Insurance Agent Forum

[senior-advisor-indiana]

My dad just got permanetly laid off from his job. My mom has mulitple sceloris (MS). She is on disability and medicare part A. I was just going to put her on an MA plan and get a drug plan. After putting her prescriptions on the medicare website to find her the best drug plan, I found horrible results. She takes a shot called avonex. It costs 2300 per month with no insurance, on the best Part D plan it would cost $400. So she would be paying $500 for her prescriptions plus co-pays for any edoc visits and MRI's and what not. I am sure cobra will cost them more than that.

Is there any where she can get her avonex shot for cheaper? If we could do that it would save a bunch of money. Thanks in advance. By the way we are in IN.

[senior-advisor-indiana]

By the way she is 48 and I also know if she goes the MA way she will have to pick up part b.

[GreenSky]

I have found that for many people with VERY expensive medications, it may be better to choose a PDP with a gap. After spending the $3,850, most prescriptions are at 5%.

The plan (or plans) that have no donut hole may cost more in the long run.

Rick

[SME]

I would go to the manufacturers website and see if they have a program she can join. It is usually based on income but they may qualify. Also ask her physician if he knows of a mail order company she can work with. Sometimes the mail order is cheaper. You might also want to try the national MS assistance groups. They usually have really good resources for obtaining medication. I know in Arizona and California some people who are both disabled and lower income can qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Usually what one doesn't cover the other will. And you get some really great supplement options. That might be something to look into.

[midwestbroker]

I agree. I have a client with ALS and he gets his meds for cheap from the drug company.

He found all this out by doing a google search ALS support. Do the same with MS.

Hope things turn out for the best.

[senior-advisor-indiana]

Thank you. Hopefully they will avoid medicaid. I am just looking for something for them to fall back on if my dad doesnt find another job soon.

[somarco]

You might find some useful info here on Rx assistance.

[Anne]

As you know Montel Williams has MS. Anyway, my sister has met him numerous times as he has come in to her office for political reasons -- dealing with the costs of the medication for people that are not in his type of position. Also, he has done some work with trying to legalize marijuana for these painful purposes... I am not telling you to tell your mom to go and smoke pot... I did not want anyone to get that IDEA at ALL!

I will contact my sister and see if there is a way for her to look into funding through his organization to offset her costs and will get back with you...

[Anne]

I just called my sister... she is looking into a few things and will get back with me. ASAP.

[Anne]

Through the society (800- 344-4867. National Multiple Sclerosis )

There is an MS Avonex Patient Assistance Line Called:

MS Active Source: 800-456-2255.

You have to call (the patient.. ) and give them the information that you provided.. her spouse losing his job, unable to pay for medication etc.

Ask about the Patient Assistance Plan:

Then they will ask a few questions and see which area she would qualify for...

OPTIONS available:

Co-payment Assistance
Free Medication through a charitable organization
Grant Money to offset other costs involved.

Hope this HELPS!

[Anne]

I need th town your parents are in.. I get more information with the town. THANKS.

[senior-advisor-indiana]

Thank you so much Laurie, yes I did know of montel and my mom was suppose to check into it. I have tried to get her to smoke pot too just to see if it worked. BY the way to find out anything about the P&C agent here in IN?

[Anne]

You are very welcome. This is why we are all here right?...

I did give my sister more of a heads up about your situation. She will keep me in mind~