Cost of RA drugs | Arthritis Information

Hi,

When I was a full-time student I was covered under my parent's drug plan. However, I graduated from university last year and since then I have not been covered. I am paying full price for all the drugs! I am working full-time but I am on contract right now so I don't receive the drug benefits. As you know, the cost of RA drugs add up quite quickly especially if when you're taking methotrexate and enbrel (which costs 0 CDN for a two weeks supply!). How are you guys coping with the drug costs. And does anyone have any suggestions on what else I can do to receive drug benefits? I have already handed in my form for the drug plan that the province of ontario gives (i have not received any information back as of yet). How much does the government actually give back? What sort of third party insurance companies can I turn to? I've seen a bunch of ads on television, but most apply for US residents.

Thanks.

Check with enbrel they do have a program to help people who are having difficulties or no health insurance. You could try the same with the mtx too. meme

I'm one of the lucky ones and I have insurance...other wise I would never be able to afford the medication I require...which would be about 00 a month. I feel for you. I copy and pasted a post from another website that I visit regularly. These are curtosy of Grandpaven. Hope they help.

https://www.helpingpatients.org/Intro.php “Through this site, Helping Patients offers a single point of access to more than 275 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.”

http://www.needymeds.com/ “This site is designed to provide information about patient assistance programs which provide no cost prescription medications to eligible participants.”

http://www.themedicineprogram.com “This organization was established by volunteers dedicated to alleviating the plight of an ever increasing number of patients who cannot afford their prescription medication.”

Http://www.rxassist.org “Prescription medications are an important part of total patient care. Unfortunately, prescribers find that many patients can’t afford the medications they need. There are public and private resources available, though limited, that may help, such as:” and they list various sources.

http://www.medicationfoundation.com/ “We are an information clearinghouse for low cost and no cost prescription drug programs. There is no charge to use this website, and there is no charge to be listed on this website. It is absolutely FREE.”

http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/...ce_Programs.htm “Some pharmaceutical companies offer medication assistance programs to low-income individuals and families. These programs typically require a doctor's consent and proof of financial status. They may also require that you have either no health insurance, or no prescription drug benefit through your health insurance.”

http://www.qdrug.com/sf/ “Do you qualify for a LOW or NO COST government funded prescription program? Choose the state you live in and find out quickly.”

http://www.freemedicineprogram.com “Our mission at the Free Medicine Program is helping patients in obtaining prescription drugs and medications absolutely Free of charge.”

http://www.rheumatology.org/public/acrast.asp?aud=pat “Patient Assistance Programs for Rheumatology-Related Drugs”

Thanks for the numerous websites Lovie. I was searching through them and noticed that all were for United States residents. Does anyone know of such help for Canadian residents?

Thanks.

This is great information Lovie, thanks. I do live in the US (wish I could help you Jalebi), and can't afford my meds. Maybe I can find something in one of these to help.

Cris

I'll have to give all the credit to Grandpaven...he's the best about doing the research on issues that effect us all. Good Luck Guys; and Jalebi I'll keep my eyes out for something that might be more helpful to you.

Jalebi did you check with the Canadian government to see if they have a program? Usually drugs are cheaper there then they are here and you might be able to still get on a US program it doesn't hurt to try. Meme

pss Lovie when you talk to Grandpaven again will you please tell him Meme says Howdy. Thank you

meme38468.3767708333I've seen so many posts regarding the unbearable cost of these drugs. Time for me to step up and share what I found out. I'm very lucky in that I have wonderful insurance. For drugs in general, they pay 80%. That's fine, but when you're talking about a drug that costs ,200/month, that would mean I'd still have to pay 0. Yikes! No way I could have done that. Well, digging deeper, I discovered that many insurance companies, including mine, have mail order pharmacy divisions for drugs that are prescribed for at least 30 days. Well they now just overnight my drugs to me in 90-day suppies, and it costs me a whopping . How lucky can I be? I makes me feel so bad for those who don't have insurance, or if they do, they can't pay the huge copay. Insurance companies often don't advertise their mail order divisions. So I urge any of you struggling with this issue to make a phone call to their insurance companies and ask specific questions. Sara38471.6763888889

I to am lucky enough to have drug coverage through a mail order pharmacy. I get a 3 month supply of Enbrel for . But even then my medical costs per month run between 0-0 per month. I consider myself very fortunate to have drug coverage.

I just wish those idiots in Washington would get off their duffs and do something about medical coverage. Everyone should be able to get the medicines they need and to see a Dr when it is necessary.

I'll get down off my soapbox now.

Barb

My son spent 13 days in the hospital, needed an ambulance, and had surgery in 1997 and we paid out of pocket.

I don't know what we'd do without this coverage.

Sue