Over the past few weeks I've noticed
that my compound creams have started to lose their potency, so I
called in to have them both refilled (I have two: one for my neck and
one for my ankles). Here is where the fun begins...
Back in September, I received two letters
from my insurance company stating that they would no longer be covering
compound creams with certain medications in them. Of course, among
those listed, were quite a few that I noticed were ingredients in
both my creams. Oh joy.
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| The medications that are no longer covered |
I called the pharmacy that handles my ankle cream and told
them that before they refilled my prescription that I would like to
know how much my cost would be since my insurance coverage had
changed. The customer service person quoted me $55 for 4oz of the “cash alternative”. Not too bad! I had heard horror stories of
prescription pain creams that were over one thousand dollars out of
pocket. I considered myself lucky and was thrilled at my new price.
Then I asked what the difference was between this “cash
alternative” and my original prescription. I got put on hold as he
didn't know the answer.
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| The inserts that came with my pain creams |
When the pharmacist picked up, she told
me that my new cream would be almost as effective as the original
one, because some of the ingredients were different in this new one
and the percentages of the medications used would be lessened to
allow for cost savings. Umm, would this really be effective for me
considering all these changes? I mean, it's not like I have a little
tennis elbow or something. Hmm. So I asked how much the out of
pocket cost would be if I just got my original prescription instead
of the “cash alternative”. I mean, my current cream seems to be
working just fine...it takes the edge off most days. And even though
I still have some pain that I have to deal with, it does help. I was
put back on hold again.
This time the customer service guy came
back on to quote me my out of pocket cost...
$2263.39
Holy. Fuck.
Well, I guess that's why I've heard
crazy rumors about the outstanding costs of compound pain
creams...because they are fucking true! This is outrageous! My jaw
is still on the floor from shock.
Sooo....I'm going with the $55 “cash
alternative” cream. Shocker! I figure that it's worth a try...and
what other choice do I really have? It's either this, or I start
taking narcotic pain killers for my pain. And I really don't want to
do that!
And the compound cream that I use for
my neck...I don't have an estimate on that cost yet since there were
no more refills on that prescription and my doctor denied a refill
over the phone. I have an appointment next week to see her and we
will discuss what my options are if I cannot affordably get the same
cream as before. Cross your fingers that she has some reasonable
answers and options! I don't think I can handle another $2000 quote.
On a related note...
I would just like to say “thank you”
to all of the sleazy politicians who have made my health care MORE
affordable. You're doing a bang up job.
And fuck the FDA.
