[Courtney CH]

Combination drug therapy and insurance

by Courtney CH on Tue Feb 21, 2012 1:53 pm

I was recently surprised when my Myeloma Doc indicated to me that it might be tough to get insurance approval for adding Thalidomide to the regimin of Velcade and Dex that I have been on. I had not heard of this being a problem before . It has me concerned whether it will be problematic to be able to use other less routine combinations. I was under impression that using combinations of drugs was main source for optimism for those of us who have relapsed a few times.. I am also concerned about how viable it will be to use FDA aproved drugs "off label". I am assuming drugs without FDA aproval will require participating in a clinical trial. I would appreciate feedback on what experience people here (patients, caregivers, physicians) have had with insurance companies with regard to paying for drug combinations. Thanks Joe

[Ron Harvot]

Re: Combination drug therapy and insurance

by Ron Harvot on Wed Feb 22, 2012 3:27 pm

I have been on combination therapy since I started treatment in Feb of 2009. I have been on Velcade, Revlimid, Dex and Aredia. I have had no issues with my insurance as I only have an annual deductible and small co-pays. ($14/month for 21 day supply - 28 day cycle of 10 mg Revlimid.) The Dex is only a $10 copy for 40 4 mg pills. Velcade is incorporated into the charge I get for the blood work that is done each time I get a Velcade shot. (Insurance covers 100% once I meet my annual deductible which includes all Dr. Visits).

I am fortunate that I have been able to work full time and maintained my very good employer coverage. I note that medicare pays much less and some employer plans are not as generous as mine.

Ron