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Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Insurance, Benefits Programs & HIV => Topic started by: gorka on July 16, 2017, 12:53:24 pm

Title: Insurance co pay
Post by: gorka on July 16, 2017, 12:53:24 pm
Hello forum.  I am currently in Bactigravir study and looks like the study will end within a year or so.  after the study is over I will have to start paying for my own meds.  i have insrance plan where evrything below 1500 is out of my pocket.  do u know if I would be better off actually starting triumeq or decovy and dolutegravir and apply for card rebate (not usre  what its called) from VIV and Gilead so that first 1,5K is rebated back to me?  Not sure what would be the best option financially to me. 
Title: Re: Insurance co pay
Post by: Ptrk3 on July 16, 2017, 12:59:56 pm
There may be several options available to you, which could reduce the cost of your HIV antiretroviral medication to $0 (co-pay assistance cards, when applicable).  Access this link and peruse the information within it:

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/drug-assistance-programs
Title: Re: Insurance co pay
Post by: gorka on July 16, 2017, 02:13:17 pm
Thanks for the link.  Looks like I would be better off financially pulling out of study even now since I have to front all the cost up to 1500 and with co payment asistance card that would help offset most of it.
Title: Re: Insurance co pay
Post by: Ptrk3 on July 16, 2017, 02:21:52 pm
Do what's best for you of course, but not sure why it would be better off that you pull out of a study that provides you "free" meds now (I presume, from the context of your post).  The co-pay assistance cards and other assistance vehicles will be there for you when the trial is over.
Title: Re: Insurance co pay
Post by: gorka on July 16, 2017, 02:54:25 pm
hi ptrk3 currently for any other issues I have to see the dr I have to pay everything out of pocket.  if I met my deductible earlier on by buying meds insurance would kick in before.  I am on the fence though since I am doing OK in the study so may stick it out till the end and to help the study. but I would be better financially if I was actually taking triumeq and getting copay assistance. 
Title: Re: Insurance co pay
Post by: Ptrk3 on July 16, 2017, 02:59:13 pm
Got it.  I understand the situation you are in.
Title: Re: Insurance co pay
Post by: MitchMiller on July 19, 2017, 06:03:36 pm
Gorka:  Why not complete the study, then decide what's best for you.  You don't have to stay on the same medications you were on in the study.

I was in the Epzicom study (way back when) and when it ended, I discontinued Epzicom and moved to a cheaper alternative.
Title: Re: Insurance co pay
Post by: gorka on July 19, 2017, 08:12:55 pm
I am thinking of doing that but bactigravir combo  does not appear to have any advantage over DTG and Descovy so I may as well switch to that now and start getting my co pay covered through meds rebate. that way I would be covered completely and now I have to pay out of pocket until 1500 and thats when insurnace kicks in.