

I went too Florida for a month..Call your pharmacy. They should deal with Medicare.....for vacation meds....Or they can set you up with pharmacy in Europe.