Hello Everybody, Before I begin I’m not having a mid life “identity crisis.” For whatever reason, my GratefulNeeC didn’t covert with my Christmas 🎄 gifts of gadgets! So StepsforNeeC is back! I have been battling with my Prescription Coverage through my husband’s job. First, Clinical Review, followed by “did I try any other medication” ? Lastly, approved Copaxone for a $4000.00 Co -Pay; why because I take the Brand instead of the generic - “ Ancillary differential “ or so they call it! Now, I’m told to have my doctor write a letter stating the generic makes me ill. Do you think someone read that Same Information in my mammoth patient notes that were emailed????? Now they’re working on it after my doctor emails the and Monday is Dr. Kings Birthday so probably further delay! Things gotta get better for us! Blessings and Peace. Need
Medication Bureaucracy-“ So Tired of it.” - My MSAA Community
Medication Bureaucracy-“ So Tired of it.”
Insurance companies are about the money and not the patients They know absolutely nothing about the medications, what they treat, or the people taking them. They just see $$$$ and that's all they care about.
Hope you are able to get things straightened out after the holiday.
My beloved father and father in law would have both told me insurance companies are a racquet!! 😂 sad but so true.. they were both from the great generation… Born in 1917 and 1915 respectively.
🫂❤️ what, in the fucking hell, is the insurance trying to do?!?!?! 😤🤬 I cannot offer any advice as I live in the UK, and currently we've got the NHS (free at the point of use) unless PM Rishi Sunak changes things. I'm angry with you... furious even... because your country seems to not care WHATSOEVER about you! All I can offer is a virtual hug 🫂
Sorry the generic doesn't work for you, that would make it easy. Have you considered a different DMT? There are so many out there now compared to when I was on Re if. Glad I got off it. My injection sites were becoming a problem.
Your doctor probably needs to do a peer to peer with the insurance company doctor. It also helps when the patient calls as well. Good luck.
That is awful, infuriating, and unfortunately par for the course. Insurance companies make it intentionally difficult because they want you to give up so they can keep their money. I have had to fight with insurance companies to pay for things that were supposed to be covered at the cost of anxiety and tons of I-can't-sleep at night-anger for weeks or months at a time. It SUCKS!
Sometimes you have to be a warrior and keep fighting if it's something you have to resolve. But if it's something that's going to be a repetitive, ongoing source of stress, it might be worth it to change meds. Maybe after this round of fighting, maybe see how long it stays resolved for before you have to fight again. It sounds like you're close to getting this resolved, hopefully. I am very sorry that you have to put up with this ridiculous crap. As if if having MS isn't bad enough!
Hello, hopefully things are the same. However, when I was taking Copaxone they had a company that offered financial assistance in which my co-pay ended up being just a few dollars a month. The bad thing is, I do not remember the name, however, it was through the company of Copaxone, ask to apply for financial assistance. Hopefully this works. I wish you the best.
I'm glad to see you wrote this. I was on it a number of years ago and had the copay assistance as well. I know I never paid for any of it.
We have enough to deal with and staying healthy should not be this difficult 😞 I was told last night I would have an expedited delivery and confirm Monday. 🙏 Thanks for your support. NeeC
my neuro needs to send the same letter of medical necessity every year x5 years. Plus approved specialty pharmacy only carries generic so that’s a whole other approval thing. Sad part is I received an email to refill, scheduled, never notified but cancelled. Our pharmacy is out of network was the reason given. So, my records/acct showing you sent me the drug all of last year doesn’t factor in? Need to start from scratch every damn time! With everything digital now you’d think others would be able to share info & play nice. WE are the ones affected. Stress reduction, how?
Hopefully all works out for you. Mine usually does but is an unnecessary frustrating process!
Hi
The generic does not work for me and also I had issues with it my doc wrote a note and it was covered. Now I am on a Medicare supplement and get assistance with the copay. Not sure if you are working or on Medicare but there are assistance programs that will help with a copay depending on your financials. Wait to see what is covered if it’s still the outrageous co pay contact the pharmaceutical company and ask what programs are available
Thanks, praise God I did get it worked out, after hours on the phone; spoke with upper management. We shouldn’t have to go to these obstacles to stay healthy.
NeeC, I’m so glad you got it worked out. I’m so sorry you had so much stress in getting it resolved. It’s just not right that we have to fight for the medicines we need. I was on copaxone for 5 years. I think it worked well for me. My neuro switched me to Ocrevus several years ago.
I think it’s a bit of a guessing game to know which
DMT will be best. Wishing you the best.
Thank you, and yes it is a guessing game with our DMT’s at times. I also take Naproxen for muscle pain and Flexeril PRN. Trying more Vegan dishes in my diet to improve my health. I saw a clip on T.V. with a Doctor who has MS started a “Ping Pong “ Recreation Center. He stated movement improved his symptoms. I wish I remembered his name. Blessings and Peace
when I was on Copaxone I was able to get assistance through the company that manufactures it. I have low income and wasn't able to afford the copay on it. So my doctor was able to hook me up with the ones that can give assistance for medication. You might try checking with your doctor about agencies that can help with copays. There is also charitable organizations that help with co-pays on different medications. The pan Foundation and patient advocate copay assistance also helps with things like that.