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Off my meds because I can't afford them!

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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 8/6/2012 8:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi! I'm brand new here and I just need some support. It's 4am now and I haven't slept. I am on disability, and because of some new rules re: SSD, there is now a deductible (sp?) of over $500.00/mo for my prescritions, my psychiatrist and theapist. I haven't seen them or taken my meds in two months. I am stuggling with my BPD in that I am now depressed again and can't sleep at night but sleep all day. I am so sad and there is no hope in sight. I am at the end of my rope financially, and spiritually. I went on an interview to do some volunteer work, but now I'm not sure I can go thru with it. I don't even have the gas money to get to the hospital for the work. I'm sad, depressed, feeling hopeless and helpless all over again. The meds were a Godsend; they kept me stable for almost a year. I've been on many meds in the past, had six ECT treatments, but this current round of meds (Lamictal, Abilify, Zoloft and Klonopin) really had me feeling well! I have been on SSD for going on a year, can't find a job, now not sure I could keep one anyway. Sorry for the rant; I don't know where else I can talk about this and get feedback.

Thanks for reading -

Jean

Posted 8/6/2012 12:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jean (((hugs)))

Treatment is expensive and you are not alone struggling to pay for it! Here is a list of things to do to get your medication and treatment affordably. I hope this lifts your mood and give you hope for the future!

Are you on Medicare?

Have you gone to your County's Human Services department? Many offer free mental health care for low income people.

Have you applied for free medication from the manufacturer? (I know Lamictal and Abilify's manufacturers have this program.)

Call your psychiatrist and tell them you can't afford your medications. You might get free medication in sample packs.

If nothing else works, take the WalMart $4/month rx list to your Dr and tell him/her that those are the only meds you can afford.
Posted 8/6/2012 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, tortoise11 -
Thank you for the advise. I am on Medicare; that is the SSD benefit package. I will try the list you supplied, starting with the manufacturer. At least that is something I can do from home. Some of it is just getting motivated enough to try. Pomona, NY has all of the County's social services in the same complex, so I'll try to get money for gas so I can get there. Maybe there is something they can do. I will call my doc too.
Thanks again -
Jean
Posted 8/6/2012 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
Are you using government Medicare?  Did you apply for the "Extra Help" program from government medicare?  I have the Extra Help program and I only pay $6/month/prescription.  No copay for my psychiatrist.  I have to switch therapists, so I don't know yet if I'll have a co-pay for that.

You should be able to get all your county information online too.  I hate going into government buildings!  Here is your county website:  http://rocklandgov.com/  I'm having a hard time navigating it.

Good luck!  :)

Posted 8/6/2012 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you again. I went to the Gov't offices as I am eligable for food stamps. Went to the store and the card did not work! Big *sigh*. Thanks for the link too.
Jean
Posted 8/7/2012 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
Tortoise:
I am eligible for Medicare in September. I haven't seen anything about "Extra Help". Is that different than the prescription program that you pay for? Any info you could provide would be appreciated.
Posted 8/7/2012 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, it is separate. I got a letter in the mail shortly after enrolling with a Medicare HMO. It was a nice surprise! It just said something like "we think you are eligible, please apply."
Posted 8/11/2012 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to update...I have been able to meet my spenddown and now have an appointment with my pdoc on Monday! Only two more days to go! The panic attacks have been unbearable; no mania so far, but the depression has gotten very bad. So looking foward to the Klonopin which takes affect right away, and the others to take away this awful sadness.
Thank you Tortoise for all of your advise; it gave me the push I needed to get my paperwork done in order to finish the endless red tape.
Posted 8/11/2012 9:23 PM (GMT 0)
this might be another option.

www.needymeds.org

I hope that it helps...

Hugs...

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