Paying for Truvada, Atazanavir and Norvir

[h2ap]

Hi-

I was diagnosed almost a year ago, and my viral load has been high (100,000+) for about six months now. My CD4 was 386 in Dec 08, and my doctor strongly recommended that I start meds soon. So he wrote me a prescription for Norvir, Atazanavir and Truvada. I'm sad about that because when I was first diagnosed, my doctor said people usually go for years without meds, sometimes over 10 years, and I was infected only in the past  1-2 years. And I'm pretty scared of side effects.

I'm a full time grad student living off student loans in NY, and have no income and no assets. I have health insurance through school but it only pays a few thousand dollars a year max for prescription drugs. I noticed that there's ADAP administered by the State of NY, and also various drug companies' prescription assistance programs. What are the differences? Which ones should I apply for? (I'd much rather have pharmaceuticals foot the bill than the government if possible.)

Also, I was hoping to study abroad next year (for 4 months or so) in the Netherlands, and I was wondering if anyone had any info regarding the health care system and how much prescription drugs cost in the Netherlands.

Thank you!

[aztecan]

Hey H2ap

First. I think your doctor is quite correct about starting meds. Don't feel badly because you didn't go for years without meds. Some people do, some don't. Its the luck of the draw, so to speak.

Don't worry about side effects until you experience them. Some folks do very well and have few or none. You never hear from them because there is no "news."

Given your numbers, I would certainly want to start soon, were it me. The goal is to keep you healthy and one of the best ways to do that would be to make sure your immune system doesn't get gutted before you start meds.

Regarding how to pay for the meds. I don't know what part of New York you are in, but I'm pretty sure there is an ASO (AIDS Service Organization) near you.

There is tool at Poz.com that can help you find one using your zip code.

That would be my first step. It sounds like you won't exceed any income limits, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Regarding pharma assistance, it could possibly help you. But also keep in mind if you have insurance, which you do, albeit less then optimal, that may exclude you from assistance.

A case manager would be best suited to guide you because he/she will know the programs available to you in your location.

I hope this helps.

HUGS,

Mark

[caregiver2008]

Hi H2ap,

Mark has given you great info re: paying for meds.  ASO is your greatest resource and greatest help in helping pay for meds, emotional support, and helping you w/ other services you may require.

Hang in there...there is help out there!

[androg]

hey h2ap:

can't figure out PMing here.  I may have info on ADAP/APIC in NY you might find useful.  Feel free to PM me again with another address and I can tell you about APIC (good if you already have insurance) or ADAP if that's what you need.

/androg

[Ann]

can't figure out PMing here. 

Hi Androg, welcome to the forums.

Members cannot see/use the PM facility here until they've posted at least three times (this weeds out spammers) so you're good to go now. You'll see a PM link under your name in any left-hand column on any page.

Ann