Common Variable Immunodeficiency Support Group
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a group of 20-30 primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) which have a common set of symptoms but with different underlying causes. CVID's underlying causes are different, but the result of these are that the body doesn't produce sufficient antibodies in response to exposure to pathogens.
I've been asked to testify before Ohio Senate Committee on health and human services this Wednesday at 2:30 in the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. If anyone is in the area wants to attend to support me, I'd be grateful.
The resolution I'm speaking of specifically deal with making April immune Deficiency Awareness Month in Ohio as it is across the US.
I plan to also talk about the new SCIDs testing initiative and the problem of some insurance carriers making Ig and specialty drugs a pharmacy benefit with very high co-pays.
This should be interesting
The resolution I'm speaking of specifically deal with making April immune Deficiency Awareness Month in Ohio as it is across the US.
I plan to also talk about the new SCIDs testing initiative and the problem of some insurance carriers making Ig and specialty drugs a pharmacy benefit with very high co-pays.
This should be interesting
What are you referring to when you mention 'speciality' drugs? I am assuming that they are not necessarily related to CVID. What an honor. I know that you will make an impact. The problem with you though is that you are so damn healthy most of the time :_). This is cool.
Please keep us posted on your schedule if need be, in case there is something we can catch. I love the idea of having an awareness month. That's a great start I would say since there is so much ignorance regarding our disorders. It seems like Lupus, Rhuematoid Arthritis, and MS get most of the spotlight, which is great, but wouldn't you love to shine a little light our way. It's pretty dark over here.
Thank you for doing what you do. Break a leg.
Sit up straight, don't pick your nose, and see if you can get a statue of an IV pole in our honor while you're there!
Specialty drugs are used to treat serious or chronic medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, hemophilia, hepatitis and rheumatoid arthritis. These drugs are typically injectable and can be self-administered by a patient or family member.
They are less than 1% of all prescriptions but amount to over 33%f the dollars spent on drugs . and are the fastest growing.
The insurance companies are doing everything they can to reduce their costs and get people of them or to share more and more of the cost
The latest is to make all specialty drugs into a tier V p prescription benefit with a 50% or 25% co-pay. That obviously would price them out of reach many, if not most, patients.
Do what I am doing . . become active in the IDF advocacy effort
I think it went well. The committee passed it out to be voted on next week by the entire house and senate. I spent most of the time on SCIDS and insurance tiers . . the IDF's main legislative agenda and said we'd like to dialog with them throughout the session when things are calmer . . after the budget is passed . . It was a little intimidating that I had to submit 30 copies of my written testimony . . until yesterday I thought I could just wing it