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Author Topic: I knew it was coming...  (Read 14958 times)

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Offline AlanBama

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  • Alabama: the 'other' 3rd World Country!
I knew it was coming...
« on: April 27, 2011, 11:25:01 am »
They informed us yesterday that effective May 1st, the Alabama ADAP formulary will immediately be cut to provide ONLY anti-virals.   They have been providing my Lipitor, Paxil, Welbutrin, and Valtrex.   So now those will need to come out of my ever-shrinking SSD.    Gas is higher, food is higher, my rent is going up $15 a month in May...yet my SSD remains the same, and will do so at least for another year.

I'm not so sure anymore that AIDS will be what 'takes me out'.   Oh, it will do it, indirectly; the real culprit may turn out to be road blocks to proper health care.

I can honestly say that I still consider myself to be incredibly blessed and fortunate.   I am thankful for each day that I have.   When you've seen the view from the edge of the cliff, with one foot hanging off, you appreciate it much more when you're sitting on the front porch of a nice lodge, in a rocking chair, with a tall glass of iced tea, just gazing out at the world....  even if the glass of tea costs $5.00.

 :)
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline Dachshund

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2011, 11:32:58 am »
That's tough Alan. TN has only been supplying antivirals for some time now. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop with even more cuts to ADAP/Ryan White. Luckily the legislature has found time to vote to allow guns on college campuses and protect me from Sharia Law. For the first time in years I had to fill up using a credit card. Gloom and doom baby.

Offline leatherman

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2011, 02:06:36 pm »
Ouch! Not much warning time there either to look for alternative solutions (probably aren't any of those around anyway). I'm sorry to hear about this, Alan. :(

 :-* mikie
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline Jeff G

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2011, 02:30:07 pm »
I'm sorry to hear that Allan . The clinic at UAB may be able to help in some way , cant hurt to check I suppose . They got me medication not long ago that wasn't covered much to my relief .
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Offline bear60

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2011, 03:16:23 pm »
Good rant,  Alan.
Poz Bear Type in Philadelphia

Offline denb45

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2011, 03:27:09 pm »
 ??? so , ok, now your suppose to died of something else  ??? cuz you can no longer afford any of these drugs  >:( where is the justice   ::)  Alan is there something else you can do? any other options? shit you need those drugs too  ::)
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline AlanBama

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #6 on: April 27, 2011, 04:26:35 pm »
I'll be o.k., can get the Paxil on Walmart's plan, not sure about the Welbutrin...I do hope ADAP will continue to provide the Valtrex; we are not clear on that one, just yet.   I know it is a very expensive drug.

Makes you wonder what it will be like, say 5 years down the road....
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline denb45

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #7 on: April 27, 2011, 04:33:47 pm »
I'll be o.k., can get the Paxil on Walmart's plan, not sure about the Welbutrin...I do hope ADAP will continue to provide the Valtrex; we are not clear on that one, just yet.   I know it is a very expensive drug.

Makes you wonder what it will be like, say 5 years down the road....


 ???
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline BT65

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #8 on: April 27, 2011, 05:50:02 pm »
Scarey stuff.  I hope you're able to get your meds, Alan. :-*
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline Solo_LTSurvivor

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #9 on: April 27, 2011, 09:58:46 pm »
Alan:

Sorry to hear this. I hope you get it all sorted out expeditiously.
don't equate intelligence with lack of masculinity
Jim Phelps, Mission Impossible
____________________________

Seroconverted: Early 80s
Tested & confirmed what I already knew: early 90s

Current regimen: Biktarvy. 
Last regimen:  Atripla (with NO adverse side effects: no vivid dreams and NONE of the problems people who can't tolerate this drug may experience: color me lucky ::))
Past regimens
Fun stuff (in the past):  HAV/HBV, crypto, shingles, AIDS, PCP

Jan 2012: 818/21%
Apr 2012: 964/22%
Jul. 2012: 890/21%
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Still UD after all these years

Offline Jeffreyj

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #10 on: April 28, 2011, 01:08:37 am »
Allan,
I understand the frustration. I have had similar thoughts run through my head many, many times.

It seems like the squeeze is on. It's coming, we know it yet can't seem to stop it.

Please pm me if there is anything I can do to help.
It the mean time HUGS sent your way my friend.
Positive since 1985

Offline aztecan

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #11 on: April 28, 2011, 09:55:41 am »
Hey Alan,

I am sorry this is happening. Our formulary here has always been limited, but they still cover a few things aside from the ARVs.

I hope you can continue to receive the Valtrex.

I hope you weren't too near those dreadful tornados.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Theyer

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #12 on: May 05, 2011, 06:21:58 am »
That is s@!t Alan but your attitude is not. It has been a political lesson this site for me I had no idea that such discrepancies existed between the differant states in the U.S.A. It has left me wondering if there is a league table off states regarding health provision and just how large the gap is between the more responsible and the meanest. love
theyer
"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

Offline wmguy

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #13 on: May 05, 2011, 10:16:16 am »
It's a consist battle. I'm looking at buying generics forms of Truvada and Viramune from a Canadian pharmacy. The health insurance I can get at work does not cover any HIV meds and my own personal insurance is going up to $1,138.00 a month. Maybe generics of your medications could reduce the cost? Good luck.

Offline RAB

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #14 on: May 05, 2011, 10:47:59 am »
Hey Buddy

Much of the same is happening in the state I live in.  Budgets are being cut dramatically and that's forcing all these changes.  I too worry what the future holds.

Hang in there!

RAB

Offline AlanBama

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #15 on: May 17, 2011, 03:17:42 pm »
I'm going to be able to get my Lipitor through Pfizer's "Connection to Care" program; they also furnish my Caverject (thank you, Pfizer!!)

The others I take won't be that expensive, so I will be o.k.    Thanks for your concern everybody!

Hugs,

Alan   :-*
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline denb45

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #16 on: May 17, 2011, 03:42:05 pm »
Well I'm glad you found a way Alan, and that's great news thanks for the update, if there is ever a will there is always a way  :-*
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline leatherman

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #17 on: May 17, 2011, 03:46:57 pm »
thanks for the update and I'm glad to hear that something worked out for you. ;D It's such a shame that healthcare, and especially prescription meds, can't be easier to get access to.
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline Theyer

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #18 on: May 17, 2011, 03:53:46 pm »
Good news Alan
t
"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

Offline Jeffreyj

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #19 on: May 17, 2011, 11:59:01 pm »
Alan,
Happy to hear that things are working out. Wow and you are thanking a drug company? Could times be changing....for the good?
Let's hope!...Hugs and love to you bud!
Positive since 1985

Offline AlanBama

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #20 on: May 18, 2011, 11:30:09 am »
Hey Jeff

Oh yeah, I am VERY thankful !  That caverject is about $360 for 6 vials....

and I could perform in porn movies (if I didn't have this big belly)  LOL    The stuff works great!  I have used it almost 15 years now....

Hugs,  Alan
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline leatherman

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #21 on: May 18, 2011, 11:33:03 am »
and I could perform in porn movies
what's that they say around here? oh yeah!
"Pictures or it doesn't count!"  ;D :D :-*
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline Gary S

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #22 on: May 19, 2011, 08:29:40 am »
Did you know that Valtrex is now available in generic form "valacyclovir"? That should help with that cost

Offline AlanBama

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #23 on: May 30, 2011, 07:10:52 pm »
I have now moved past the "donut hole" into "catastrophic coverage".   If anyone had asked me when I was 25 if I would be 'happy' to enter "catastrophic coverage", I would have thought they were crazy....

 ;D

But I am thrilled!  Now my copay is $2.50 on 'generic meds'  and 5% of the cost of a 'name brand' drug.

This is the first year I have moved out of the 'hole'; not sure why the State of AL has decided to do things differently, but I am glad they did.   It seemed unfair to me that they could use the cost of our meds to throw is INTO the donut hole, but they we couldn't count the cost of them towards getting us out.

« Last Edit: May 30, 2011, 07:12:26 pm by AlanBama »
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline leatherman

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #24 on: May 30, 2011, 07:22:20 pm »
If anyone had asked me when I was 25 if I would be 'happy' to enter "catastrophic coverage", I would have thought they were crazy...
LOL I was just telling someone today how good it's been, for my health care anyway, that I'm so terribly poor. LOL

I'm glad to hear that you're meds are cheaper now.
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline edfu

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #25 on: May 30, 2011, 09:39:34 pm »
Did you know that Valtrex is now available in generic form "valacyclovir"? That should help with that cost

The "help" is, as with most things, relative.  My pharmacy quotes a retail price of $362 for 30 tab of 1 mg. generic valacyclovir. 
"No one will ever be free so long as there are pestilences."--Albert Camus, "The Plague"

"Mankind can never be free until the last brick in the last church falls on the head of the last priest."--Voltaire

Offline nownow

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #26 on: May 30, 2011, 11:30:05 pm »
How man states have done this now?! And the ADAP and Medicaid roles are how long?!

So sorry for this for you.I hope you find the online Rx pharmacies maybe even cheaper online....Canada?

i don't know I just know the trickle down from 30 years ago enhanced by the 'GW Bush crime family' tsunami is resulting in more and more dead here and abroad. Hundreds of thousands died for Cheney/Bush's destruction of the econony and the karma of killing so many soldiers and civilians

Now the flying monkeys want to take out Medicare and more . Vicious hateful dangerous world.

I hope you get the support financially or otherwise that you need to access those meds.

Offline Jody

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #27 on: June 30, 2011, 08:54:09 pm »
Hi Alan, good to know that things seem to be working out for you in the maze of our health care system here in the US.  We all walk a tightrope annually with these decisions.  I now pay a substantial amount from my paycheck whereas I had very low payroll deductions at work when I was eligible for ADAP.  At least I can handle it but I worry about restrictions, cuts and higher premiums, etc. down the road like everyone else, another reason we need universal health care here as our many friends abroad enjoy. 

Enjoy your iced teas this summer Alan, and be well my friend.

Jody :)
"Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world".
 "Try to discover that you are the song that the morning brings."

Grateful Dead

Offline AlanBama

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #28 on: July 06, 2011, 10:44:52 am »
Well, it seems that the one most predictable thing about Alabama's ADAP program, is that it is totally unpredictable!  I got my meds yesterday, and they included lipitor, buproprion, Valtrex and my HIV meds !
Paxil was the only one MIA.

Ahh, the life of a LTS.   You definitely learn to roll with the punches....

BTW, this $2.50 'catastrophic' copay thing is fantastic.   I got a Rx for my testosterone last week, so I can take the injections at home, and save a trip to Birmingham.   Rx and syringes cost:  $3.26

As you may have deduced, it doesn't take a whole lot to make me happy  ;D
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline leatherman

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #29 on: July 06, 2011, 12:36:48 pm »
good news there AB! Glad to hear you got those meds :-*
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline BT65

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Re: I knew it was coming...
« Reply #30 on: July 07, 2011, 07:36:45 am »
Oh, I'm glad you were able to get those meds.  I hope you can get your Paxil without any trouble. 
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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