Humira helped pay for the cost of that prescription. I had to pay some of the deductible and they paid most of it. Humira was the easiest help, it did take a little while maybe a month? I was on Remicade and I know that company helps too but there was a lot more paperwork involved, my Rheumy recommended I switch to Humira.

You might be surprised though, my first insurance company did cover Remicade. I just paid the copay for the visit. When I first looked it up online a red flag came up saying that it didn't cover but then I called the insurance company and they said that they need a letter from the rheumy stating the drug's intent and how beneficial it would be blah blah blah.....then I was covered.

I will say both biologics helped me. I know everyone is different though.

Good luck! I remember the anxiety I had of the cost as well. Try not to stress its not good for you!!! Hugs***

In some ways you are in a good position, as strange as that may sound. When you know what you need, you can apply with the drug companies and other organizations for assistance with your drugs. When I had no prescrition coverage, my Humira and Forteo were both provided for free. It is now that I am on Medicare, that I am ineligible for the assistance. C

Hi, Blessed, I am sorry that you are having to deal with RA. Yes, some of the meds can be very expensive. You will probably not begin with a biologic which is ridiculously expensive...but most of the biologic companies will help you with a co-pay program. There are other services that offer assistance with other meds. The following web site has some of those services described and there are others out there. It will just take some research. Good luck and lots of hugs!
http://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-financial-help.aspx

Hi Blessed! I'm on Remicade and have health insurance that has a $1000 deductible plus 20% copay, with a $3000 out of pocket max. The company that makes Remicade gives me 'rebate' checks for each infusion because I signed up for their Access One program. It is indeed some paperwork - an initial application form that you and your rheumy sign, a copy of your tax return forms, and then they call your insurance company and verify your benefits, and sometimes they want to talk to you a couple times, too. It took a while to get signed up initially, many weeks (and actually I think a couple months). BUT, after that they started sending me checks. They call me at least once in between infusions to see how my last infusion went and to get the date of my next infusion. They also send me a renewal program application every year, where I have to go through the same process as with the initial application (fill out the form and get rheumy to sign, add tax returns, etc). I have remained in their program for more than 3 years now, and they send me a check religiously after I send them a copy of my Explanation of Benefits for each infusion. They pay almost exactly what my insurance-required responsibility of the Remicade itself is (just the product), less $150. They don't cover anything else like the office visit etc., just the Remicade, and not the whole thing, just what my insurance requires me to pay less $150. But that in itself is fantastic and is about $470 a time (that's in my case, with what my insurance provides).

I'm not sure if the program would be the exact same if and when you were to sign up, but it's very helpful financially and I am able to consider the ongoing paperwork the 'price I pay' to participate and get the benefits.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. It sounds like I will be filling out lots of paperwork but that's okay with me. All of your advice is priceless. It woud have taken me forever to find out all of the info that you all have shared with me so far. I love this support group. You have given me a lot of hope and I don't feel so alone in all of this. Wish me luck tomorrow with my rheumy appt. Love ya al, Blessed indeed

If you get Enbrel prescribed, google Enbrel. They have a program to help you with the drug cost, where it is $0 for the first 6 months and no more than $25 thereafter.

Enbrel is my most costly med by a long shot, but I have really good insurance.

Good luck!