Can't afford Isentress

[clfritts]

I'm taking Truvada and Isentress.  I don't qualify for insurance because of preexisting condition (HIV+).  My income is just over the limit to qualify for ADP, etc. but not enough that I can keep paying for Isentress.  Does anyone have a suggestion for options?  THANKS!!!

[emeraldize]

I know what I would do. I'd pull out all stops. Call the Isentress customer service line and ask if there's a special program for which you qualify. If there isn't, ask if there's anyone with whom you could speak about your situation. I'm assuming your prescribing doc knows what's going on -- get him or her in on the action as well.

How is it that you're on it now? How was it paid for? It seems as if you've paid out-of-pocket, but I'm not 100% sure I'm reading your post correctly.

[clfritts]

Emeraldize:  Thank you for your response.  You are reading my post correctly...I am paying out-of-pocket.  I have a $400 coupon through Merck who produces Isentress.  But, that still leaves me with a monthly bill for this med right at $700.  I had called their customer service and was told that the only program they had was this one discount.

[Ann]

Hi Mr Fritts, welcome to the forums.

I've moved your thread to the Insurance, Benefits Programs & HIV, which is a more appropriate place for it, rather than the Lipodystrophy & Metabolic Problems forum.

Your situation really sucks, but you know that already. There are other meds that have better financial assistance programs - would you consider switching to something else? Have a look through some of the other threads in this section - assistance programs are discussed quite a bit.

Hope you get something sorted out soon. Good luck!

Ann

[leatherman]

patient assistance program
http://www.isentress.com/raltegravir/isentress/consumer/support_program_for_isentress/index.jsp
co-pay assistance (which you are on it seems)
http://www.isentress.com/raltegravir/isentress/consumer/coupon_for_isentress/index.jsp

Welvista - an agency that has been helping ADAP and non-ADAP patients get medications
http://www.welvista.org/

find an ASO or agency in your area that might be able to help
http://directory.poz.com/

[emeraldize]

Emeraldize:  Thank you for your response.  You are reading my post correctly...I am paying out-of-pocket.  I have a $400 coupon through Merck who produces Isentress.  But, that still leaves me with a monthly bill for this med right at $700.  I had called their customer service and was told that the only program they had was this one discount.

You're most welcome. I would call again as their site indicates the following: Patient Assistance for Eligible Patients   A Program Specialist can help you apply for the patient assistance program, which provides ISENTRESS free of charge to eligible patients who do not have insurance coverage.

Let us know how you fare! I'm on the same regimen and can understand why you would like to continue.
Em

[buginme2]

Does your state offer insurance for HIV positive people?  The state I live in offers insurance coverage for those who are hiv positive, yours may also.  You do have to pay the insurance premiums.  The local ASO here assist those that cannot afford the insurance premium.  Have you contacted an ASO?

[clfritts]

Ann:  Thank you.  I was also looking for info on Lipodystrophy which I have.  The fat build up in my neck has been there for several years and is getting to the point of distracting discomfort.  I appreciate your moving my post to the right category.  CLF

[Ann]

If you are a Long Term Survivor (diagnosed before 1996), you qualify to post in our LTS forum.

One of our members who posts in that forum (aztecan) has had the neck problem for quite some time and he's hoping to have surgery soon. You might be interested in reading about it. You can also have a look through his posting history - he has talked about his neck hump many times.

While anyone may read threads in the LTS forum, only LTS people are permitted to post. If you were diagnosed before '96, you're good to go - if you were diagnosed after '96, read but please don't post there.

[clfritts]

Ann:  I definitely qualify for LTS forum.  I was diagnosed in 1992....20 years ago.  Thanks.

[Ann]

Ann:  I definitely qualify for LTS forum.  I was diagnosed in 1992....20 years ago.  Thanks.

You're very welcome. I had a feeling you might be an LTS - because of your lipo issues. I hope you find a solution for both of your problems, particularly the med affordability dilemma. Good luck.