Xolair

Dx COPD 3/2003 - am now 59 yr old female with 34% lung function. Smoked apx 45 years; quit couple years ago. On Advair 500/50, Spiriva, Theophylline, Asmanex, Flonase, Mucinex daily.  Rarely placed on Prednisone, Allegra 180, Diflucan. Cannot nebulize due to paradoxical bronchospasm.  Have no other illnesses.  Was
hospitalized once for pneumonia 5 days in 8/06.  Was on Xolair shots for 18months and employer-provided insurance carrier changed first of the year and deemed xolair "not medically necessary".  SOB increasing extremely over past months and QOL is worsening - just past date marking last 5 shots missed.  Pulmonologist appeals to insurance company denied twice - now going to independent panel for review.  IF the outcome is in my favor, the insurance company must abide by the decision, conversely so must I (or sue) if the decision isn't in my favor.  Might I have a chance winning such a case?  Might I have any recourse with my employer (of over 15 years?).  Do insurance companies ever make exceptions (I've googled this and found no info at all).  Help, help, help.  I want my Xolair. It's made a huge difference.  

[cath124]

A related discussion, Lung Disease was started.