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Has anyone gotten insurance to pay for VSL#3 DS, or other way to afford?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/5/2018 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone been able to get their insurance company to pay for VSL#3 DS (double strength)?

I have United Healthcare and they said "no".

I am getting really good results from it, taking it at the recommended 4 packs per day. I have gone from 10 to 15x per day down to about 3x per day. Occasionally I have a perfect day where I only go once. Occasional "perfect" poops, the kind you just want to stand up and salute before flushing. This stuff is *really* good for me.

The cost at this dose is about $900 per month. Wondering if anyone else found a way to afford it.
Posted 1/5/2018 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
Medical-foods are hard to get covered, and its really hit or miss with policies. You can try an appeal and see if you get anywhere with it. No tips or tricks that I'm aware of.

I was surprised my doctor got my insurance to pay for it a number of years back, but it was considered to be a non-formulary (non-preferred), highest tier with a large copay. They paid maybe 40% of the cost, and I paid the rest, but at least it helped with the cost-hurt. Unfortunately, VSL did nothing for me, so I gave it up after a few months of no improvement.
Posted 1/5/2018 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
iPoop: Did you take DS (double strength) 4 packets per day?
Posted 1/5/2018 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
I have UnitedHealth care and they cover mine.
Posted 1/5/2018 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
Michelejc - Can you give me any details of how you got this? I sent in a letter 2 days ago and this morning received a rejection - won't cover.
Posted 1/5/2018 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
I just had my doctor submit the prescription and it was fine.
Posted 1/5/2018 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
Michelejc - Do you know how long ago this was?

I'm wondering if you have a different plan that we do. On the bottom right of my card it says "UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus"
Posted 1/5/2018 5:59 PM (GMT 0)

Have UC said...
iPoop: Did you take DS (double strength) 4 packets per day?

Yes, no affect on me. All I got was incredibly bad flatulence, which would have led to a divorce had I kept taking them (my spouse was horrified by it lol).
Posted 1/5/2018 7:57 PM (GMT 0)

Have UC said...
Michelejc - Do you know how long ago this was?

I'm wondering if you have a different plan that we do. On the bottom right of my card it says "UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus"

that was a couple of years ago. I havent used it that much over the last year. My card just says UnitedHealthcare
Posted 1/6/2018 7:13 AM (GMT 0)
My GI prescribed VSL#3. Blue Cross of California would not cover it. But since they're covering Entyvio I am not complaining.
Posted 1/7/2018 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Never accept the first rejection. Try again with a "pretty please" letter from your doctor.
Posted 1/7/2018 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
I have UnitedHealthcare as well and they have covered it but I haven't had it filled in about a year. The script cost me $30 if I remember right
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