Sign in

or Register now

MyMigraineConnection.com

See all of our health sites at www.HealthCentral.com
Sunday, November, 22, 2009
  • Font size
Winter Holiday GuideEnjoying the Holidays Despite Migraines and Headaches --> Info for you...

Is there any financial help available for low income people with insurance taking Topamax

ruthierosenquis
10/10/08
ruthierosenquis
Topics:TopamaxMigraine MedicationInsuranceMigraine
My name is Ruthie and I am a single mother to my four year old son, I am also a college student, and I work part time. I am currently prescribed to Topamax 50mg 2x daily for my migraines (I am so ecstatic to have finally found something that works for me!) The downside of my situation is that I am having a very difficult time affording this medication, as my insurance is medicaid and they will not cover any part of the Topamax (even after my doctor filled out a prior authorization form.) The pharm. reps quit bringing samples to my physicians office, since supposedly Topamax lost it's patent 09/26/08 and should be offered by many generic companys soon. I have applied for the patient assistance program available through J&J and they denied me, I am at a loss of where to turn and have exhausted my finances to a point where I can no longer continue. I am trying so hard to build a solid, strong future for my son and I (this is why I went back to college) although it seems as if every where I turn I am hitting a huge brick wall, if anyone has any advice on any financial help available for people in my situation please let me know. Also if anyone has any information on when Topiramate should be approved (http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Overview&DrugName=TOPIRAMATE, says tentative approval) or available in the US then please let me know because at this point in time any information would be greatly appreciated.
Answer This
Answers (2)
Teri Robert
Teri Robert
Close
Teri Robert is Writing a SharePost
Author of "Living Well with Migraine Disease and Headaches"

Patient advocate and writer Teri Robert's career moved in this...

Friday, October 10, 2008

Ruthie,

 

In some communities there are free medical clinics that also have access to free medications. Since you're not eligible for the patient assistance program, and Medicaid won't pay for Topamax, I suggest you see if you can find a free clinic in your area. Also, talk to your Medicaid case manager. She might know of other resources.

 

Yes, the patents on Topamax are a bit confusing. Some don't expire until early next year. It's not unusual for generic manufacturers to have tentative approval before the patients expire. That makes the process quicker once the patent expires.

 

Good luck,

Teri

ejk
Friday, October 17, 2008

You didn't say why J&J denied you - if you don't have Rx insurance, and make below a certain income, they probably should have approved you. If that's the case, I would try to appeal their decision.

 

Try these websites:

www.needymeds.com

www.phrma.org

www.rxassist.org

www.togetherrxaccess.com

www.rxhope.com

Try calling:

Managed Rx @ 800-799-8765

PAF Patience Assistance Program @: 1-866-512-3861

 

Good luck!

ejk

Answer This
This animation shows one of the key causes of pain during a migraine--changes to the blood flow within the brain.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

View all questions (2459) >

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

  • Font size
  • Bookmark
  • Save