Dear Cue:
I have recently been diagnosed with a form of cancer that, although treatable with current protocols, does not have a standard form of treatment. I have been advised to research whether a chemotherapy clinical trial has been established for my disease. I do not know how to begin to research whether a clinical trial is available to me. Any advice?
- Jake in Maine
Dear Jake:Finding information about clinical trials is extremely difficult. However, a patient information group in Massachusetts is attempting to collect information on all available clinical trials on one website. Go to www.searchclinicaltrials.org. The site is free of charge. Drug companies are also posting the results of clinical trials on their web sites so it would also be worth searching all of those sites as well.
Dear Cue:
I am enrolled in the Medicare Part D drug benefit. Recently I reached the limit of the initial drug benefit of $2,250, and will pay out of pocket until my expenditures reach $3,600. How can I save money while I am paying for prescription drugs myself?
- Jane in Florida
Dear Jane:You can save money, but talk with your doctor or pharmacist first. Determine whether generic substitutes will deal with your needs as effectively as the brand name drugs you are now taking. You can also consider using a mail order pharmacy. Lastly, determine whether pill splitting is appropriate for you. For instance, a 20mg pill of Lipitor (a popular cholesterol-lowering drug) costs approximately the same as a 40 mg pill of Lipitor. If you buy the 40 mg, you can split the pill in two and essentially get two months prescription for the price of one. Your local drug store should carry small machines that split pills.
Dear Cue:
I have type II diabetes. Recently my doctor and I discussed changing medications to deal with my blood sugar problem. However, my health insurer will not pay for the increased cost. What can I do?
- Emma in Montana
Dear Emma:Insurance companies often look for ways to deny coverage to individuals like you who suffer from a chronic illness. Most health plans have institutional rules in place to attempt to lower chronic illness costs. However, you have the right to appeal your health plan decision. Sometimes health plan decisions are made on the basis of the institutional rules without regard to your specific circumstances. Your insurance company must provide you with a reason for the denial of coverage. Then, ask your doctor to respond, and confirm the “medical necessity” for the change in medication. If they still deny you coverage, you can appeal in writing according to your policy.
