5 replies to this topic

[Dom]

I just went back to Medicare.Gov and got some interesting information.  My current plan (Express Scripts at Walmart) will be $18,000 for the year.  I was expecting $6,500, given the old price of Imatinib.  Now it seems my best bet is Cigna HealthSpring RX Secure-Extra (PDP) using their mail order service (the mail order is a definite plus).  This comes to $8,500 for the year. That saves me $10,000 / year!

 

Does anyone have any good or bad things to say about Cigna Part D?  I notice it has only 2 of 5 stars, but it doesn't explain the low rating.

 

BTW, if you have Express Scripts, and you want to keep it, Imatinib is cheaper at Walgreens now.  

[ROMO]

I believe all states have a Medicare Insurance Adviser.

We got one here in Washington and they are suppose to 

give the strait info on the plans authorized in your state

and presumably your best choice. A good resource for what it's worth.

 

What I found is that there are no goldminds.

A little here and a little there. Will be your decision.

Work to find the average with the most convenient access.

There are no spectacular deals. You will pay between 6k and 10k a year

unless you have a special benefit.

Sorry.

 

Just so you know I am in your same spot.

 

Romo

[chriskuo]

The only thing I have heard about that provides low cost TKIs are Kaiser HMOs.

[chriskuo]

How does ExpressScripts come up with the $18K? Is it a Medicare Part D plan? If it is, Meidicare should
be paying the 95% in catastrophic phase.

[Dom]

Chriskuo, imatinib 400 is $9,500 and 100 is $5,000. Plus I take other heart medications, some off formulary. Work it out. It's 18,000 / year.

[chriskuo]

I have never seen a pharmacy vary the price based on dosage. The gross price has always been around $10K per month
even as my dosage varies. That works out to about $5K-$6K/year with the 5% catastrophic copay. Your insurer seems to play
by different rules.