High cost of Embrel | Arthritis Information

My doc put me on Embrel last month--he warned me it would be expensive (about 00 he said), but when I picked it up at the pharmacy found that it cost about 00!!! And my insurance paid nothing, nada, not one penny on it! I am self-employed and pay 3 a month (it just went up) for a policy with a 00 deductible. But it normally pays a fairly small discount on prescriptions, so I thought it would pay a little something, at least. But no, they pay nothing on injectable meds. In August I'll be able to go on Medicare (never thought I'd be so gratefull for being so old!) so we'll see what they pay. Anyone have any experience along these lines?

Thanks for your imput -- I learn so much from this forum!

Sula

Hello,

Medicare part D is the program that covers medication. When you enroll in Medicare you will be asked to choose a Medicare part D program. I am putting in a link that lists the formulary for drugs that part D pays for by company. You put in your state and the drugs you are on and they link you up to the company that will cover it.

Medicare part B (physician office) and D (prescription) are voluntary programs and you must enroll and pay a fee to obtain them. Medicare part A is for hospital coverage and that is what is included.

http://formularyfinder.medicare.gov/formularyfinder/selectst ate.asp

Thank you so much for the information. I have already gone to the site you gave me & saved it for future use.

Thanks again, Sula

Sula, I believe the manufacturers of Enbrel have a program for the under-insured, and they might assist with the cost of your prescription.

Check out this link:
http://www.amgen.com/patients/assistance_enbrel.html

Yea definitly contact the maker of Enbrel....There are many different levels of assistance programs to help out with the cost. Good luck! I have supplemental insurance through the "Healthwell Foundation". They
paid for Enbrel in the past and now Remicade. http://greenchile.wordpress.com/ greenchile39208.5305092593

Yes, please check out Healthwell! They helped me alot when my copay was over 0.00/month. It has since dropped because I changed insurance companies. They were are great asset. If you need more information, I can probably find a link for you. You can also try to google it.

As a bonus, they process your application quickly if you have everything they need.

Phats

After reading a post awhile back suggesting that on a bad flare day use your camera phone to take a picture of your hands, that was the best advice I could have received. I saw my rhumy on yesterday, showed her the pictures and all she could say was "wow" MaeMae as much as I wish I could tell you that after one shot the Enbrel will kick in and you will feel like new again I can't. For the majority of people, it takes 2-4 shots to see a difference because the medication has to build up in your system. However, if the enbrel works well for you, your weather flares either will not be as bad or not happen at all.

For immediate relief from your symptoms you may want to consider a tapering dose of prednisone. Call your rheumy and let them know what is going on with the swelling, pain, and inflammation.

I hope you feel better soon!

I was very lucky when I first started ENBREL, I felt a huge difference the first week! There is hope that it may be the same for you MaeMae.You should get your doc to give you an Enbrel QuickAssist number. They will pay up to ,800 of your co-pay the first year of your Enbrel prescription.I am not sure you can help me but I was reading the posts concerning HELP with co-pays etc., and saw the suggestion to visit Healthwell Foundation. I presently have no health insurance so it is difficult to even see my GP...I was wondering if they could help me and what plan would be best....my meds aren't that expensive since Walmart started the 4.00 plans but I am not taking Embrel....can anyone help me??

Delena

I'm currently dealing with getting and enbrel script filled as well. My insurance will only approve it if my doctor fills out a form for medical necessity. Although the co-pay will still be high, it's 0 per month opposed to the 00 uncovered. Also, I'm looking into government programs to help people that can't afford medications so I'll keep you updated on what I find. There are some good suggestions in the post as well...I've even written some down myself. I find it disgusting that we can't get the medications that we need to function and lead a somewhat normal life. There has to be help out there...they just don't make it easy to find. We could all just learn french and move to France where healthcare and medications are a right and not a privledge.

Peace & Love.....Neasy

I guess if we were illegal aliens we would have NO PROBLEM getting medical care, meds and anything else we needed....oh makes me so mad!!!!

Thanks I appreciate any and all help!!!

OH, can my GP presribe embrel?

delena

I picked up my 4 week supply of embrel last night after insurance I had to pay 1.00. itching and redness at the injection site is one of the most common side effects of enbrel that I have heard of.

Church Mouse,

I have already PM'd you this AM with info regarding help with Enbrel. Thanks, Danielle

Mae Mae,

I like your husband.

I'm glad today will be a good day. I like to hear about the good things sometimes. Enjoy the day! D