Aa
UHC just cancelled my Meds on a Fri night
Well, I am freaking out. I am a 2b on the second go around. I am at wk 11 on treatment. I just went to pharmacy and was told UHC will no longer pay for meds. No warning. I have 1 shot of peg left; so ok on that for a week. I will run out of Riba tommorrow and unable to reach doctor. How serious is stopping Riba for a few days? I am in shock.
Well, after hrs on the phone to UHC, I finally got a straight answer. Too bad..So sad.. Fotunately, I was able to buy what I needed for the weekend out of pocket for $8. a pill. Had to borrow the money. The doc hooked me up Monday with a week supply, and the meds are supposed to arrive tommorrow. I lost 1/2 my dose of Riba on Friday. Hope it doesn't effect anything. You guys are amazing. Thanks so much. I find out Fri. the results of my 12 week blood work. Wish me luck.
I hope you are not passively accepting UHC's decision without a fight! Insurance companies pull stunts like this sometimes. Occasionally it is an error; sometimes it's a deliberate attempt to make you "go away" and stop expensive treatments.
DO NOT LET THIS GO! FIGHT IT!
Speak to a supervisor first and foremost. Get an explaination as to why this happened. Write it down exactly as it's told to you and include the persons name. Then ask about the appeals process if you feel it's applicable (like a flat out denial of furthur treatment when your doctor recommends you continue). Then start the appeals process.
I had my insurance company deny me a test one time that would have left me responsible for $2000. They had authorized the test prior, and then RETROACTIVELY denied the claim stating "on furthur review, it was unnecessary". I appealed the denial with an initial letter stating my position (as per their policy) and they caved right in.
They want to save money. Stand up for yourself and don't let them take advantage of you.
DO NOT LET THIS GO! FIGHT IT!
Speak to a supervisor first and foremost. Get an explaination as to why this happened. Write it down exactly as it's told to you and include the persons name. Then ask about the appeals process if you feel it's applicable (like a flat out denial of furthur treatment when your doctor recommends you continue). Then start the appeals process.
I had my insurance company deny me a test one time that would have left me responsible for $2000. They had authorized the test prior, and then RETROACTIVELY denied the claim stating "on furthur review, it was unnecessary". I appealed the denial with an initial letter stating my position (as per their policy) and they caved right in.
They want to save money. Stand up for yourself and don't let them take advantage of you.
Friday they stopped my husband's treatment because of severe anemia and white blood count. We have lots of Riba and Infergen left and the Dr. said to bring it in to give to people who have problems like yours. We are in AZ and would overnight it to you if you contact us. ***@****
Hopefully you can get your hands on some ribas.
I always read and was told by hepdocs that as long as you had taken %80 of your dose of riba during your treatment you were fine.
Wishing you the best!
FDB
I always read and was told by hepdocs that as long as you had taken %80 of your dose of riba during your treatment you were fine.
Wishing you the best!
FDB
I'm sort of discusted with UHC right now. The things that they pull are absolutely ridiculous. I'm in the middle of a dispute with them right now. Not on the HEPC meds, but on another issue. In a perfect world, the doctor would write a prescription, we'd go happy-go-lucky down to ANY neighborhood pharmacy, pay $5-$10 bucks and walk out a satisfied customer that we got our drugs with little or no hassle. Yea, like right, that will really ever happen. I'm sorry that you're going through this. I had to pull teeth several times over the years with them and other ins. companies because of these kind of things. They always pull this stuff on a Fri. afternoon. BTW, I was on the phone with UHC complaining up a storm today. They put me on hold for about 1/2 just waiting to begin my conversation and then, in the course of an hour also managed to disconnect me and transfer me to somebody else, too. This dispute has been going on since back in June!!! I wish you the best.
Susan
Susan
The doc most definately does not want me to stop. I am scheduled for 24 weeks. I will try to buy some. I am dealing with brian fog which is not helping to resolve problem. Wish I had more time. Anyway, thanks for suggestions and will let you know. Thank you.
I'm sorry to hear this, the insurance companies really get to me. Anyway back to what is important, where do you live, what state? Did you try and call your dr and tell him hat is happening? Sometimes they have extra peg and riba, my doc did. He gave me free samples of peg and riba for 2 weeks till the ins approved everything.
Beagle
Beagle
The pharmacy said I could purchase some Riba, but that it will cost $1000. a PILL!!!! That just can't be right. I got a hold of ins. co. (nightmare) and they said they have to eliminate the middle man (pharmacy) due to high cost of meds. Anyway, they are gonna call Px to get me a one time only emergency supply (PHEW!) I want to kill the dragon, but without weapons...well... I am feeling better now. I have been hanging around this site a long time without saying much. I feel I know you all. You have carried me through. I know I am most fortunate to have 2b. I do have scirrosis (early stage 4) and need to succeed this time. I am grateful to you all.
Hey, that's great news! BTW that's most probably $1,000 a BOTTLE, not a pill. Guess they didn't want to break the bottle open. Riba is expensive, but not that expensive.
Hopefully you will soon get your insurance straigtened out for the next 12 weeks.
Hopefully you will soon get your insurance straigtened out for the next 12 weeks.
Geez, how stressful. Glad you have it ok'ed for now but what about the rest of tx? Is UHC saying this was just a glitch in the change to a new supplier? How are they going to insure this not happen again? I'd want some assurances after they had just about given me a heart attack.
If you still have trouble with them, maybe give Commitment to Care a call 800 521 7157. Glad you worked it out but Im sure that didn't reinforce your faith in them.
Your experience along with so many others you hear reminds me of Bill1954 waiting after he ordered his meds to start tx and I think that is great advice to new people starting tx, hard as it is to think of waiting longer after you seem to have to wait forever to finally start tx, it is better to have a cushion of time. I think Bill had a glitch straight out of the gate! I now I had a few glitches and if I hadn't had some meds on hand I would have missed meds. I did have to go buy the Riba from a pharmacy to fill a gap, it was expensive but not 1,000 a pill! LOL that has got to be a mistake, it's expensive but that's ridiculous, mine was around 500 or 600 bucks for 30 days worth. Thanks for letting us know about it, glad it worked out. How are you feeling otherwise? Tx treating you pretty well? Glad you joined in.
If you still have trouble with them, maybe give Commitment to Care a call 800 521 7157. Glad you worked it out but Im sure that didn't reinforce your faith in them.
Your experience along with so many others you hear reminds me of Bill1954 waiting after he ordered his meds to start tx and I think that is great advice to new people starting tx, hard as it is to think of waiting longer after you seem to have to wait forever to finally start tx, it is better to have a cushion of time. I think Bill had a glitch straight out of the gate! I now I had a few glitches and if I hadn't had some meds on hand I would have missed meds. I did have to go buy the Riba from a pharmacy to fill a gap, it was expensive but not 1,000 a pill! LOL that has got to be a mistake, it's expensive but that's ridiculous, mine was around 500 or 600 bucks for 30 days worth. Thanks for letting us know about it, glad it worked out. How are you feeling otherwise? Tx treating you pretty well? Glad you joined in.
Where are you located. I have some xtra riba I can give. Is it okay to send it?
Jordie47
Jordie47
Are your co-pays up to date. There is an 800 number for both the UHC and the RX supplying your meds. You need to call NOW!
YOU KNOW WHAT, I WENT THROUGH SOMETHING SIMILAR WENT INSANE THE PHARMACY WOULD NOT FILL PRESCRIPTON,SAID I NEEDED NEW ONE. I LET THEM KNOW THAT I'M ON TREATMENT AND I CAN NOT GO WITHOUT MY MEDS, TURNS OUT I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT I NEEDED TO GET A NEW SCRIPT EVERY 3 MONTHS OR SO........... ANYWHO CHANCES ARE YOUR DOCTOR OR CLINIC PROBABLY HAS SOME ON HAND, THEY GAVE ME 150 OF TABLETS MY DR. HAD ON HAND, THANK GOD!
I HOPE YOU HAVE THE SAME LUCK, I KNOW HOW CRAZY YOUR GOING ABOUT THIS. GOOD LUCK
I HOPE YOU HAVE THE SAME LUCK, I KNOW HOW CRAZY YOUR GOING ABOUT THIS. GOOD LUCK
There's an interesting article on the Hepatitis C Harm Reduction Project site about generic ribavirin pricing. A little dated, (2004), but gives pricing of aprox $10/pill for brand name opposed to $10/day (6 PILLS?) for compounding pharmacy/Mexican prices.
Sorry, that should have been about $8/day. I know it can't be that expensive in Mexico 'cause they use riba in inhalers for flu.
I had inquired with a friend of mind and asked if she knew anyone in need of RIba. She told me someone had just posted that they were in need. My sissy just finished tx yesterday and has a whole unopened b bottle of Riba left she is willing to mail you.
Let me know. *********@houston.rr.com
Will give more details when I hear form ya.
OXOXOXOX to all!
Fisheress
Let me know. *********@houston.rr.com
Will give more details when I hear form ya.
OXOXOXOX to all!
Fisheress
So sorry that your meds got cancelled by UHC. I also use them, I will be careful of week 11. Hope you can get it resolved very soon. If you were here I would loan you some riba.
keep in mind the peg in almost usless without the riba...it may be wise to hang on to the peg till you look like you may find some riba...
BTW I basing my advice on the fact that this is just an insurance issue and your doctor wants you to continue with the meds. If your doctor wants you to stop at 11 weeks that's another story.
Just re-read your post. Sounds like pharmacy already has your prescription just not an authorization. Again, they should be able to sell you the riba directly, hopefully a few days at a time so it won't get too expensive until you find a steadier source. Also, besides the drug company help lines, it might be worth your while having your doctors office contact your insurance company Monday. These things are often reversed after speaking to a supervisor and addressing any problems/concerns the insurance company may have.
Good luck.
-- Jim
Good luck.
-- Jim
Just an addition. I had to stop the 1st treatment last year at week 11 due to severe anemia. I was UND at that time and had hope that I was clear. 6 mos VL came back pos., so started round 2 11 weeks ago. What is it about 11 weeks? I was handling sides fairly well, on Nuepegen 4 x a wk every other week. UHC cut that too. What should I do? Has this happened to anybody else? I don't want to quit.
I wish I had some riba left. Maybe someone else has and can figure a way to get it to you. In the meanwhile, why don't you purchase 3-4 days of riba yourself. All you need is cash and a rx. Just tell them you only want 4 days worth. If you don't have a current rx, I'd have your doctor paged if office hours are over. Ideally, you don't want a break in your riba schedule.
For longer term, try one of the drug committment programs at Shearing or Roache, depending on which Peg you're using. I think I heard they can get drugs to you within a week. No minium asset requirements and I hear they're flexible with income requirements. You can probably reach them now.
Here's a number for Pegasys, you can check Shearing's site for Peg Intron's number. Just tell them what happened and you want to speak to someone about the free drug program.
1-877-PEGASYS
For longer term, try one of the drug committment programs at Shearing or Roache, depending on which Peg you're using. I think I heard they can get drugs to you within a week. No minium asset requirements and I hear they're flexible with income requirements. You can probably reach them now.
Here's a number for Pegasys, you can check Shearing's site for Peg Intron's number. Just tell them what happened and you want to speak to someone about the free drug program.
1-877-PEGASYS
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