paying for treatment

[rearfang]

Hi Everyone,
Do I understand correctly that the treatment medications are obtained through prescription? My situation is that, while I do have health insurance, I never joined the optional prescription plan. I think I can only change that at a specific time of year. Will I be able to get into the plan with a pre-existing condition (it's a group plan)? Does anyone know? How much do the treatments cost? I still have a month to wait before I can even find out what my situation is, but my guess is that I will be getting tx when the time comes.

[TnHepGuy_]

I've had problems in the past with posting links and ending up with the 'comment' button as the link itself. The end result being the ability to post any further comments on that particular thread ceases to exist. 'Willing' explained that if you happen to write the HTML of the link and leave off the ("), or the (>) or the (< / a >), then in this particular setup at MedHelp, the comment button becomes the link and no further postings are allowed.

(P.S. - the < / a > mentioned above has added spaces inbetween to allow it to be displayed here as text. Without the spaces it would be read as HTML and not displayed at all).


Hope all is well with Mike and family.


TnHepGuy

[mikesimon]

I use Quest. I think they send the Heptimax sample to CA but it still takes only 3 days. I also have my fax number inserted onto the order so I can get them when they are available but NOT BEFORE THE DOCTOR. They've told me this on several occasions and I've wondered why the haven't faxed my doctor already. Once I call for them I thnk they fax them immediately to my doctor and them to me. I get them within 15 minutes from my call. Mike

[BNR]

Depending on your company coverage, yes they do cover part of the prescriptions -- amount of coverage depends upon your plan.  When I treated, my co-pay was only $80 a month, which I thought was a real bargain.  Procrit and other meds had varying costs. The amount of meds that your dr prescribes to manage any side effects you may encounter will vary.  HOWEVER, covering pre-existing conditions will vary with each companies' policy.  Some firms may waive a pre-existing condition, others may not.  You must check your policy.  Maybe ask someone in Human Resources?

[rearfang]

What about employers' prescription plans? Do they cover any of the costs? If I were to time it right, I could wait to do tx after the enrollment period at work starts again. Do these plans have restrictions for pre-existing conditions? Anyone know?

[myka]

don't forget about the procrit and neupogen if needed. that stuff doesn't come cheap.

[rearfang]

Thanks for the suggestions and info. You guys are really wonderful.

[Lynne5477]

The meds will cost about $2000 per month, which includes the interferon and ribaviron.  It might be best to try the clinical trial for the assistance program through the mfg.

[layla]

I was wondering what lab does your lab work. I would like to recommend them to my doc if you can give me the info. I had mine drawn on the 20th in Wisconsin and they send them to LA. I called them today and they got them the 22nd and the results are due the 5th. It seems like your lab is much faster. I sure am bummed since I had my hopes up. I was really hoping to know before the new year and before I leave to Sweden next week. I think it's hard to wait this long and I would have my labs drawn elsewhere if I could get the results as fast as you do. LL

[debsus]

You may also want to look into a clinical trial -- http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ if accepted into a study all medical care, treatment etc is at no cost to you. And, if they have to fly you into NIH or another research center -- they will pay for that too.

[moonbaby]

Hi! Yes, a prescription is required to get the meds. I got my meds free through the Pegassist program. Their number is 1-877-734-2797. This program is through Roche pharmaceutical. They offer a 24 hour hotline that you can speak to someone anytime, even at 3a.m. when you are bawling and can't go to sleep...trust me...I know. Another place that sent me a LOT of really good info. (and a free tube of really good lip balm) was the Be In Charge program through Schering Corp. Their number is 1-888-HEP-2608. Just call either (or both) of them and they will send out really helpful packs. Hope this helps.

Moonbaby