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Just how important is Asacol as maintenance?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 10/18/2007 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
I am self employed and JUST last month got onto a plan that covers prescription drugs. Previously I had been on the "catastrophic" plan which covers everything but drugs, pretty much. That plan was under $100 a month, but had a good size deductible.

In the immediate future, I was looking forward having Asacol covered. And I was glad to know that whatever happened with this dd (say I need Remicade?) that I would be taken care of.

Today I got notice that my monthly rate would now be $322. It was to be $260 before and and I honestly wasn't sure how I was going to afford THAT. Now I'm sure I cannot afford the new rate. I want to go back to the catastrophic plan but this means I won't be able to go on Asacol, which is about $200 a month.

They said I could go back to the Catastrophic Plan and go back onto this Individual Plan later, but it would have to be during open enrollment (this time of year).

Sorry this is so long...I am so bummed. I love being self employed as I can be home with my daughter (and let's face it - going to work sucks). I don't want to have to take a full time job just to get insurance, and lose all I've worked for building my clientèle. I'm just so bummed.
Posted 10/18/2007 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
keep the insurance. i'm self-employed, too, and there's no way i'd drop mine if i had crohn's. just too risky if you can only sign back up during certain times of the year. 

Post Edited (njmom) : 10/18/2007 4:35:51 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/19/2007 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
I take Asacol and it keeps things in check very well FOR me. I once tried to stop taking it thinking I no longer needed (just had had surgery) and it caused me all kinds of problems. Went back on them and everything settled right back down.

Seems with your insurance you can't win for losing. Geesh!
Posted 10/19/2007 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
:-)  

What is is with insurance companies and their "open enrollment" periods? I think it's crap that a person can only change their coverage 1x per year. Seems really stupid to me, but once again is proof that the patient ends up cow-towing to the big insurance companies wants, not the other way around as it should be. Big business runs this country, I'm sorry...but it sucks!

Posted 10/19/2007 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on Asacol for a year and half. I tried going off of it one time, and well I flared. I don't miss a dose now. Of course it's a medication, and we all know that medications work differently for everyone. For me it's very important to take.

Honestly I couldn't imagine not having good insurance with this disease. All of my medications, doctors appointments, and yes hospital stays. We pay quite a bit a month for our family to have it (over $300 too). I know it can be hard to afford, but I know I can't afford to pay out of pocket for medical bills so we find a way. Good luck, insurance just stinks I know!
Posted 10/19/2007 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
You should keep the insurance any way you can, because an unforseen problem may arise.  you may get an obstruction or something like that that needs emergency/expensive treatment.

I do understand that sometimes it just isnt possible. If that is the case, and you are not allergic to sulfer, I suggest switchin to Sulfersalazine, as it is extremely cheap. I did that when I was between jobs. The Asacol was $300 a month without insurance. Just remember you will need an additional prescrip for folic acid to take with it.

Posted 10/19/2007 6:28 PM (GMT 0)

killerzoey,

just wondering -- why do you assume you will be on Asacol for maintenance? it's not going to help your Crohn's of the stomach, because it doesn't release until it reaches the terminal ileum and colon.

Posted 10/19/2007 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
If you or anyone needs Asacol and can't afford it/don't have insurance, the company that makes it has a prescription assistance program. That's how I've been getting mine for a while now. Go to

www.pgpharma.com

and click on the Patient Assistance Program link for all the info on how to apply and to see if you are eligible. It never hurts to try.
Posted 10/19/2007 8:12 PM (GMT 0)

killerzoey said...

Today I got notice that my monthly rate would now be $322. It was to be $260 before and and I honestly wasn't sure how I was going to afford THAT.
They said I could go back to the Catastrophic Plan and go back onto this Individual Plan later, but it would have to be during open enrollment (this time of year).

I work for a small company and my insurance for just myself through them is $350+. I'm probably older than you, but that premium isn't so bad considering it's a personal policy and you have CD.  I know it still makes it hard to pay, but just wanted you to know that the amount is not way out of line. 
Posted 10/19/2007 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with the others. It REALLY sucks but maintenence drugs are SO important for us. At least for me. I use pentasa, the sister of asacol and I know it helps me. You never know when you are going to need another rx drug and most are expensive. I say stick w/ the plan and try to work a couple extra hours per week to pay for it.
Posted 10/19/2007 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
Alas, I must agree to what everyone else has said. If you were to have a flare, think of the cost then. Not to mention, would everything be covered. Not to mention, insurance companies love, when they change plans, to consider things preexisting and not cover them fully or until after a specified time...
I've also been off my meds for a couple of days, especially after the remicade worked so well. Wow, as I ever taught a lesson. In the bathroom every couple of minutes.
Also, flare free mommy sounds so good.
Posted 10/21/2007 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
Browyeyedgirl, thank you SO MUCH for that information. I really appreciate it. I had no idea that I could perhaps get help from P & G for Asacol.

njmom, I also have colon inflammation. Proctitis, actually. I'm just now realizing this, somehow, after personally sorting through my summer diagnostic tests (could a doctor perhaps have done this?) So I may also need mes. suppositories and/or enemas, not sure. I'm going to go over all this with my Dr. tomorrow at my scheduled appointment.

Thank you everyone for your input. It will help me decide : )
Posted 10/22/2007 3:18 AM (GMT 0)

Hey killerzoey,

You are so welcome! I wish you luck and hope that you are able to get it. Please let us know.

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