Pegasys + Rib = $ +(Epogen) = $$ :(

[bowyer2002]

I have a high co-pay and my initial meds (Interferon & Rib) are enough of a financial burden.
Now that my Hgb is down to 9.1 (9.8 last month) the Dr may put me on Epogen to get my level back up.
BUT this may end up costing me $300-400/month more due to my high co-pay.
Does anyone have suggestions on financial medical help for the Epo?
My Dr may Rx the Epo over Procrit since Procrit had their recent recall.
Thanks for any suggestions or help!

[bowyer2002]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions - time to make phone calls!

[HectorSF]

If it is a financial hardship I would try to get interferon and ribavirin for no cost from the manufacturer.
Pegassist (Roche Pegasys system): 1-877-734-2797
Commitment to Care (Schering- Plough PEG-Intron system): 1-800-521-7157

As far as the new healthcare reform act you would need to apply for new/different insurance with different co-pay costs. The insurance coverage for adults with pre-existing conditions does not apply until 2014.

Pre-Existing Condition Insurance and High Risk Pool Plans: (2014)
The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) is a new program offered in every state under the Affordable Care Act. It can be administered by either states or the Federal government. The PCIP may be able to help you if you've been locked out of the insurance market while the nation transitions to 2014. In 2014, you will have access to affordable health insurance choices through a new organization in your state called an Exchange—a time when you can no longer be discriminated against based on a pre-existing condition.
Your state also offers another High Risk Pool (HRP) plan for people with pre-existing conditions who have been refused coverage by a private insurance company.

Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP):
You may qualify for this new health coverage option if you have been uninsured for at least six months, you have a pre-existing condition, and you have been denied coverage (or offered insurance without coverage of the pre-existing condition) by a private insurance company.

Additional State High Risk Pool (HRP) Plan: Missouri Health Insurance Pool
Is the plan open to new members? Open

Eligibility Information
You may be eligible for coverage if you are a resident of the state for 30 days and you meet any of the following requirements:

    * You have been denied insurance coverage by an individual insurance company and can provide proof.
    * You have health insurance, but you're paying an amount that is more than your State high risk pool premium or what a person with no pre-existing condition would pay in the individual insurance market

PCIP covers major-medical and prescription drug expenses. You're responsible for paying premium, deductible, copayments, and coinsurance amounts. PCIP won't cost you more just because of your medical condition. PCIP isn't based on income eligibility like Medicaid.

See www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform/map for more information about your state.

Good luck.
Hectorsf

[nygirl7]

Epo costs about $6,000 for a box of just ten vials - I know that doesn't make the $300 seem any easier but this is indeed really expensive stuff.

I dont know anything about the new healthcare stuff yet but maybe just perhaps it is true and the new plan will benefit you. Can you ask your doctors office?  They must have someone who specializes in insurance and billing......they might know.  I don't know if Procrit still has their patient assistance plan or not but if you google their website you can find out and contact them and ask.  They might just cover some of the meds for you.

Also there is the long acting epogen (aransp? something like that) that you would only need a shot once in a while that might be something the doctor could look into giving you instead if your insurance will cover that so at least it's longer acting and you will need much less of it......

Good luck I know how much this stuff all stinks to deal with.

[RobertBeWell]

Is there anything in ObamaCare that might work? I thought I heard there was some fund for just this purpose.