Employer changed insurers, new one doesn't cover Asacol HD or Delzicol. Need advice

UCinGV

Veteran Member

Joined : Mar 2007

Posts : 533

Posted 11/19/2013 6:02 AM (GMT 0)

My employer switched to United Healthcare which tells me they don't cover Asacol HD nor Delzicol (They say they do cover Asacol but that's not longer manufactured. . .)

I have a phone number where I can call to file an appeal. Does anyone have advice on how to do this? What should I say or not say?

Thanks in advance.

momto2boys

Veteran Member

Joined : Jun 2013

Posts : 2651

Posted 11/19/2013 12:53 PM (GMT 0)

Ugh, sorry to hear that.
What drugs do the cover? There are other choices. I think calling them and finding out what the appeal process is and what your options are is a good place to start. I wonder if they are even aware that asacol is not available.

garylouisville

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2012

Posts : 9088

Posted 11/19/2013 2:07 PM (GMT 0)

They usually do a thorough relisting of meds once per year so that is probably why they still have regular Asacol on there even though it is no longer available. You may have to get the help of your doctor's office to cover the HD. They may get farther than you. It's kind of ridiculous to cover regular Asacol but not the HD version. After all, it is probably double the price but you take half the pills. Good luck.

Lonie

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2005

Posts : 6448

Posted 11/19/2013 2:20 PM (GMT 0)

I was on Asacol for about two years and doing well. After it was discontinued, my doctor prescribed Pentasa, two 500 mg capsules three times a day. I'm doing very well on it.

deltaforce

Veteran Member

Joined : Jun 2010

Posts : 2373

Posted 11/19/2013 3:00 PM (GMT 0)

Either check with the neighboring pharmacies (aka Canadian pharmacies) or ask your GI to change the medications.
Sulfasalazine is the cheapest, if you are not sensitive to sulfa drugs.

notsosicklygirl

Forum Moderator

Joined : Dec 2008

Posts : 17890

Posted 11/19/2013 4:27 PM (GMT 0)

Lialda is pretty much the same too. Apriso also may be an option. are either of those covered? Could be worth trying.

MikeSoCal

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2013

Posts : 303

Posted 11/19/2013 9:07 PM (GMT 0)

I was going to say the same thing as notsosicklygirl, Lialda and possibly Apriso. My insurance for next year is only covering 50% of AsacolHD and Delzicol, instead of it only costing $50 like it did this year.

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply