Doctor speaks out about insurance limiting triptan Migraine medications

Who should know better than the dr. and the patient what medications are needed. When meds are limited the patient "saves" meds for the really bad ones and consequently gets more really bad ones. The migraines get worse instead of better.

It will end up costing Insurance compies more in the long run.

This sounds like a very wise, compassionate doctor. It's probably a good thing he's not in the room with me, or he'd have found the stuffing knocked right out of him from a sudden droolie dragon smoosh. I'm liking this guy. :)

Please -please - take the time to respond so that there is a huge response - there is a link in the article - we need to respond so those idiots at United Healthcare and all insurance companies for that matter know - that they have to stop rationing our medication. The more responses - the more the insurance companies will know we can't be taken for granted! It will only take a moment of your time

I'm a little slow, but I sent Dr. L'Europa a note saying that I support any efforts to stop insurance companies from practicing this ridiculous policy.
I urge everyone who can to respond to him - it doesn't take long and it's the least we can do as good citizen/consumers. There are enough migraineurs in this country to pursuade others on these issues!
Thank you, Teri, for posting this article.
BetsyB

It's actually 4 tabs per 7 days.  So you can get 16 pills per month.  You will just have to pay 4 co-pays.  But a few of the triptans are on 1st tier which makes them only $10 per script.  Your doctor just has to write the script out correctly.  If you have mail order it's 16 pills for one co-pay. 

Imitrex is now generic--but did that fix this problem for UHC consumers? No. I am on birth control and Imitrex (actually any triptans work for me), but I can't get the medication I need because my employer chooses to work with this pitiful excuse for an insurance company.

 

I applaud any doctors who speak out againt this. However, the problem still remains. I wish this country would just cure me or kill me. Having a migraine for four days and having to go to work with one is horrible.

I just found out that Federal Employee Program Blue Cross, Blue Shield allows 36 Relpax pills, and I evidently passed that up, using 12 for two months in a row. My doctor now has to agree to provide proof I need more than that amount, and the lady I spoke with who called to tell me that today said she didn't know if my doctor would allow more. I told her I take them so I don't get to the constant-vomiting-I-have-to-now-go-to-the-ER stage. To not have them means I'm at risk for that happening. (I realize I was graphic with her.) I am going to write my insurance company and include this article. I will also send a copy to my neurologist.