Goodbye Xeljanz--- Hello again to Prednisone.

I would check with xeljanz manufacturer to see if they have a program. Once on Medicare we are not eligible for copay programs but some manufacturers have a free program for that. For instance I get my Aimovig migraine auto inject shots for free from Amgen. I used to get Apriso when I was on it. I know someone on Medicare and takes Humira who gets his for free.

One thing to consider — if you have a good supplemental ( F if it’s available, G if not) then infusion medications such as Remicade and Entyvio are covered under the Medicare side instead of prescription. So I pay $0 for my Entyvio infusions since I have Plan F supplemental.

There are ways to still get your medication! Don’t endanger your health by taking too much prednisone.

You probably should talk with your HR or benefits admin where you work. If you are not retiring you may be able to use your work insurance as the supplemental insurance for medicare. I am pretty sure that's how it works with my employer though I haven't really looked into yet as I am still a couple years from medicare.

No matter what, I agree with Flowers about the need to have a good supplemental policy. Medicare doesn't pay everything and IBD patients can have high medical costs from medications and procedures like colonoscopies. 20% (or whatever is left after medicare pays) cost sharing doesn't sound so bad until you do the math on meds and procedures that cost thousands.

Would not recommend "doing your own thing with prednisone." Not safe, extraordinarily risky. Have you checked with your doctor's office and/or Xeljanz manufacturer?

I urge you to double check that you will be automatically enrolled in part A of Medicare for hospital coverage. Unlike part B, most have to apply for part A.

Don't discount the VA for your medication. We went this route with my husband because of the insulin he takes is expensive. The first year he hit the donut hole fast. His dr basically wrote a letter of necessity & listed all of the insulins that he failed. His dr also gave him a script to give the VA & they have been providing him with his insulin with no problem. Now, he gets all of his medications through the VA without any issues.

Good luck.