Aa
Rant on Phone cues, etc.
One thing I am glad about going off Copaxone because of the PPMS is not having to deal with Medco/Accredo or Shared Solutions. I have spent my last year in phone hell. First the phone cue, then the electronic voice asking you to state your problem then not understanding it. Finally to get a human and have to go through all the questions to prove who you are. It is not over because after stating your problem you are transferred six times repeating your story each time. The question they ask you I love the best "Are you depressed?" Yes as a matter of fact I am, I have to spend all my time on the phone just to get my drugs.
They claim the problem is with the Copay assistance ant Shared Solutions. So you have to start the whole process over with Shared Solutions. Then back and forth between Medco and Shared Solutions. Not to mention having to apply for assistance twice with exactly the same documentation in a six month period.
This time I just paid the $150 overcharge and skipped the rest because my time, blood pressure and, mental health are worth it. I also no I never have to deal with either company again.
I think a good name for one of these drug support companies should be "Lowered Expectations". As for Medco I only used them because I was had no choice under my plan. They tried to make us get all our drugs from them, but they are no cheaper and everyone rebelled. I go to an independent pharmacy where I never give my name or wait more than 10 minutes.
Alex
They claim the problem is with the Copay assistance ant Shared Solutions. So you have to start the whole process over with Shared Solutions. Then back and forth between Medco and Shared Solutions. Not to mention having to apply for assistance twice with exactly the same documentation in a six month period.
This time I just paid the $150 overcharge and skipped the rest because my time, blood pressure and, mental health are worth it. I also no I never have to deal with either company again.
I think a good name for one of these drug support companies should be "Lowered Expectations". As for Medco I only used them because I was had no choice under my plan. They tried to make us get all our drugs from them, but they are no cheaper and everyone rebelled. I go to an independent pharmacy where I never give my name or wait more than 10 minutes.
Alex
It sounds like the Shared Solutions people are at fault, but my feeling is that you'll have better results going through the Medco people. You may want to talk with an Medco supervisor to see about getting your medicine. I wouldn't go through Shared Solutions yet.
When you talk with the Medco people, find out the number to contact an actual representative (preferrably a supervisor), write it down so you don't go through anymore phone mazes, and get the names of the people you spoke with. Ask them for the fax numbers and a solution to the problem. Also write down what that person told you, and quote them if you have to call back. Let them know how frustrating this is for you, and see if there's anything at all to avoid this frustration every time. If they don't know, ask to speak with their supervisor, write down the name, write down what was said, etc. Tell them that you will speak with the head hancho if you have to. If you have to get to that level, ask the head hancho if it's really your responsibility in ensuring they have the necessary paperwork and to make telephone calls to ensure things get accomplished. You shouldn't have to deal with this, and they need to figure out some way of helping you.
Be careful in your dealings with Shared Solutions. I don't completely trust them in regards to pulling the plug on any funding they are giving you to get your medicine because of the PPMS diagnosis. I don't have to deal with them because my insurance company pays for my drug (except the deductable). I had to deal with them initially to get my drug set up and to get the training. Thinking back, I wonder if they were the reason why I had a hard time in the first place. Hmmmm. I don't deal with them anymore, and have no trouble with the Copaxone.
I guess if you have to, call Shared Solutions to ensure that their fax numbers, telephone numbers, etc. match what they have on file. Give them names of people to talk with, if the above doesn't work.
When you talk with the Medco people, find out the number to contact an actual representative (preferrably a supervisor), write it down so you don't go through anymore phone mazes, and get the names of the people you spoke with. Ask them for the fax numbers and a solution to the problem. Also write down what that person told you, and quote them if you have to call back. Let them know how frustrating this is for you, and see if there's anything at all to avoid this frustration every time. If they don't know, ask to speak with their supervisor, write down the name, write down what was said, etc. Tell them that you will speak with the head hancho if you have to. If you have to get to that level, ask the head hancho if it's really your responsibility in ensuring they have the necessary paperwork and to make telephone calls to ensure things get accomplished. You shouldn't have to deal with this, and they need to figure out some way of helping you.
Be careful in your dealings with Shared Solutions. I don't completely trust them in regards to pulling the plug on any funding they are giving you to get your medicine because of the PPMS diagnosis. I don't have to deal with them because my insurance company pays for my drug (except the deductable). I had to deal with them initially to get my drug set up and to get the training. Thinking back, I wonder if they were the reason why I had a hard time in the first place. Hmmmm. I don't deal with them anymore, and have no trouble with the Copaxone.
I guess if you have to, call Shared Solutions to ensure that their fax numbers, telephone numbers, etc. match what they have on file. Give them names of people to talk with, if the above doesn't work.
My problem is I do not know if Medco or Shared Solutions is at fault. Each gives me a different story and changes it mid stream. This happens every time I reorder. It usually resolves in about three months when I have to reorder.
I can't reorder because now I have the fear my insurance will deny it after the fact due to the new PPMS diagnosis. I am not going to get left holding an almost $9000 bill for three months of Copaxone. With my luck that would happen. I do not trust anyone any more.
Alex
I can't reorder because now I have the fear my insurance will deny it after the fact due to the new PPMS diagnosis. I am not going to get left holding an almost $9000 bill for three months of Copaxone. With my luck that would happen. I do not trust anyone any more.
Alex
So are you going off Copaxone after this last batch of shots? I bet you won't miss having to poke yourself everyday . . .
I have Accredo/Medco and take Copaxone. I had trouble initially getting my drug. It took over a month after the doctor ordered it to when I could start the medicine. I was a raving lunatic by the time I finally got my first boxes. Like you, I was tired of the phone maze, and the reasons (or lack of reasons) to get my medicine. One day, I had a melt down on the phone with a representative because it appeared that I would never get the medicine, and I finally spoke with someone further up in the company. The problems were resolved, and my medicine was shipped within a couple of days. It took a meltdown, which isn't like me, to get it accomplished. I hate, hate, hate having to have a tantrum on the telephone. I can't believe I had to stoop to that level. Since then, I've not had trouble in regards to the Copaxone.
However, I have to go through phone hell in regards to my Provigil. If I don't have this medicine, I am like a rock--I can't think or function. I get so frustrated with the red tape. I do not understand why something my doctor orders to treat my MS can't be respected by people that aren't doctors and have no idea how the disease creates such havoc. It's heartless and cruel in my opinion that people with serious diseases like MS are treated this way.
I also need the light saber. For goodness sakes, can't another be made????? LOL
Deb
I have Accredo/Medco and take Copaxone. I had trouble initially getting my drug. It took over a month after the doctor ordered it to when I could start the medicine. I was a raving lunatic by the time I finally got my first boxes. Like you, I was tired of the phone maze, and the reasons (or lack of reasons) to get my medicine. One day, I had a melt down on the phone with a representative because it appeared that I would never get the medicine, and I finally spoke with someone further up in the company. The problems were resolved, and my medicine was shipped within a couple of days. It took a meltdown, which isn't like me, to get it accomplished. I hate, hate, hate having to have a tantrum on the telephone. I can't believe I had to stoop to that level. Since then, I've not had trouble in regards to the Copaxone.
However, I have to go through phone hell in regards to my Provigil. If I don't have this medicine, I am like a rock--I can't think or function. I get so frustrated with the red tape. I do not understand why something my doctor orders to treat my MS can't be respected by people that aren't doctors and have no idea how the disease creates such havoc. It's heartless and cruel in my opinion that people with serious diseases like MS are treated this way.
I also need the light saber. For goodness sakes, can't another be made????? LOL
Deb
I was ready to throw you my light saber to assist in your victory when........
I realize I might need it.
The Copaxone nurse called and left a message she wanted to set up an instructional meeting. I was home so I called her back as soon as I listened to the message. (I confess I was screening calls.) No answer. (Maybe she screens too.) It's been five hours now and it's five o'clock on Friday. Ummmmm
Hate to be selfish Laura but it seems I may need my weapon sooner than I thought.
Mary
I realize I might need it.
The Copaxone nurse called and left a message she wanted to set up an instructional meeting. I was home so I called her back as soon as I listened to the message. (I confess I was screening calls.) No answer. (Maybe she screens too.) It's been five hours now and it's five o'clock on Friday. Ummmmm
Hate to be selfish Laura but it seems I may need my weapon sooner than I thought.
Mary
Oh and another reason no one at Shared Solutions should be rude to any of us this is their end of year statement. We are their bread and butter. Look at the money they are making off us.
Copaxone® continued to lead as the number one MS therapy in the U.S. and globally. Global in-market sales reached $747 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, an increase of 25% over the fourth quarter of 2008. In the U.S., quarterly in-market sales increased 33% to reach $509 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2008. In-market sales outside the U.S. totaled $238 million, up 13% compared to the fourth quarter of 2008. In local currencies, in-market sales of Copaxone® outside the U.S. grew 2%. Sales in Europe grew by 32%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2008, while sales in other international markets were adversely affected by the timing of tenders.
For the full year 2009, global in-market sales of Copaxone® increased by 25% to $2,826 million, with U.S. in-market sales increasing by 39%, to reach $1,917 million and non-U.S. sales up by 3% to $909 million. In local currencies, in-market sales of Copaxone® outside the U.S. grew 12%.
Copaxone® continued to lead as the number one MS therapy in the U.S. and globally. Global in-market sales reached $747 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, an increase of 25% over the fourth quarter of 2008. In the U.S., quarterly in-market sales increased 33% to reach $509 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2008. In-market sales outside the U.S. totaled $238 million, up 13% compared to the fourth quarter of 2008. In local currencies, in-market sales of Copaxone® outside the U.S. grew 2%. Sales in Europe grew by 32%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2008, while sales in other international markets were adversely affected by the timing of tenders.
For the full year 2009, global in-market sales of Copaxone® increased by 25% to $2,826 million, with U.S. in-market sales increasing by 39%, to reach $1,917 million and non-U.S. sales up by 3% to $909 million. In local currencies, in-market sales of Copaxone® outside the U.S. grew 12%.
Argh!!!! That is for you, Alex. I can't believe you are caught in this crazy cycle, once again.
It is so frustrating to repeat the same thing over and over and over. I know because I just went round with the phone company for over three months trying to resolve a problem they created.
Each call had me listening to more prompts, horrible recorded messages and music while I was on hold and then being transferred somewhere else after I explained my problem. And then I would repeat the entire cycle again. Over and over -Groundhog Day revisited! I spent easily 70 hours on the phone with the company that has a symbol that looks like the Star Wars De ath Star. And I am not finished with them.
It becomes a matter of principle to fight it to the end. I hope you win.
on your side,
Lulu
It is so frustrating to repeat the same thing over and over and over. I know because I just went round with the phone company for over three months trying to resolve a problem they created.
Each call had me listening to more prompts, horrible recorded messages and music while I was on hold and then being transferred somewhere else after I explained my problem. And then I would repeat the entire cycle again. Over and over -Groundhog Day revisited! I spent easily 70 hours on the phone with the company that has a symbol that looks like the Star Wars De ath Star. And I am not finished with them.
It becomes a matter of principle to fight it to the end. I hope you win.
on your side,
Lulu
On second thought after my post I decided to get to the bottom of this thing. Medco first said the $150 was what SS did not pay last year. When I said I can prove you were paid everything last year then they said it was this year. I had no choice but to call SS. I was polite but the guy at SS assistance was very rude pretty much called me stupid with out saying it. I went to great lengths when I reordered to make sure they knew I was needs base assistance at Medco. Every time it is the same thing.
Alex
Alex
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