My lyme doc wants me to start Mepron but there's no way I can afford it ($2100/month). I applied for assistance but was told I make too much (even though the amount I would be spending on meds is about how much I make a month). With a pre existing condition, switching insurance plans doesnt seem like a viable option. I was told I could try contacting the manufacturer directly and sometimes they will just give it to you? Anyone? ideas?
Posted by AZURE WISH (Member # 804) on :
would your insurance cover malarone? would your dr be ok with substituting that instead.
i think usually if the manufactureers give it to you you have to make under a certain amount and stuff. You could certainly try though.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Hey Chris,
Not sure the price is right? $2,100.00 per month? Last I checked it was under $750.00 per bottle. Even 2 bottles a month (more than normal dose) would be under $1,400.00 per month.
You might want to check first for prices. Some states, like NY for example, I believe are higher as a "normal" thing.
And if you are like me, you are still saying that is WAY too much.
Try this site and know that some of the "lower incomes" they go by are more than $40,000.00 per month.
The manufacturer does have a program to help people who can't afford their medications. You do have to apply and meet their qualifications. It's worth a try.
did you try Costco? Usually their prescriptions are about 1/2 of what they are everywhere else.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
And, I understand you don't have to be a member of Costco to use their pharmacy.
I have a friend who bought her Mepron there.
Posted by bigstan (Member # 11699) on :
I have boxes of this stuff. Too bad it's against the law to try and help someone out.
Looks like I'll end up throwing it away soon.
Looks like you tried PPARX.
Posted by LymeAware (Member # 26195) on :
A lot of prescriptions can be found from Canada, online, for much cheaper...MUCH cheaper.
Posted by chris hile (Member # 20701) on :
To Azure wish, no, my insurance doesn't cover any RX. To Tincup, CVS quoted me $2100 and I realize there are cheaper places, but when I'm already paying a LOT on DR visits and my other meds, even a couple hundred is too much.
I did try Bridges to Access and PPARX but was told I made too much ($30,000). Guess I'm supposed to live in a tent and live on bread and water. But thanks for the link. I'll check it out.
Thanks as well, Boxermom and Sammy, for the links.
To Big Stan, I really wish you hadn't told me that. I would drive across the country to get that stuff! Just leave it on the porch and it'll disapear Posted by kx90 (Member # 32897) on :
$2,100 a month?! If you're under 26 regardless of your dependency status, and are under a private insurer (for the most part) you'll have extended coverage benefits under the Affordable Care Act effective September 23, 2010.
And if you applied for the PAC (Primary Adult Coverage) program, which covers practically nothing anyway, you're bound to be denied since they only take independent adults slightly above the poverty level (~$15,000/year).
I have no RX coverage either, but what I'm taking costs $300/month not 10x as much.
Posted by chris hile (Member # 20701) on :
Unfortunately, I'm 36 and make 'too much' money. Maybe I should just drop my health ins, quit my job and apply for welfare lol
Posted by James1979 (Member # 31926) on :
quote:Originally posted by chris hile: Unfortunately, I'm 36 and make 'too much' money. Maybe I should just drop my health ins, quit my job and apply for welfare lol
...or you could do what that one guy did: he robbed a bank for $1 so that he could go to jail and receive adequuate health care for free. I think that happened just a couple of months ago.
Posted by kx90 (Member # 32897) on :
quote:Originally posted by James1979:
quote:Originally posted by chris hile: Unfortunately, I'm 36 and make 'too much' money. Maybe I should just drop my health ins, quit my job and apply for welfare lol
...or you could do what that one guy did: he robbed a bank for $1 so that he could go to jail and receive adequuate health care for free. I think that happened just a couple of months ago.
Ha ha ha. When does he get out? Posted by WhitneyS (Member # 25666) on :
seriously try costco. I dont have insurance and my abx are $200 at CVS and $50 at Costco....its criminal how much drug stores mark up prices.
Posted by chris hile (Member # 20701) on :
Lol yea maybe I'll rob a bank...but just with my finger pointing from under my shirt.
Whitney, are you taking Mepron? If so, how much are you paying for it? I do also use Costco, Target, Walmart, etc. I guess I was just trying to get my point across that Mepron is EXPENSIVE no matter where you get it and I can't afford it. SO even if $2100 at CVS equates to $1500 somewhere else, its still ridiculous and out of the question.
Posted by chris hile (Member # 20701) on :
Big Stan...your mailbox is full
Posted by WhitneyS (Member # 25666) on :
Im not on Mepron.
The thing is, since most people have insurance, and only pay a co-pay for their prescriptions, drugstores mark up the prescriptions abotu 200-300%, without effecting their customer base. The insurance companies pay it, and the customer is none the wiser to the scheme. So when you don't have insurance you see that massive price difference.
S0- Costco doesnt do that, so the same drugs are about 1/3 of what they are at a CVS or Walgreens.
Posted by FYRECRACKER (Member # 28568) on :
My doc would put me on malarone. She said Mepron is a pretty disgusting drug anyway aside from being too expensive.
If you're treating for Babs have you considered A-Bab? A lot of people have reported using A-Bab with success after pharms, but that doesn't mean the pharma didn't work at all.
Posted by chris hile (Member # 20701) on :
what is A-bab?
Posted by kx90 (Member # 32897) on :
@WhitneyS, that's interesting. Is this for all drugs or some drugs Costco offers?
Posted by WhitneyS (Member # 25666) on :
All drugs at Costco. I mean they still mark it up to make a profit, but they dont mark it up the way that other drug stores do. I really think it should be illegal that they do that.
Posted by Marcie (Member # 10070) on :
have you tried art? People on the board have gotten rid of babesia from art with Zithro.
Posted by Scrappy (Member # 25888) on :
We were told by Costco that it is (their) cost + 15%.
Don't hold me to that. It might be subject to change.
It may also vary by state for all I know, so your cost may not be the same as mine.
Posted by FYRECRACKER (Member # 28568) on :
A-Bab is a Byron White formula designed to hit Babesia.
Posted by FYRECRACKER (Member # 28568) on :
A-Bab is a Byron White formula designed to hit Babesia.
Posted by chris hile (Member # 20701) on :
MARCIE, I'm going to try my llmd's suggestion of art and green tea extract. Zithro is really expensive too.
Firecracker, I'll definitely look into getting the A-Bab.
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