Copaxone price???

[michelleric]

Shared Solutions called me today for all my info.  She said she will call me early next week to give me the cost. She then said they offer financial assistance. So, I asked "roughly" what does she think will be my cost with my insurance.  She said "typically" with my insurance, my part would be $2500.00-------PER MONTH!!

Does this sound right? That will be a problem, to say the least. Guess I shouldn't worry until I know for sure the cost, but at the moment, doesn't sound too promising for me.

Do other people pay this amount? More? Less? Just curious...

Thanks,

Michelle

Perhaps they could lower the cost if they didn't give out this HUGE fancy book with the DVD and CD's?!

[like2no]

Thanks for your comments.  I've even contacted the state insurance department over this (and was told I was getting a good deal!.....)  They did tell me that the insurance company paid less than $3700 per month (which the insurance company claims the cost is.)  Are there any guidelines as to what percentage of one's income is suppose to be used for medical expenses?  I am suppose to be taking several drugs.
Happy New Year!

[Lulu54]

Like2no, now is the time to be talking to your local NMSS chapter or the MSAA office there in NJ and ask what they know about assistance programs.  There is no reason why anyone in this country is without a DMD because of the cost.  There are asisstance programs available but it takes a very determined person to sometimes find it.  Specifically ask the Shared Solutions people about the help through NORD - national organization for rare disease.  SS/TEVA fund NORD heavily to help people who can't afford their drug.  

Also, your share of the copay should be based on what your insurance actually pays.  It should bethis less amount  instead of 50% of the retail price.  My insurance paid substantially less than that $3,700 and then if I had to pay a percentage it would be based on that new amount.  

Please, please do not give up on finding a way to start your therapy.

Also, talk to your doctor about this problem.  They may have other resources for you or a suggestion of a different drug with a lesser cost.

[like2no]

You commented that the insurance companies don't pay $3700 per month for Copaxone.  I agree they probably don't but where could someone get information about that?  My insurance company wouldn't even give me the cost of the drug unless I ordered (and paid for) it.

[like2no]

I live in NJ also.  Do you purchase your own insurance privately - unfortunately, That's what I have to do....

[like2no]

what state do you live?  I have BCBS and live in NJ.  

[hbananas]

I am in a QHDHP (Qualified High Deductible Healthcare Plan), and have a health savings account.  My deductible is $5,000.  Prescriptions are covered, but there is no co-pay.  It's just one of the things that can be applied to the deductible.

I am not on a DMD, and I haven't been diagnosed with MS.  However, I have researched the cost.  This year I hit my deductible in the summer.  I went to my plan's pharmacy site and priced copaxone and avonex.  Both would be free.  I signed on as my husband, who has not met his deductible this year, and they would cost him over $2,000 for a 30-day supply.  So the first couple of months would be horrendous, and then it would be free for the rest of the year for me.  As it is, I'll be paying about $400/mo for my other prescriptions for several months, anyway.