Rheum. is using Humira x 2 doses to dx AS. I've had back problems for years, with back fusion and hip replacement, along with being breast cancer survivor. I am on Medicare with Part D and BC/BS and wondering about coverage being withdrawn if I go on Humira. Anyone have any problems with payment for the meds? How much does it wind up costing? I'd love for it to work for me, heel pain and limited motion has caused increased knee pain along with hips, etc, etc, etc.
Lots of possible SE and I'll have to make a decision if it's worth it--would love to get off narcotics.
Appreciate any responses and info.

just wanted to say hello and welcome!

and hope the humira works well for you!

i have medco, and thus far the only drug they don't seem to like to pay for is the low dose naltrexone. i think its because its a compounded drug and talking to the compounding pharmacy, they've told me various stories about the insurance companies and compounded drugs. medco never claims they won't pay for the actual drug, but rather they keep making us and the pharmacy jump through hoops that the pharmacy claims we shouldn't be required to jump through.

haven't been on a biologic yet, so don't know how medco will feel about that one when or if the time comes.

Appreciate you taking time to respond. "hoops" should not be required for proper treatment plans. Sorry you have to face this.

its ok,

at least:

1. it works on my enthesitis! haven't torn a tendon or ligament since i started it. and prior to that, for 11 years i tore a lot of tendons and ligaments. now, even my tendonitis is so so much less.

2. i have an open minded rheumy who is willing to prescribe it. that actually is a surprisingly big hurdle for many. it was for me initially, but i figured out the system. then started going to this rheumy.

3. its not prohibitively expensive, so if i have to pay for it out of pocket, it isn't like being denied something like a biologic. i pay a lot more for all my supplements than i'd have to pay for LDN anyway. just another expense. can't put a price on health, if you can afford it.

welcome again!

others will see this who can better answer your questions i'm sure.

Hi iodine, what an interesting screen name. Anyways, just wanted to welcome you to kickas and hope you will hang around so we can get better aquainted. I too am on Medicare. I have Medco for my part D and am not happy with it at all. It all depends on your medications. I am not on any of the Biologics so I can't help you with that. I do end up paying thousands of dollars out of pocket for my pain mends though, very expensive but I don't have any other choice.

Cindy

I suppose you have considered changing providers? Or generics, if that would help with analgesic costs? I'd love to get off narcotics. Have to consider the costs of the biologic along with side effects.
I've not noticed any difference in 48 hours, doc seemed to think I would. I'll give it a month to see what happens with the two injections. I'm not holding out too much excitment that it's going to be AS as opposed to pathology from my messed up (fused) back or need for knee and/or other hip replacement.
Appreciate the welcome!