Please help, I'm losing my insurance, am on expensive drugs, WHAT do I do?

Question

I was in an accident, I currently have a metal plate, screws, & cadaver bone in my neck, operation 4 yrs ago, I have Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Restless leg syndrome, & depression. I have been on Oxycontin 20 mg 2 x day & Endocet for breakthru pain when needed, Provigil 200 mg 2 x day, Prozac 40 mgs which is on Walmarts 4 dollar plan. Please SOMEONE give me some direction on WHAT I can do, as I have been under this treatment for my pain for over 2 yrs and it gets me to a level 3 or 4 with my pain and now I wont have any insurance as of Febriuary 28th and I applied for soc sec disability, its a long wait, turned down the 1st & 2nd time. God, my Father, please help me with the instruments of your children you use here on earth for my NEED of helpful information, and encouragement....

onenamilliongirl · Answer

Thanks so much to all of you, for the much needed information and guidance. I am truly greatful and appreciative. I was really feeling stressed and overwhelmed and you all really helped me. I will post and let you know what ends up working out for me. Again, thank you sooo much.

sandee1818 · Answer

Purdue offers a program that will allow you to get Oxycontin free. I will send you the website information via PM.
I also am listing 50 or so sites in my journal for prescription assistance programs. Check it out as there are different ones for different medications:)

kelsgor0422 · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I am a billing manager for a pain management group in my city. I have had many patients in your same situation. Yes, there are some cheaper drugs. Provigil is expensive but you could switch to Nuvigil and get samples from your doctor before you lose your insurance. It works just as well, as I am on it. There is also a coupon card available for the Nuvigil to get $50. off your copay until May 2010. Your doctor should have access to this. As ablonde1 told you, there are many prescription assistance programs out there. You need to get on the internet and look up "prescription assistance" for each one of your medications. If you qualify financially for them, you will receive your meds for free. I have also, had to use this when I was unemployed before. I helped save me for a year. Good luck!

ablonde1 · Answer

Have you tried Partnership for prescription assistance?  (http://www.pparx.org)  I know you can get help on the Oxycontin, (its a $20.00 copay)  Provigil, and Prozac.  The only med that is not covered is the Endocet.  But if your Dr. is flexible OxyIR is available.  Use must not have any pharmacy insurance and meet the income requirements to be qualified.  I hope this helps.  Let me know if you need any additional information.

Tuckamore · Answer

Hi Onenamilliongirl,

I am so sorry that you are in such a predicament. You are correct there are other medications that can take that are much less expensive. Methadone is one so is morphine.The question is will they work as well?

I encourage you to talk to your physician asap and find something that will address your pain and that will be more affordable for you. 

SSDI can be difficult to obtain as you know. Even once you are on SSDI it's currently a 2 year wait before you can obtain Medicare. I am sorry for the slowness of our government. 

I wish you the best of luck. Hopefully our members will have other suggestions for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. 

Take Care,
Tuck

onenamilliongirl · Answer

Thanks for the concern & response, I just don't know all our services here pretty much help with light bills, food, rent, etc. I just don't see them helping me to pay for my pain medication, provigil, etc. Someone told me I should ask dr for methadone script b4 my insurance runs out so I don't suffer, I don't know, I really don't know what will become of me next month, no meds at all, after being on them so long! God bless you for caring.

Mollyrae · Answer

Hello onenamilliongirl:

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles. Depending on your income, it may be possible to turn to your local Social Service for emergency aid. 

Applying for SSDI can take up to 18 months and then you may not be approved. I have to hire a Lawyer and the total process took over 2 years. Rarely are ppl approved on their first application. 

Other than the information I have provided, I don't see any other option. 

Wish I had better advise.
Well wishes,
Mollyrae