Thanks Biogen

[bree2013]

US BIO called said I would receive my tec. on Thursday. Since I am in my washout period Dr. said to start taking it July 16. so I have awhile to wait.

At least you have time in case it doesn't get to you by Thursday.

Good luck when you start!

[talulah]

After being off DMD for 17 months I am on the verge of BG12.

I went off Copaxone last February and have had many issues trying to get started on something else.

Was going to be Gilenya then neuro thought I should hold out for Tec.

Now, Friday, I got a call from MS Active Source that my copay would be $1796.13!

They also thought I was on Medicare.

I have my own insurance.

I am so worried that I am finally going to start something then get hit with a huge bill.

I had to tell her not to ship anything until it is all straightened out.

So frustrating!

I am completely numb when I got the lucky call that I could have the $10 copay - my copay is over $2800 - but they only do it up to $10,000! So do I try it for three months and then hope something else comes up to reduce the copay or just not even try?

[hope32]

I have BCBS and have been wondering what the cost and coverage are like for BG12. I guess there's some good and bad, eh? Thanks to all of you who shared your experiences in this thread!

[nettiel]

If u read the Tec patient info, it clearly says "any patient taking this drug, regardless of income, will pay no more than $10 copay per month AS LONG AS THEY REMAIN ON THE DRUG (except those covered by Medicare).

Hope this info puts some of you at ease.....

I HAVE BCBS & MEDICARE, DOES THAT MEAN I CANT GET IT

[Tapdancer]

I have Medicare. I was first told that I would have zero copay but that I would need to submit tax return. this I did, on May 10. they sent me the Tec the day after the phone call. Today I got another letter asking for tax returns. Call Active Source (the number on the letter) and the woman at the other end told me to re-submit referencing a case number. I am now on Day 36. I think the worst is over and would hate to be pulled off this drug. Would hate that this miserable feeling for so long would be for nothing.

[MSer]

I wish there was some good news for us with Medicare. I'm still waiting for my dr. to tell me what's going on with my prescription. It's been months since it was submitted.

I waited 6 weeks for Medicare to finally approve it. I wish I did not have medicare! My cost right now is 245/month. It will go way up to 100% that I need to cover at the beginning of the year. I will be getting it on Tuesday, but the cost is going to really hurt since I can't work and my husband has been out of work for 3 years! It would be so nice to pay the 10/month.

[ladybug162]

I have BCBS too and would have had to pay a $100 copay that got reduced to $10 through Biogen. That was such a relief!

[Steelerfan09]

so strange? i have BC/BS wellmark of iowa and i just called yesterday and asked if i would have any problems trying to be prescribed on tecfidera and they said absolutly not. they understand no matter what drug i use for MS, they know i need to be slow it down. Maybe Texas and Iowa need to talk and get them to approve people in texas!

[Leeaura]

Wanted to let you know what Biogen's written patient info says:

As long as patient is not on Medicare, EVERY patient will pay no more than $10 a month for Tec REGARDLESS of income FOR AS LONG AS THEY ARE TAKING TEC!

If u want to see this for yourself, ask your doc or Biogen for the patient brochure!

[Abundant Life]

Not everyone on insurance qualifies for $10 copayment

I have United Healthcare and was so happy to hear about the $10 copayment since I'm on complete disability. When they called to get me enrolled, they asked how many people were in my household and our annual income. All we have is disability income, but I was told we made too much for the number of people in the household and I didn't qualify. When I questioned the fact "regardless of income" they informed me that United Healthcare required it to be need based, so I'm paying a monthly $90 copayment. Our income is 1/3 of what it was, but it's "too much". I have no idea how little United Healthcare thinks qualifies you (I'm in Georgia).

[durgastiger]

@Abundant

Have you tried contacting the MS Society or a local disability advocacy group? Does Georgia have a good Social Services Government agency?

Every MSer should be working their local Social Services and advocacy groups to move toward a medicine they and their doctor feel they need to be on regardless of cost.

Let me know if you need a hand ... I know some groups that can help.