Asthma Support Group

Asthma is a disease of the human respiratory system where the airways narrow, often in response to a "trigger" such as exposure to an allergen, cold air, exercise, or emotional stress. This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which respond to bronchodilators.

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Lungs & Respiration
/ Asthma Support Group

no generic asthma drugs

Metalbrat
Metalbrat
been real frustrated lately. I've been on meds for my asthma for over 30 years. First the gov't changes the inhhalers to hfa (which I'm allergic to) and now have to use nebulizer all the time. Then my maintenence inhalers change because I can't have the HFA. Now because of my insurance, I can't afford my meds. because the copays are so high. I now have to pay more for insurance to cover them and being on medicare, and a fixed income, they think all my money is for meds and don't consider rent, bills, etc. What really stinks is until I can get the singulair and my other meds I'm taking the albuterol and prednisone like crazy. My drs groups now will no longer accept samples which used to get me through until I could get mine. They also won't accept delivery of meds from manufacturers if I get assistance. All the meds accept for albuterol sulfate and prednisone, are brand. I don't understand why asthma drugs aren't generic! Supposively Singulair is going generic in August, but even generics can be expensive. I'm so sick of these drug companies charging an arm and a leg for us to stay alive. Needless to say its made my anxiety problems worse too. :( The gov't is so worried about aerosols, it won't ban the deodorants, etc, but it takes my inhalers away. When will asthma get some cheap generics? I guess as long as there is money to be made, it will be made off the backs of people that are ill. :( I'll get off my soapbox now. Hope others are feeling better than I have been.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I haven't been on this board in a while, but I know what you mean. Have you tried getting on a Medicare HMO instead of just using Medicare? I paid $2.60 for a medrol dose pack just a little while ago, so I know copays can be pretty low. You could also try applying for "special help" from Medicare. It is probably handled through your agency that handles Medicaid. They can get copays down really low.

I hear your frustration though, and I share it. If I didn't have Medicare, one of my medications would be two thousand bucks a month. So I know what you are talking about.

I hope you can check into medicaid in your state. They may be able tohhelp you get your meds.

Annie
Metalbrat
Metalbrat
Actually I used to have the extra help from medicare. But when my husband ended up on disability recently they said we made too much. Which is why I can't get medicaid either even though my husband has no insurance until the end of the year. I just changed to another part D ins. which I have to pay extra for.and there's that lovely 'gap' in the middle. I never thought I'd have to worry about meds I needed to live on. Thank god u have help for ur med. Its crazy how much they cost. Thanks for your help. :)
laurie32
laurie32
i am sorry to hear that. i hope things get better for you. hugs
deleted_user
deleted_user
try needymeds.org If there is a program for your specific drug it will be listed. Apply anyway, sometimes drug companies are really trying to get people to take their medicine. I have a friend whos husband makes 80K a year and they have health insurance, and 4 kids. The medicine she needs to take for her ulcerative colitis once per month is five thousand dollars. She applied for it through the needymeds.org program (which stated that you could not have health insurance to be eligible) and now only pays $5 per month and they mail it to her house. So please try it. The worst they can say is no.
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