Does it ever stop?

[angela5674]

Oh, that's right - no, we have a chronic disease.  Chronic meaning "ongoing," "never-ending," "everlasting," etc, etc, etc!  

Sorry, I got some really frustrating news yesterday.  I've been on Cobra through my ex-husband's work for the past 2 years.  I'm offered insurance through my work, but from what I understand it's not very good.  Plus, its 80/20 after the deductible.  I guess I've been very fortunate with the insurance I currently have.  My deductible is $4000.  The 1st $2000 is completely my responsibility, the next $2000 is 80/20, and then when I hit $4000 my insurance pays 100%.

I got a call yesterday from the ex's work.  Apparently they are looking into changing insurance companies.  I probably shouldn't stress until I find out more details, but I'm told that 80/20 is kind of the "norm" when it comes to insurance after the deductible.  I'm on Copaxone, which recently went up to $3900.  20% of that would be $780!  How can I pay $780 every month to maintain this disease???  And that's AFTER the deductible!  And that's just for the DMD; it doesn't include the MRIs and the doctor visits and everything else that goes along with this disease!

I'm in that range of income where I always make too much to qualify for any help, but not enough to pay my bills.  I just filed bankruptcy, which I've gotten to the point that I'm fine with despite the fact that I will be losing my house.  It is what it is.  I don't understand why our DMDs keep going up!  

I'm sorry, I'm just having one of those days - ya know, the ones where you get "extra" news that you didn't plan for that sends you into a tailspin?  The ones that remind you of how much you despise this disease.  

[MCBCON]

Shh!  They might catch on and we do not want that to happen for Angela

[Lulu54]

I find it interesting that they have classified this as an IV drug, since it is not.  It is an injectable, just like a diabetic shot is injectible.  You might go back at them about this distinction.

I'm going to assume that you have talked with Shared Solutions about their patient assistance program - it takes lots of patience to work through it with them, but is well worth while if you are successful.  They (TEVA)  invest millions of dollars into the NORD (national organization for rare diseases?)  program to help fund the cost of copaxone.  With the changes you are facing, perhaps you would qualify for this one?  

Rants are always welcome here - this is an audience that understands your dilemma.

best, Lulu

[angela5674]

The way my current insurance is, my shots are under the category of "IV therapy," meaning they're not under the prescription plan.  I've been fine with that since I pay no more than $4000/yr for them (which is about 1 months worth of shots!).  

It's so odd how different insurances work.  I have a friend who has MS who works for BCBS and he gets a 3 months supply for $15 or so.  Not sure if that's because he works for the company, or if that's the norm.

Like I said, I'm sorry for the negative vent!  I probably should just take a deep breath and wait to see what the future of this holds.  It's just so stressful (which, as we all know, isn't good for the disease).  It feels like they (the DMD drug companies) bank on our disease and it's just not fair...I know, I know, life's not fair.  I've got to get out of this funk though and get back to my normal positive attitude!

[MCBCON]

You are echoing the same feelings most here share.