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Worldwide treatment (Gilenya)

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    Worldwide treatment (Gilenya)

    Hi all,

    I'm an 32 year old American female dx with MS 2 years ago. I've been taking Gilenya a little over a year now with minimal progression of the disease, but it hasn't easy fighting with insurance companies to maintain the drug. I am a dependent on my spouse's insurance and ever since I switched primary's, it's been one hassle after the other with them.

    I am very curious about how other country's health care systems are with regard to MS treatment, specifically Canada, the UK, France, Cuba or other countries that offer free healthcare to their citizens. We hear a lot about the so-called superiority of America with all the choices we have and competition in the marketplace to find the best rates, but I question that arrogance big time. I have talked to a few people from Canada, for example, who all seem to be very satisfied with their healthcare system that doesn't deny them coverage, emergency care, medicine, etc. simply because the insurance company doesn't want to pay for it. If you are from a country where health care is free, and you have MS, please shed some light on how you are doing with your health, the type of treatment you receive, the effectiveness of it and just the overall effectiveness of your healthcare system. Because the way things are going, my spouse and I are starting to consider changing citizenship, for the sake of our health.

    #2
    I'm US-based, and hope some people eventually answer, as I'd be very interested in finding out as well!

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      #3
      I live in Australia, and have been on Gilenya for almost three years. We have a prescription benefit scheme here, so that if you choose not to have insurance, the most you will pay is $35 for any script, including G.

      I see an MS specialist twice a year, but could see her as often as needed, even without insurance. There is no cost to me for this as I am a public patient. I often get two MRIs a year.

      Without private insurance, public patients may have to wait longer for non emergency surgeries. However, with an MS specialist on my side I have been told this will not be an issue for me.

      I had to see an Opthamologist last week for a non MS issue. My GP called through and I saw him the same day, so I guess if it is important they will treat you straight away.

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        #4
        Be aware that many, all? countries require a health certificate to become a resident. You can´t lie on it and with a MS diagnosis, the odds of being welcomed are low.

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          #5
          I have lived in Australia and now live in the UK whilst taking Gilenya.

          In Australia you can choose the treatment that you want and it is government funded. I started on betaferon and then switched to Gilenya

          I think I paid about $36 a month, it is lower if you are on disability.

          In the UK I pay about £20 a year, this would be free if I was on disability

          In both the uk and Australia you can choose your doctor, neuro etc

          I am not sure what healthcare is like in the us but it seems like there is a lot of hassle!

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