Help! I need my meds!

Finally after months of tests I received my prescriptions for Hepatitus (hepatitis) C meds, Interferon and Ribavirin.  I took them to my pharmacy only to find out that my insurance will only cover less than half of the cost per month.  There is no way I can pay for these medications myself.  I have applied for assistance but have yet to be approved.  Any suggestions?  I do not qualify for Medicaid.  Is there some where that I can contact and get assistance without having to wait months for approval.  Please help!

[copyman]

Have you applied to the pharmaceutical company? They offer assistance to patients in your situation. The criteria is that you make less then $46,000 per year. Approval is usually less then a week or two.
Another option would be to get into a trial. All drugs, tests and care is free.
Best of luck

[Bill1954]

Most of us receive our HCV meds through specialty pharma mail order companies via FedEx or UPS.

Call your insurance company first thing in the morning and ask who they contract through; very likely they will cover a much higher percentage of cost if you go through their preferred provider.

If the copay is still prohibitive, the drug manufacturers offer patient assistance; qualification is dependent on income:


Pegassist (Genentech Pegasys system): 888-941-3331

Commitment to Care (Merck PEG-Intron system): 866-363-6379, opt 1
Good luck—

Bill

[pj1881]

I agree with Bill, my doc originally told me that I was screwed.  I did some research and found out that as long as I purchased the meds by mail through CVS Caremark mailorder they were fully covered.  It took ALOT of phone calls and research, but I am three quarters of the way through now.  As for the assistance, they base the income on the household, kind of crappy if you ask me.. Like if you are BROKE you get meds for free, but if you and your famliy work hard but have bad or no insurance they wont give you any discount.  I almost considered manipulating my  income to get help?? Thats the problem with the HANDOUTS, they arent available to honest hardworking people (in most cases).

[copyman]

I disagree with pj. Before I treated in a Vertex trial I was going to treat with regular SOC with my doctor. I applied to Roche for assistance because I was going to have a huge co-pay. This co-pay was even when using the mail order drug company. The assistance was very easy to get. Sent one page application and tax forms and was approved in less then a week.
It is worth a try, you have nothing to lose.

[nygirl7]

FYI I make a lot more than 46,000 a year and they did approve my six month extension and pay for all the meds for it - they didnt even ask me (this was years ago so could have changed now in economic times) for proof of income or anything.

They saved my course of treatment so try them you have nothing to lose!

[pj1881]

I pay $35.00 copay BCBS of Fla, and attempted the assistance which is no longer provided through Roche (pharmassist acquired Pegasys and the policy changed).  Although they still provide help, when my insurance almost failed to refill my script, I attempted assistance and they said that since the change it takes quite awhile and I would be outside protocol by the time they could help if possible.  As far as trials go, I would have certainly entertained a trial, but after investigating the possibility and discussing it with my doctor, I would have to wait for a year or more, which I went other avenues and went with the SOC.  Some things to consider, the nearest treatment options available in the next year (approved) will still require SOC + additional meds.  Insurance companys may make it more difficult to get help and require more damage and testing of damage before shelling out the additional $35,000 that these new drugs may add.  For me, yesterday wasnt soon enough to attempt to stop the damage that this disease causes.  I put myself through hell and was "sick" for years of self inflicted torture.  I know we all have our own stories of how we got this disease, but for me, I BATTLE this thing and do it NOW and go to great lengths to do so!

Try everything is my best advice, dont give up!!

[pj1881]

Genetech not Pharmacist acquired Pegasys.

[Interfurgen]

BILL is right l also make more then  .46 cents i have blue cross hmo my meds come ups from specialty pharma they will even send needles an other supplys