Financial Aid for Meds

Hi, all.  As you all know, I have recently started Tysabri.  My co-pay on my Medicare Advantage plan was $192.  While I could almost make this, recent problems have stretched my funds.  In May I applied to the Chronic Disease Fund for help.  I was awarded help and they pay all but a $30 copay.  They run out of money each year near the end, but take new applications at the beginning of each year.

You can contact them by doing a simple search for Chronic Disease Fund and getting their phone number.  It is needs based and they will require financial data.

Quix

[Lulu54]

I just responded to someone else about the cost of Gilenya and recommended NORD.   I hope this information helps - it is obscene the cost of some of these drugs for people who can least afford them.

[Princepaso]

Ms society offers to pay for all but 25 copayment and all if need be for ms meds
I don't know if the ms med  is offered beyond this chapter but seemed possible
Ms society will pay for other things
I have not investigated  
Hope there is something better out there for you
K

[Tammy826]

I am supposed to be contacted soon by Shared Solutions to start on copaxone. I have been told that they offer financiaL aid but I am wondering how much "red tape " is involved. If I can't find help i paying for it I won't be able to take it at all. Me & my hubby are financially wiped out from all my medical issues & I do well to even afford to take my neurontin each month much less anything else. thank you!!

[Guitar_grrrl]

When I first started Tysabri in 2010, I applied for financial assistance through them (Biogen-Idex).  I had to send in tax returns and my 3 most recent pay stubs, et voila! $10 copay.

This year, my first infusion used up my max-out-of-pocket, so BxBs is picking up the rest.  It still means I have to come up with my MOOP, but I've set up an interest free payment schedule with my hospital that does the infusions.  

Keeping lines of communication open between your insurance co., your hospital, and your pharma co. can be most helpful.

[Lulu54]

SS  will contact you and be sure to tell them over and over that you can not take their drug unless you get financial relief.  

TEVA Neuroscience has  a huge fund through NORD (national organization of rare diseases) to help Copaxone users, but it is sometimes difficult to connect with the right gatekeeper to these funds.  If you call the number for NORD, the recording will tell you that they are not accepting new MS applications.  That isn't true, but you sure can't tell it from their message.  You have to access those monies through Shared Solutions.

Be persistant and try to talk with the same person over and over - it helps if it is the same person, but again, that can be difficult. Be sure to get their name and their extension number.

You  might also look to see if there is assistance money available to help with your other rx, especially the neurontin.

Good luck.

[Tammy826]

Thank you soo much for your help!! I will certainly look into this!!! This thread has been extremely helpful so THANKS!!!!!!!
                                                           Tammy

[kelly97]

I may be losing my job shortly, since we've been having multiple layoffs at my company.  This is good news. Thanks for sharing.
-Kelly