Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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enbrel

bigiblue
bigiblue
I have been absent from here for quite somtime and dont recognize any of the people when i started in 2009. Wonder how they are doing. Anyway, i was on Enbrel for well over 3 years when last year the insurance stopped paying for it and so i have been getting samples from my rheumy ever once in awhile. I was in remission for a long time to the point where i wondered if i even had this disease. I am now back with full blown RA and being reminded every day with the pain that comes with it. I hopefully will get a couple more shots until next year when the new deductible starts. Hopefully with Obamacare there will be an unlimited amount of pharmaceutical benefits in my insurance account (right now i have a $ 5000 limit per year) so i can get Enbrel again . Enbrel company are paying half but i cant afford the other2000 per month.
What biologics are you all taking and what does your insurance pay. If you all dont mind me asking. Right now im back on vicodine to keep the pain under control a little.
KiddoGal
KiddoGal
I am on my husband's insurance. He retired due to health issues back in 1995 and it was stipulated in the employee's retirement plan that their spouses would also be covered till they are 65. (am I lucky or what!) His insurance plan covers my Enbrel and my co-pay is $33.00 per month. I am not sure what will happen when I turn 65, if Medicare covers it......had heard they do not, but don't set my word in stone. In fact, I can look it up his medicare booklet. I still have 6 years before I am 65.
Sistahbear
Sistahbear
I'm so sorry you are hurting and it is difficult knowing the medication is out there but sometimes out of reach. I'm fairly new here as I was just recently diagnosed but it is hard when it's under control pretty good then it rears it's ugly head and starts flaring again. I really hope you get some answers here and some advice. For my RA & Fibromyalgia I am on Prednisone, Sulfasalazine, and Hydrocodone for now since I was just officially confirmed diagnosis these last two weeks from the Rheumatologist. Hugs.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi & glad to meet you, I've only been on this site for a few months but have learned from others & the people are great. You're right, medicare does not pay for enbrel, they will cover infusible drugs ie Remicaide (not sure of any other ones). There are LOTS of ways to get your enbrel covered. Try needymeds.com or enbrelencourage.com if you really search on-line for help paying for a biologic you'll find help.
Best wishes!
Cheryl
bcatz
bcatz
Interesting about your cost. My Enbrel was $2200 TOTAL BEFORE insurance per month.

A friend of mine had to pay cash (no insurance and made too much for assistance) and they (Enbrel) let her buy it monthly for $1200.

Your doctor sounds very nice. It's good to hear of those kindnesses.
debRAinOC
debRAinOC
Good to see you, bigiblue, but sorry to hear you're in pain. I've been taking Humira for several years. My husband pays for a premium medical plan through his work so I can keep my rheumy and have better Rx coverage. The insurance copay for Humira is $100 (the actual cost is more than $2400, according to Cigna), but with the Humira Protection Plan, it's only $5 out of pocket.

Like KiddoGal, I'm a few years away from Medicare and wondering if I'll be able to afford Humira then or if I'll have to switch drugs.
bigiblue
bigiblue
Thanks for the answers. I did check out several rx cards but none that i have seen will combine insurance and the card. Im going to see my rheumy who gave me an applicstion for assistance. I' ll fill it out even though we make too much money to qualify. My husband retires in 4 years anf myself in 8 so i cant get on his insurance. I will research the web some more to see what can be done. Im sure i'll be fine. Tnsnks again. DS always has been the best support group.