my ins.wont pay for azilect anyone know w... - Cure Parkinson's

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my ins.wont pay for azilect anyone know why? dr changed to ropinirole. thanks for any comments. joemen1.

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joemen1
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ronn profile image
ronn

If your insurance won't pay for Azilect, it's probably because the drug is quite expensive. Ropinirole works for me at relatively low dosage, 2mg 3x daily.

Good luck

wordworks2001 profile image
wordworks2001

Azilect is incredibly pricey and has no generic equivalent, putting the patients who it works well on in a real financial bind. I have heard of low end monthly costs of $125. I consider myself fortunate to have TRICARE, which pays for my Azilect.

I can't vouch for the website that resells Azilect at such a low price, but here is the URL: healthpricer.com/azilect-1m...

wifeofparky profile image
wifeofparky

Contact the manufacturer. Go to azilect.com.

All the drug companies work with people on their meds to make them affordable. You have to apply and if rejected, appeal but they have been very helpful to my patients. Also file an appeal with your insurance. If your doctor provides evidence that this med works better than another, they will pay.

charlton profile image
charlton

thank heaven for our national health system! i am on both no questions asked. low dosage seems to work.

carolineb211 profile image
carolineb211 in reply to charlton

I agree. I am on both too, works wonders for me after a gruelling 18 months of trying different meds.

The Azilect has made most difference to me, particularly the tremor and my writing.

Jocee profile image
Jocee

My azilect went up to $500.00/month.. Needless to say, I didn't renew it.

Sassynailart profile image
Sassynailart

I got coupon from manufacturer rep(TEVA) reducing price to $25 a month for three months. Blue cross makes me pay $70/ monthly prescription otherwise because there is no generic in US. Ropinerole worked for me, but caused leg swelling and compulsive eating so now I am on low dose ropinerole in combination with Azilect. I gained 60 ponds on Ropinirole! This combo works for me

CJ49 profile image
CJ49 in reply to Sassynailart

I picked up the same coupon....every year there is a Parkinson symposium in our area, and a few tables are set up with info....(Azilect being one of them.)

Sassynailart profile image
Sassynailart in reply to Sassynailart

The $70 is really $50 for Azilect The copayment on my ropinerole is only $7. I wrote when I was half asleep. Still the TEVA coupon makes the Azilect only $25 a month. I'm sure you could get the deal by contacting TEVA. The rep gave me a lot of coupons.

olpilot profile image
olpilot

As of now I am on ropinerole and azilect, my wife is the working on with ins. We have a 300.00 deductible for meds, after that there is no charge, and when I do pay my azilect is 35.00 per month. I usually hit my copay by may after that there is no charge. But this country (US) needs a national health care that works for all. No one should have to go with out meds.

wordworks2001 profile image
wordworks2001 in reply to olpilot

From your keyboard to Mitt Romney's eyes.

CJ49 profile image
CJ49 in reply to wordworks2001

Amen to that! The premiums my husband and I pay for health insurance are sickening. We both are to young to go on Medicare so we have to "bit the bullet" for a few more years.

wifeofparky profile image
wifeofparky in reply to olpilot

I whole heartedly agree. In NY we have EPIC for people 65+. We qualify financially and since hubby fell into the "donut hole" in September, his copays are actually lower.. I work with patients every day helpng them find assistance for their meds.

marthasway profile image
marthasway

At the risk of sounding like a commercial, I must say that I feel like myself two or three years ago with Azilect, and I am so grateful that my Medicare supplement insurance through Humana covers it with a $35.00 co-pay. Of course, if I see my reflection in motion, I look like the overweight gimp that I've become, but since I'm 'on' much more than 'off', I can live quite happily with that!

I agree with pursuing getting help from TEVA. Most pharmaceutical companies, especially when promoting newer drugs, have ways of helping you get what you need. If your doctor is connected to a large facility, you may have access to a medical Social Worker who can be a good resource. Fiddling with meds is always an adventure on all levels, but finding what works is priceless.

Susie01 profile image
Susie01

As already mentioned, it is very expensive. Ropinirole did absolutely nothing for me. Until recently, mine was not covered, I was able to get it for free from the manufacturer. If you meet certain guidelines, they will send a 3 month supply to your doctor's office. You just have to send in your last tax return or current earnings if it is different than last year to see if you qualify. Your doctor also has to fill out info. The phone number to call is 1-866-217-7163, the fax is: 866-838-5832. When I was about 2 wks. from being out I would call for the next 3 month set to be sent to my doctor's office. The guildlines for qualifying were pretty easy to meet unless you make a lot of money, which I do not, I think it was $50,000 with two people in the household.

I went from not being able to stand up without falling to walking, my tremors are minimal, but be aware there are a lot of medications and foods contraindicated with it and you get no dopamine with it. It seems to work best for the tremors themselves.

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