Lene, My Dr. has asked me to consider a biologic and I went to my insurance for info - what a frustrating experince that was! But that's another story - I finally got the information I needed from our HR dept. My copay is very reasonable, but I am very concerned about my eventual and not to far off retirement. Once I don't have this very, very good insurance and have to go on Medicare how will I ever be able to afford this? Wow, just wow! My retirement savings just never took this into account!
Generics are on their way, but although they'll be less expensive than the name brand, it'll probably be say $5000 less. Still thousands, in other words. Keep the link to the post about financial assistance programs I used in this post - they can be a big help. Later this month, Brad is writing about biologics and Medicare and the efforts that are being made to make co-pays more affordable. Stay tuned!
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2013 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
5 Tips for Exercising with Lupus 
6 Facts on Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sex and Relationships 
Test Your Knowledge of Rheumatoid Arthritis 
I started on Enbrel last June. I looked into the cost ahead of time and realized I wouldn't be able to afford it. If I remember right it was somewhere between $600 to $1000 monthly. I found information online about financial assistance through Enbrel (not my own insurance company). They covered the cost 100% for the first 6 months and since then I have had to pay $10 monthly. This is only offered to individuals that apply that have insurance that they are paying for themselves or through their employer. It's not offered for Medicaid. Then I use mail order prescriptions for the rest of my medications. My insurance company requires I get 3 months at a time. This method ended up being cheaper than running to the pharmacy monthly.
thanks for sharing your story. Excellent tips!