Anyone else with United Health Care having this issue?

[aredmosquito]

I have group health insurance through United Health Care, thanks to a decent employer. At the end of 2013 I got a letter from UHC that stated they would no longer accept any manufacturer copay assistance or coupons for my medication (Rebif) as of 1/1/2014. The letter stated that those discounts "do not truly save patients money."

They then asked patients to talk to their doctors about switching to a lower-cost option. My options listed were Avonex, Copaxone, Betaseron, and Tecfidera (not sure why that is on a lower tier than Rebif - weird).

Long story short, I have been on Rebif less than a year. It seems to be working and I am not comfortable switching medications. The specialty pharmacy gave me the number for a couple assistance programs, which happen to currently have no money for multiple sclerosis patient assistance.

I was just wondering if anyone else had this issue. My copay skyrocketed from $0 to $60/month!

[KatW]

Hi Ared, Im going to try to answer your question even though I don't have United Health Care and I am not an insurance specialist. If I am wrong, I'm hoping someone will correct me.

I believe some insurance companies have some sort special of deals, contracts, or rebates with the pharmacy companies. That contract, deal, or rebate may have changed effective 2014. I would try to call Rebif directly. They should have more info on this issue and should be able to give you some options for payment.

Sorry this is going on. I hope you get some answers.

[laurasari]

I have united health care. I can't figure out why Tecfidera which was a teir 5 $75 copay on my last insurance and is a tier 2 $20 copay after deductible is met on UHC. but I got Tecfidera to help with my $3000 out of pocket no coupon just they pay the money to the specialty pharmacy. You might want to see if you if the drug company can help without the insurance company being involved.
Good luck
Laurie

[Alicious]

UHC (my plan, anyhow) used to take copay assistance on Rebif, Aubagio, Copaxone, and Avonex. Last year when I started Tecfidera I was told they wouldn't let me use copay assistance, but only for this med. Any other was still OK. This went on for months, and come October, the drug company reached a deal with UHC where they would then allow it going forward. I now have copay assistance for Tec.

Long story, but I'd call the drug company and ask them if they are working on a deal with UHC. UHC is apparently giving people grief over these assistance plans lately, but the drug company may know where things are at in the negotiations.

[its2much]

UHC

I have dealt with several health insurance companies over the years and by far, UHC is the most difficult to deal with. I feel their staff is poorly trained and rude. Customer service is horrible.