5 replies to this topic

[Tedsey]

The online specialty pharmacy that my insurance co. uses called me today to threaten me that if I did not send them $2300 right away, they would not send me the Gleevec that is scheduled to arrive tomorrow! 

I called my husband.  Neither of us had seen a bill.  And we paid the last one in full out of pocket (big bucks for G).

As it turns out, we had no prevous balance.  They were trying to collect ahead of time for the drug that they were scheduled to ship to me tomorrow (called me the day before)!  I haven't even received it yet and they were threatening me over the phone for payment!!!!!!

I was shaking most of the day thinking I would not get the Gleevec on time.  Luckily, my husband took care of it by talking to a manager.

How can they do something like this?  It is horrible enough to suffer from cancer then be harrassed to pay up front for a drug I haven't even received yet.

How CRUEL to do to someone.  Especially since I was diagnosed only this past Thanksgiving.  I have enough worries with two very little children.

I want to report this, but do not know how.

Has anyone experienced this?

[gunner]

Health plans are different depending on the plan.

I just recieved my January refill. $4000 out of pocket. Looks like they raised the price another $250 per month...

The thing that bothers me is that the plan requires me to recieve it from their specialty pharmacy via Fed Ex/ UPS. It would be so much easier for me to pick it up locally, and the cost was the same. As it is, I get the phone call every month, basically these people are selling expensive drugs to one customer and magazine subscriptions to the next.

I have a high deductible plan, which means that I pay the first $4300 out of pocket. The balance is paid for by insurance. At least until the plan changes.

[Susan61]

Hi:  I have a specialty mailorder pharmacy for my Gleevec, and the way mine works is that when I receive my Gleevec the bill is enclosed.  They expect payment within 20 or 30 days.  I usally mail out my payment as soon as I get my Gleevec.  Then the regular prescriptions allow you to have a balance of $100.00 to pay within the month.  If everything is paid up, then they ship my medication as long as its not over $100.00.

It can get very confusing with these insurance plans.  I do not do anything online.  I call them, and talk to someone in person.  I also get their name in case of a problem.  I go online to see what I am due for only.

Susan

[Tedsey]

Thanks for your responses.  For the last 2 shipments we have always received a bill and paid it.  I don't know why this time they wanted the $$ up front.  The harrassment sure was unnerving, esp. the day before G was to arrive.  Great timing.  Make me think they did this on purpose. 

We also have a high deductable, but we have money set aside to meet it.  It appears, to their shagrin, we will meet it very fast this year until there is a cure for CML.  I pray we never lose our insurance, but cannot have that "fear of the unknown" hanging over my head too!

[AnnieK]

Can you check thru Norvartis they have a patient assistance program to provide the meds. Each company and drug has different qualifications.

They did have a program that they paid $15 or $25 a month for a year if you were on it. YOur doctor can check on Novartis but the paper work is a lot. I would think you might be able to call too. The office could get your a number or sales rep to talk to.

We had problems last month too. When I went to order Bills G they told me $135 and it had been $35. I questioned why it went up so I called United Health care and they went with a different specialty pharmacy. It was nice of them to notify us. Thank goodness I questioend it or I might have paid it.

Ask qeustions and dig deep...and try every avenue. Don;t ever give up.

AnnieK and Bill

[Tedsey]

Thanks for the info.  It looks like we are OK financially for now, but it is nice that some assistance is avail.  Had an emergency call last night to get off Gleevec.  So, need to see if they will change my medication.  All the best!