Expensive Inhalers
I too have fallen into the donut hole with insurance company. Co-pay has tripled because I'm on three different inhalers ($140 each). My doctor has been trying to give me samples when they can, and I also applied for help from a drug company, which sent me some till end of year. Crazy how insurance companies work!!
HI
- I hear you and, you are definitely not alone! Others in our community have expressed similar sentiments when it comes to the expenses that can be associated with asthma medications.
It sound like you are doing all you can - between your physician's cooperation and the assistance from the pharmaceutical houses, perhaps you will be able to get past this 'donut hole' within the insurance system.
Good luck!
Leon L (author/moderator asthma.net)
If I didn’t have Medicaid I can’t get my meds my advair would have cost me I’m thankful formedicaid500
Thanks again, elizabeth, for responding to me here. I agree with you. Third-party insurance, be it Medicaid, Medicare, or any of the other insurers, are a vital financial component for all of us using health care services in this country. Like you, I do not know what I would do without the insurance coverage. Again, like you, I am thankful and grateful for what I have.
Warm regards,
Leon L (author/moderator asthma.net)
I just fell into the donut hole too. Sigh.
Ceci
Sorry to hear this. How are you managing? Have you considered getting financial assistance for your medications? I really never understood the concept of the Medicare gap - and the cap on drug coverage - for those enrolled. It surely supports the system more than it does for those who really are suffering financially in later aging years. I hope you are managing well and getting your meds. Warmly - Happy Holidays, Rebecca (community moderator)
Hi Rebecca,
I'm changing doctors and hope he'll give me samples of whatever the meds will be. Otherwise, I'll just pay what they cost. I don't qualify for assistance.
It just hacks me that before Medicare, with manufacturer coupons, I was getting Breo for $10 a month. Now on Medicare, I pay more.Hi again, Ceci - and thanks for clarifying this with the community - I am sure my good colleague, , will appreciate your personal reply once she sees it. Towards that end, I have 'tagged' her!
I have had a similar experience. Just this week I was advised, by my third party pharmacy insurer, they will not be covering Advair (for me), any longer, beginning in 2024. They provided a list of alternatives (including the generic medication), so I am not as rattled as I might have been if they were going to offer something completely new.
After all these many years of being well-controlled using Advair - it's now 'time' for a change, albeit not by choice! I will discuss this with my prescribing physician and, most probably, go with the generic.
Wishing you well,
Leon L (author/moderator asthma.net)Thanks so much for keeping me updated on your situation. I do hope your new physician offers you samples of the drug. Medications can really be an expense, especially for those retired and on Medicare. It is totally irksome to see those who have put in years of hard work at jobs over their lifetime and need to pay more for necessary medication. I keep watching to see what other meds are going to be covered for Medicare patients through the Inflation Reduction Act. Hoping - hopefully some asthma and respiratory medications. Wishing you a healthy holiday season. Rebecca
