The unexpected did occur last month when I had an MS relapse. When on high doses of steroids, it becomes terribly difficult to sleep so my neurologist prescribed a sleep aid. Ambien doesn't work for me and I didn't know that the prescribed medication was rather expensive. I just learned that the cost to my insurance was $390 which now leaves me with $522 of remaining coverage, unclaimed, for the remainder of the year available for the unexpected. I better stay healthy!!
To summarize the costs associated with medication:
Total cost for maintenance medications: $33,676
Subtract cost of medications not taken or received through assistance: $31,592
Cost of the seven medications filled: $2084
My out-of-pocket cost: $740
Unexpected prescriptions: unknown cost
So the complete annual price tag on routine health care for me: $55,413
Subtract the amount adjusted by insurance or not obtained through insurance: $40,519
Total amount approved through insurance: $14,894
Insurance pays: $11,895
My out-of-pocket expense: $3,739
Insurance premiums (underwritten) for one year: $3,948
Total annual expense paid by me for routine care and insurance: $7,687
Total expense paid by my insurance company: $11,895
Total expense paid by NORD for my Copaxone: $27,600
So I'm curious...what is the cost of your health care? How often do you see the doctor? Do you have any limitations dictated by your insurance coverage? Are you pleased with your access to health care? What changes would you like to see take place in health reform efforts?
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