I recently found out from Shared Solutions (Copaxone) that they will cover insurance co-pays for Copaxone up to $50 a month if your pharmacy is one that is enrolled in their program. Unfortunately, mine is not and my monthly co-pay is $50. However, I hope to have new insurance and a new job in the next few months so I am hoping this will change! I just wanted to spread the news and say I find it interesting that all of a sudden (at least compared to a few years ago for me) drug companies are doing what they can to cover your out of pocket costs so you will use their med. Or that is the way it seems.
The brief time period I was going to consider Tysabri, I was given a number to call and discuss them covering my portion of the cost - completely. I opted not to go down that road, but, I was intrigued to hear they do this. And now Shared Solutions/TEVA is trying to do something similar only they are putting a cap on their cost coverage. I was also pleasantly surprised to call Shared Solutions and request a new auto-injector as it had been some time that I was off Copaxone and could not find my old one. They confirmed with my doctor and sent me 2! This is surprising to me because I recall 2 years ago when I was on Copaxone it was like pulling teeth to get a new injector before it's typical life cycle ended. At the time, I was thinking, it is a spring loaded piece of plastic - how long do they think it will last. Well at that time I was told 3 years. Yeah right. If I can get 1 year out of this I think that will be great. I mean we do shoot everyday.
Has anyone noticed more recently that the drug companies are trying to "help" more?
7 comments:
Well for us there is no copay for Tysabri so no need to help there. BUT I do have a copay card for my husband's Lipitor that promises to reimburse up to $200 I think a year in copays? I need to figure out how to use it with the mail order pharmacy benefit.
I have noticed also that they seem to be trying to "help". Strange since before all they wanted was money and the more the better. I have had really good luck with Shared Solutions. I had a problem with my autoject, the needle was coming out crooked. I called them and within a few days I had a new one. They seem to be really helpful.
I hope you are doing well! Take care!
I think that the drugs companies are trying to look like they are helping more. Ok, actually yes, some folks benefit from the new co-pay programs.
I'm not sure, but I think that Betaseron may have been the first one to go with the $50 program when Berlex was bought by BayerHealthCare. Or maybe it was Rebif around that same time?
One thing which is important to consider is that the drug company really wants to keep as many patients on their treatment as possible. If co-pays get in the way, and the patient switches or stops treatment, then the drug company loses a big sell.
If it takes a small token of help to the patient to keep them on therapy, then it is more profitable in the long run.
But it is nice when the patient can benefit from the program.
Drug companies like to have alot of dependants.
They are legal drug pushers who do not like anyone usurping their territory.
If their programms can benefit people brilliant.
Use any advantage you can get.
Good luck.
Love,
Herrad
Drug companies like to have alot of dependants.
They are legal drug pushers who do not like anyone usurping their territory.
If their programms can benefit people brilliant.
Use any advantage you can get.
Good luck.
Love,
Herrad
I fortunately don't have a copay for the Betaseron, but our monthly premium is ludicrous (small company insurance.) I'm actually pressing Bill to ask his company to foot some of the $800 (!) monthly premium we pay, but since they're not doing so well--- financial firm--- I won't hold my breath...So I don't know exactly what Betaseron provides in terms of help.
I'm laughing because when they switched over to a thinner needle, Betaseron sent me two injectors right away. They just keep sending them, even if I don't want them! I've received 5 all together (in a 3 1/2 year period) whether I want them or not! Better to err on the side of too many, though.
See you tonight in the chatroom, Lanette!.....
Shared Solutions has done a lot of very nice things for me since I started on Copaxone in June. They even tried to get more funding for my new $150/month copay, since the specialty pharmacy I HAVE to use now is not participating w/ the SS program.
Shared Solutions is a great resource for MS patients. I have only had good experiences with them.
Peace,
Kelley
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