Wellness

[GarlandGal]

Thank you again to everyone who provided suggestions and support in response to my question about paying for Humira earlier this week.

I was contacted a few days ago (Tuesday afternoon) by a clinical pharmacist from my Rheumatolist's office - it was completely unexpected - and she offered to help me apply for help through AbbVie Assist. She sent me the application, guided me through completion, and then submitted it for me on Wednesday afternoon. I just got an email this afternoon, Friday, saying my application was approved and that I was eligible to receive the medication for the rest of 2021. In 2022 I'll have to apply again, assuming the medication works for me. It's such a relief!!!

The pharmacist, who provides this same service to patients for 3 medical specialists, says that she's ever only had a few patients be declined - usually because of the patient's income.The income threshold for single people, my status, is generally $77,000. I forget what she said it would be for people in multi-income households. It seems, most people on Medicare are approved.

In case it would be of interest, I did have to submit lot of info: my most recent tax return, my monthly income, my monthly medical insurance and prescription costs, as well as my current total "cash" assets - bank accounts, retirement savings, investments, etc. The value of homes, cars and other belongings are not included. No documentation was requested for my income or assets.

Again, many thanks to everyone who expressed interest, shared ideas and offered support!

[Mindy D]

@GarlandGal @This is the same program I mentioned in my post. I'm glad you got so much help...even with the application part. Good customer service from your doctor's office..

Did you have to provide the entire copy of the tax return? Were you permitted the white out the security code that the IRS provided you with, if you were given one from them? 

[cookie16]

So happy to hear that things worked out for you too.  These forums can be so helpful and informative.  

[Kachina624]

@GarlandGal   Thanks so much for this follow-up.  It's so nice to know the outcome of a problem we've become interested in.  Perhaps the information you shared will help someone else. 

After all that, I hope the meds work for you.  Good luck. 

[GarlandGal]

@Mindy D, I hadn't had a chance to contact AbbVie, per your suggestion, when I got the call from the doctor's office. You were right on!

Regarding the application, I scanned and submitted the first 5 pages of my 2020 tax return. I don't have a security code from the IRS - at least I don't think so!

[Lostandscared]

Thanks so much for info ! I will check into that. I was aproved for a drug called Actemra, an infusion,  but after looking  at info about this drug, i have many concerns. I would rather be on Humira or Remicade. best of luck....let us know how it works on you !

[Love my grandkids]

@GarlandGal  WONDERFUL NEWS!!! and so great that you got the assistance you needed without a lot of stress on your part. I am very very happy for you and wish you all the best.

[Tinkrbl44]

@GarlandGal 

So glad it worked out.   

There are several rather expensive drugs out there that seem to be used by older people ... many of whom are on fixed incomes, so what's the point if they can't even afford the co-pays?

What has evolved is various "foundations" that can arrange FREE medication.   Even if someone is getting a major tax write-off, (I say so what?),  free medication is huge. 

[NittyNat]

Humira is over $2000 per month unless you have good insurance.  Medicare advantage doesn't pay the whole amount either and the copays are still very expensive.   I  have been a member of the AbbVie assist program for years and always had a good experience with them.  Everything is confidential and I never had any worries about income verification.  
Good Luck with Humira.

[ccassaday]

I get my Taltz through the lily foundation. The doctors office did all the work for me too. When I was on Humira I used the prescription co pay card and always got it for free. It's nice to have thd specialty pharmacy in the doctors office that does all the work.