| Author |
Message |
Linda
Member
Username: Angelfish
Post Number: 10
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2012 - 10:17 am: | 
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Hi folks, Glad to see you are still out there! It has been years...
I am in the process of changing insurance (no choice; long story) from a policy that has covered Prograf to Medicare plus supplement. It turns out that the supplementary plans for Part D (medications) tend not to cover Prograf, just the generic tacro. I took the generic when it first came out and my liver enzymes said my liver was not happy. Right now Blue Cross/ Blue Shield covers Prograf here in Kentucky, but none of the other private companies do (only the generic) which makes me wonder if the Blues will drop it too. Apparently the old Medicare Advantage Plan covers it, but that plan has much higher deductibles and copays, not the best choice for people who get a lot of medical care. The questions: Does anyone know what has been happening with Prograf coverage, in general, since the generic came out? Has anyone switched, had difficulties, but seen the numbers even out after a while? Someone told me when the generic first came out that some hospitals did not let their patients take it. What is happening out there these days? (People here always have known more than my team!) Also thinking of calling Astellas. Thanks! Linda |
Jack
Forum Leader
Username: Johnhollenbach56
Post Number: 559
Registered: 12-2009
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2012 - 10:26 am: |
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Morning Linda, here is the Astellas page for Prograf - know they have a discount card you can get http://www.prograf.com/ there are also foundations that offer assistance (HealthWell helped me with Rapamune). Seems there are always challanges facing folks these days, good luck with the switch . . .
Stay well
Jack Hollenbach
Received double lung transplant August 2 & 3, 2007 for COPD at UCSD Thornton Hospital, San Diego, CA
Live each day to your fullest, for it is a gift to be treasured |
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Linda
Member
Username: Angelfish
Post Number: 11
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2012 - 10:38 am: |
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Thanks Jack. I am going to contact them. I have used the discount card for years now, but was told that you can't use it with Medicare coverage (!?)
You stay well too! |
Holly
Member
Username: Holly
Post Number: 570
Registered: 09-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, March 03, 2012 - 07:08 am: |
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Linda
Astellas should be able to help. I know I was told if you weren't on medicare when you were transplanted they wouldn't cover the meds? Don't know if that still stands. Astellas helps me due to low income which is truly appreciated!!!
Good Luck
Holly Mulkerin
Medina Ohio
Heart transplant 1/28/09 I have a Happy Heart
Be kind. Remember that everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. Harry Thompson
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Linda
Member
Username: Angelfish
Post Number: 12
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, March 04, 2012 - 10:59 pm: |
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I remember hearing that too, but it does not seem to be the case, unless I am reading wrong - or the insurance agent is reading wrong. We were tied up here with tornadoes, so did not get to make too many calls, but I will definitely call Astellas. Thanks!! |
papillonbleu
Forum Leader
Username: Papillonbleu
Post Number: 2169
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 06, 2012 - 08:27 am: |
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I have never checked out the Astellas card because I was given the impression I would not qualify because I receive Medicaid. I hope you can reach Astellas soon and get the answers you need. I hope that you can get the medication you need at a reasonable price and without too much of a struggle. It took me quite a few phone calls back and forth between my transplant team and the insurance to finally get them to cover the Prograf brand for me. Many hugs and best of wishes.
Bobbiejo
Forum Leader-Multivisceral
dx: GERD 1995, gastroparesis 2002, pseudo-obstruction of the bowel 2004
multivisceral transplant, 6 organs, 10/06/05
University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital
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