First, I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, I got your message a while ago and then proceeded to forget to reply, my sincerest apologies!!
I am on Humira and I didn't have trouble getting approved for BCs version (Fair Pharmacare Assistance). I had to get my health benefits to approve of paying for the remainder of my Humira costs, but it was pretty painless.
How it works here is Pharmacare pays for 70 percent up to 3000, and then 100 percent after that. My health benefits pays out the remainder until we hit 3000. Since my hubs and I are on the same account, and our both on a few medications, it doesn't take long to hit that magic number.
To say the least it was a godsend!! So grateful most of my medication expense is covered!
Whoa, Meg … that’s one sweet provincial deal you have, especially when it’s combined with your private health benefits. I didn’t realize that the provincial plans differed so much.
Did you have to apply for special permission to access Humira? Or is it one of the drugs that they routinely pay for?
I about 2 hours ago took my first Humira shot. I couldn't believe how slick it went This is my first biologic from the insurance company (I got my enbrel differently) Went to the Doc Monday Wed I got an email from the insurance company with the pre approval, an email from Humira with my copay confirmation (the doc issued the card) wed afternoon I got a call from the specialty pharmacy to confirm the order Thurs morning I got another call from the Pharmacy to tell me they didn't ship as they believed I should get a loading dose per the diagnostic code and they hadn't recieved a note back from the doc saying Yea or nay to the load dose should I need it that day they had a local source (I didn't) I was at my desk having my first pot of coffee for the day and fed-ex guy walked in with my meds. I put the kit in my office fridge and counted the minutes until today (the first day I could take it after the Enbrel waiting period.) Given the horror stories I had heard, I was concerned.
Hope it goes as easy for you miss Seenie. BTW it appears they are opening a new stud mill (thats 2X4 lumber for you brits although I have no clue what you call a 2X4) near Pembroke. A fella from here is commuting doing their HR work. We may be able to work out a wine exchange........
Glad you got your Humira fix on schedule and relatively painlessly. These medications are so very important to us for maintaining our quality of life, aren’t they?
How’s it’s going … well, I’ve got it sorted out, and I am going on the provincial plan with the huge deductible. I will be about $500 worse off that I would have been if my insurance premiums hadn’t gone through the roof, and about $4,000 better off than I would have been had I continued with the original policy and tripled premiums. So it could be worse. It’s not going to be easy, but at least I’m not in a position where I have to give up my Enbrel. As for acquiring the stuff, I call the pharmacy, and go down to pick it up. Pay my co-pay, and take it home. That part is easy.
As for the stud plant (we call 2x4s, which aren’t really 2x4, studs, LOL) I hadn’t heard. Glad someone is keeping an eye on the news in my neighbourhood. I’ve said it before: you amaze me, Lamb, with the stuff you know.
The horror stories depends on the drug and the pharmacy and insurance. Some pharmacies get a discount on a specific biologic while others don’t. Their tiers are ordered by cost to them. Naturally they want you to try the cheaper versions first.
That's good news! All that worry isn't good for a PsA patient! Will there ever be a day when these old biologics are inexpensive? Glad you can pick it up at your local pharmacy. Mine is overnighted and I don't require a signature because I don't like to sit home all day waiting for the package. I've instructed them to put it on our covered front porch so it's in the shade. Well, two times now we've come home to find it on the back step in full sun on a very hot day. The first time, I was aghast, thinking Omg my $5,796 worth of Enbrel is ruined! Luckily, though, that carton is full of frozen ice packs that would take a couple days in the hot sun to thaw!
Seenie said:
Glad you got your Humira fix on schedule and relatively painlessly. These medications are so very important to us for maintaining our quality of life, aren't they?
How's it's going ... well, I've got it sorted out, and I am going on the provincial plan with the huge deductible. I will be about $500 worse off that I would have been if my insurance premiums hadn't gone through the roof, and about $4,000 better off than I would have been had I continued with the original policy and tripled premiums. So it could be worse. It's not going to be easy, but at least I'm not in a position where I have to give up my Enbrel. As for acquiring the stuff, I call the pharmacy, and go down to pick it up. Pay my co-pay, and take it home. That part is easy.
As for the stud plant (we call 2x4s, which aren't really 2x4, studs, LOL) I hadn't heard. Glad someone is keeping an eye on the news in my neighbourhood. I've said it before: you amaze me, Lamb, with the stuff you know.
I cannot help you with your concern but I will let you know how it goes for me. I am changing health insurance in the next sixty days so I will let all know how it goes here in the South.
I’m finding the insurance switch really nerve-wracking, and mine is only for the “small potatoes” – paramedical services, mobility aids, drugs (which in my case is major), physio, etc. I can imagine what a stress it must be if your insurance is about doctors and hospital stays and surgery, the really big ticket items. Keep us posted on how it goes for you!
Rebel mom said:
I cannot help you with your concern but I will let you know how it goes for me. I am changing health insurance in the next sixty days so I will let all know how it goes here in the South.