Insurance paying for Avastin?

[Teresa222]

Does anyone know if Blue Cross/Blue Shield pays for Avastin? What about United Healthcare? I know some of it depends on what type policy we are on. If you can let me know, I would appreciate it.
Teresa

[westajul]

Hi,
I have federal blue cross/blue shield and I had no problem getting them to cover avistan. I would try an appeal if they deny it. I know that federal blue cross/blue shield coverage is different than other blue cross/blue shield coverage. Good luck. I have had very little side effects from my chemo...tired a few days after treatment and some hair loss. A couple of times I did have a slight headache but I didn't need to take anything for it. I hope you can get your insurance company to cover Avistan. Julie

[gah_70]

I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield of TN, and I checked on Avastin at the end of 2007.  At that time, they did not cover it because as Becky said, it is not approved for ovarian cancer yet.  It is in clinical trial, and the last I heard, it is due to be approved in 2009.  Now, don't take that to bank just yet...we all know how these things tend to change at the last moment.  It was approved for breast cancer in 2008, so hopefully it won't take too much longer for ovarian to follow.

Gail

[Janet535]

I'm awfully sorry if my response to Teresa came across as a personal attack to you and what you wrote. It was not my intention to upset you or criticize you in anyway.

I was merely trying to point out that whilst there are some possible adverse side effects from taking Avastin one is usually monitored very closely to ensure that the risk is minimal.

And yes, I totally agree with your comment about "making informed decisions" regarding ones health and choice of treatments. Thats the beauty of MedHelp, we get to exchange information about our treatments, both the positive and negative.

Kind regards...Janet

[Beachwalker33]

My goodness my comments on the side effects on Avastin were given because I care.I understand everybodies desperation for some help,drugs that work.When I was taking care of my mom I was giving her the same type of advice.I'm the kind of person that if I didn't say anything and she had these side effects,I would blame myself.I think everyone should make an informed decision on what kind of cancer treatment they receive,don't you all agree?I realize all chemo is poison and is very toxic.They have to nearly kill you to cure it.I'm just trying to look out for everyone's well being.Is that so bad?

[Janet535]

I have a very good friend that is on Avistan and she is doing really well on it. Like Becky said, the only real adverse side effect she has experienced so far is fatigued. As far as the other affects Beachwalker spoke of, her oncologist watch's her very closely and does additional tests (brain scans on a weekly basis etc) to ensure her general health is not being adversely affected.

As far as costs/insurance goes, I can't shed any light on that as if doesn't apply to us here (Australia). Do you perhaps qualify for a clinical trial? My understanding is that there are no costs to a patient undergoing a clinical trial, but then again that may only apply to here as well.

I hope you get some more constructive answers to your question and that you can get the Avastin.

Best of luck to you....Janet

[Tybear]

Thought I'd be the one to defend the Avastin here...Theresa, I'm sure you know the success I've had with this drug and as bad as some of those side effects are, I've suffered only from fatigue. Sorry Beachwalker, but ANY chemo drug comes with a long list of negative side effects...not just Avastin.
Having said that, my costs (in Canada) are roughly $4300 per treatment and that's after a reimbursment from Roche Canada for $1400.
I know that the reason it's not covered here is simply because it's not FDA approved for use in Ovarian cancer. I sure hope they come around soon...I really think this is the drug not only for me, but for countless others suffering from this disease.
Good luck Theresa...I hope you can find some funding soon.
Becky

[Beachwalker33]

Avastin may trigger a rare brain condition,reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy,it resembles a stroke and leads to blindness if not treated guickly.It also increases risk of blood clots when combined with chemo. The cost is 35,000 per patient,12 treatments over a 6 month course.Blood pressure has to be closely monitered also.posted in the New England journal of medicine.I found conflicting information as far as coverage goes,call the number on the back of your card.Sorry I couldn't be of more help.Praying for your recovery.

[asuprpixie]

I have heard that it varies.  I was told that due to it not being FDA for ovarian cancer some insurance companies will not pay for it.  I was actually thinking of taking Avastin and my oncologist was all for it.  Sadly, he had a case where this lady was given the Avastin, her insurance company actually APPROVED it, then a couple months after her treatment she receives a notice that they were no longer going to pay for it because it is not approved for ovarian cancer.  She is now going to court.  I was told that it is around $17,000 per dosage.  I didn't have to go through the ordeal because my intestinal tract was not going to be able to take it.  I don't know if ANY of this helps but I believe when it comes to our lives/health then send the doctors what you can even it if is over a long period of time.  Tasha