[torimooney]

part D drug coverage question

by torimooney on Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:18 pm

Unfortunatley i have prgressed into multiple myeloma since i last posted an insurance question. I am hoping someone can shed some light or guidance here. I will be eligible for Medicare June 1 and have signed up with original Medicare and have chosen a medigap policy from Blue Shield plan F, effective June 1. I must choose a part D prescription coverage plan. The problem is I was just diagnosed with multiple myeloma at NIH just last week and will see Dr. Berenson in LA June 5th. I currently have Kaiser without drug coverage. I do not want to start meds until I go under Dr. Berenson’s care. I don’t know what if any drugs I will be taking so I am unable to plug into the Medicare web site the names, dosages, and frequency of medications in order to choose the appropriate part D plan. My insurance agent has no answer for me. What are the “ usual “ meds given to a newly diagnosed patient with multiple myeloma. I was told I would need to start bisphosphonates so I know a zometa like medication will be ordered. If anyone knows of a part D Medicare drug plan that is good, can you please comment. i live in the San Diego area but need a prescription plan that has national coverage as we will be living in different areas of the country.
thanks again.

[utter9319]

Re: part D drug coverage question

by utter9319 on Thu May 03, 2012 1:55 pm

Blue Medicare RX (pdp) has been good for my husbands care. He is currently on Revlimid after coming out of remission. The website is http://www.bcbsok.com. We live in OK so I would make sure you see if there is a comparison for the state you are in.

[Utter9319]

Re: part D drug coverage question

by Utter9319 on Thu May 03, 2012 1:59 pm

In additon we were told not to take a medicare replacement program but a medicare supplement plan...they pay for the services you need better. You might want to check and see what kind of plan yours is and if it is a replacement program compare them. The replacement programs sometimes limit your choice of physicians and have limitaitons on coverage. You have more freedom of choice of physicians with a supplemental plan.

[suzannekelley]

Re: part D drug coverage question

by suzannekelley on Thu May 03, 2012 2:03 pm

I think Revlimid will probably be your most costly med now. It is outrageouly expensive. My blue cross policy did not cover it but some do. Id check how they cover Revlimid and what your yearly cap is.

[Louise777]

Re: part D drug coverage question

by Louise777 on Thu May 03, 2012 5:00 pm

We have BC/BS Mediblu Plus and live in NY. Revlimid is very expensive. Plan pays 80% and insured pays 20% which comes to over $2,000 every 14 days until you reach the donut hole. Somewhere after the donut whole, you go into "catastrophic coverge" and plan pays 95%. You pay about $260 a month. Same for Velcade and Dexamethasone. No matter how you cut it, it's expensive. There is no cost for the Plus program over and above what they take out from your social security for medicare.

The Plus program includes a dental plan (just cleaning and exrays) and vision (exam 1x year and glasses every 2 years). I bought a separate dental plan (EDP) and it is excellent. Pays for itself and costs under $300 a year for the entire family.

I have been looking for a better drug coverage plan but cannot find one that includes specialty drugs for chemo. Someone told me to reasearch "Cancer Insurance Policy" on Google but I have not yet had a chance. If I find any good info I will post it. Hope all on this list will do the same.

Louise