Is anyone on Medicare taking Remicade? I'm wondering if medicare will pay for the infusion. My insurance has put on a dollar limit of ,000 annually for drugs and Humira costs over that all by itself. I can't afford to take Humira after my current supply runs out. Enbrel wasn't working for me hardly at all anymore and the Humira made me able to do things again. I guess if all else fails I'll go back to Enbrel. At least it does something.
Barb
I just realized my insurance is going up on my prescription co-pays too for Biologics. The cost for Remicade is 00. every 2 months. So it is about the same as Humera. Because Remicade is an IV my major med pays for it. My drug plan covers Humera. Totally different deductibles and co-pay. When my company introduced a 4 tier drug plan I was sure that Enbrel would land in the 4th tier. But it didn't, stayed in the 3rd tier. The fertilty drugs and acne stuff went to 4th tier. Turned out not to be based on cost! Don't get upset until the bad news gets here!
Apparently Remicade is viewed differently than the other biologics. Since it has to be given as an infusion, either in the doctors office or an outpatient setting, most insurances and medicare consider it a "treatment" and not a prescription drug. That would mean your regular medical coverage will pay for the Remicade infusion. I just checked out "remicade.com" and read the insurance information. This would be a lifesaver for me since I can't afford to pay for Humira and Enbrel isn't working hardly at all anymore. Thank God I have Medicare. I'm going to call my Rheum... and talk to them about starting Remicade after my current supply of Humira runs out. I have 4 doses left and I had to take them weekly to get good results. I've just started to feel really good and able to do things. Its always something, isn't it Lovie. Barb
I know that's right Barb...if it's not one thing it's another. That's very good to know about Remicade. I've been pretty happy with Humira; but like you I'm having to take it every week....and now I'm starting to lose my last couple of days. If history repeats itself I'll need something different eventually anyway. I kind of choose Humira in the first place leaving Remicade as my final option anyway. Some how the infusions just made everything seem so much more serious to me. I don't think I was ready to feel like I needed that...now I realize they are all the same thing; but then it felt more serious. Hey Barb, Have you come over to see us at the new board www.rafriends ? So how you doing? I haven't seen you in awhile.
I know you were trying to wean off the prednisone. I got on Enbrel and I am trying to wean off pred. myself. Did you have any success with that? I would love to hear from you.
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