Now on Medicare
My issue is having gone from Medicaid which paid for my Rxs in full due to low income to Medicare from disability. I now have a portion taken out of my disability check for Medicare, pay two additional charges for medical insurance and dental/vision then have deductibles and co-pays. I would struggle with my monthly control inhaler co-pay but I can't get my initial one as I have a $600 deductible for all class III & IV drugs. When you are on Medicare you do not qualify for any manufacturer discounts. So I can't get my first month. Start the new year and I will have a new deductible again.
I am becoming a hermit, which is increasing my depression for fear of getting a respiratory infection.
I am having to choose between food and medicine. On my current control I have had one ER visit in three years. Prior to this one I was in the ER about every two months and admitted about every 1.5 years, frequently to ICU or ICU step-down. I don't want to go back to this especially as I am getting older.
Hi, Laurie. My heart goes out to you for the frustrating debacle you're facing with Medicare. This is a frequent topic of conversation here, and you are certainly not alone. Here's another conversation in a similar vein from late last week: https://asthma.net/forums/paying-for-asthma-medicine
Have you talked with your doctor about your insurance situation? I wonder if they would be able to make suggestions for an alternative or perhaps write a letter to Medicare on your behalf, as this medication is clearly critical for you.
I hope that a solution presents itself, and that you can keep us posted on any changes. Regardless, please know that we are here to listen and support you. -Melissa, asthma team
Yes I'm trying to find options. I have a nurse case manager who has put me in touch with a pharmacy case manager who is trying to find options. Thought we had found one. I qualify for based on income and location BUT you have to have spent $600 first in Rx costs before it kicks in. Since I didn't go on Medicare until September I have not spent that much. It's more likely to be an option for next year. I think I can get my church to help me out once. So if I ask for the first month in January when I have a big deductible again on tier III and IV Rxs I will qualify for assistance starting most likely by March if I can find a way to pay for my other meds. I'm selling things right now just trying to figure out how to manage day to day.
So sorry to hear you are struggling to pay for meds/food. It so disheartening to see this happening to so many. I wanted to leave a link from AAFA that might be of assistance - https://aafa.org/advocacy/advocacy-resources/patient-assistance-medicine-drug-programs/ Thinking of you and hoping it gets easier. Warmly -Rebecca (community moderator)
