Why do some rheumatologists seem reluctant to prescribe biologics?

General
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@Grandma_J
I saw an add on tv the other day for United healthcare for those on Medicare. We have that insurance through my husband’s job. It isn’t cheap but it isn’t the most expensive either. I’m dk what the cost would be for a supplement insurance for Medicare tho. But it may be worth checking on. It is one of the best insurance that we’ve had.
Hope that helps and gives you hope too. I’m praying for you, and all on this forum.

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@Grandma_J done forget the donut holes in ALL Medicare supplements… There is some relief coming

Congress made the early close of the doughnut hole in 2019 possible by requiring certain pharmaceutical manufacturers to pay more of the costs for enrollees who are in the coverage gap. Currently, brand-name drugmakers pay 50 percent of enrollees’ brand name drug costs while they are in the coverage gap. Under the new budget law, they will now pay 70 percent.but that still 600.00 or so

But still the best supplements only cover the first 3500/year and then nothing until out of pocket reaches 5000. Because of the mandated discounts the copay assistance programs suvch as the five dollar humira program are not available to seniors with part d coverage. However there are options. I have an excellent Medicare supplement which essentially has no co-pays for Part A and B. Tuesday I have my first infusion of simponi Aria which is covered under part B. I’m a little nervous as changing bios is always iffy, but humira and I have had a rocky relationship of late and my latest blood work did have antibodies present so it is time to break up.

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Even for biologics?
My husband has had a great Medicare supplement for the past two years, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN. We just received notice they won’t be his supplement next year. IDK what we’ll do. AARP is always trying to get our business. I was hoping I could purchase BCBS when I retire because the coverage was so good. He has very little out-of-pocket medical expense—the premium is less than $200 a month.

Good luck with the switch! I don’t blame you for being a “little nervous”!