How much is this all going to cost?

[monnie115]

I'm stressing about the cost of drugs. I don't even have a ballpark idea of what this is going to be like. I guess none of these drugs go on the first or second tier of my prescription coverage formulary. What happens if you don't have the money? Do some DMDs cost less than others?

[sllowe]

Hi Monnie,

If you find you are unable to pay for the meds, you can use this link in this discussion to type in the medicine and it should have the patient assistance program info for that particular med.

Alex gives great advice, it is cheaper to treat it now than potentially later when DMDs are less effective.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Topic-Wants-Patient-Assistance-Sites-for-Medicine/show/1739860?personal_page_id=864133

[SarahL2491]

I've sent you a private message, check your inbox

[rendean]

Also called the drug company supplying your drug. Shared Solutions (Copaxone), Biogen (Avonex and Tysabri) have drug assistance programs that vary . some are dependent on your income and some are not.

Best to you,
Ren

[monnie115]

I do have insurance and a Rx plan, thank goodness. The Rx plan has co-pays rather than percentages. I will definitely call my ins company on Tuesday to see what they recommend.

[HVAC]

You have to look at the big picture it is cheaper to treat the ms as early as possible than it is to let it run its course.

I thought MS was expensive but one month of Cancer treatment makes it look like child's play. Medicine is expensive. Caring for yourself is the most important thing. Most drug companies have copay assistance if you have insurance.

Alex

[maxthecat43]

All of the CRAB (copaxone/rebif/avonex, betaseron) drug companies have patient assistance programs, if they are needed.  I recommend calling your insurance first though, to see what their preferences are- because with mine, they wanted me to try certain ones first, before they would agree to pay for the others.  I have know idea why, and neither did the agent I was speaking to.  There aren't any generics available for these drugs.  With a prescription from your doctor, you should be okay.  Check out the websites for the various drugs too.  That will help.  Get the phone numbers you need, and start talking to your insurance, as well as the drug companies.  These drugs are prohibitively expensive without insurance coverage (or help from the drug companies themselves).  With insurance , it shouldn't be too bad though.  

May I ask?  Do  you have a copay for your prescriptions, or do you pay a percentage?  There is also a website called "NeedyMeds" , if your situation is bad financially.  

Tammy

[SarahL2491]

hate to be the bearer of bad news but they are mostly Tier 4.

Many of the drug companies have financial assistance, some more than others.  Then, unfortunately, there are people who don't take anything either because they don't want to or can't afford to.

MS is not a cheap date, for sure but can be a demanding one.

Wish I could have given you better news!