I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Off-Topic => Off-Topic: Talk about anything you want. => Topic started by: Wayne on September 26, 2008, 02:07:11 PM
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I am not sure whether this is a blessing or not...well it is but let me explain. We have always had our insurance through my wife's job, mainly because she has been there for a long time, and their coverage has always been better and cheaper than any of my employers. Anyway, the company she works for starts to pay your co-pays after you reach a certain level out of pocket during the year, which most employees typically don't reach. I believe it is based on a percentage of the employee's income, but I am not sure what that number is. About 5 years ago, we actually hit the limit on my prescrips. My wife was probably making about half of what she is now and I was on cellcept and some other meds, which if I recall correctly, my copay was like 100 dollars per refill on each of those. Well this year, I think only one of my meds are not generic, only Nexium I think, so most of my copays are between 5 and 10 dollars each. :oops; I forgot about the procrit! Well, I went to pick up a prescrip today, and they said we had reached our out of pocket so it was free. Now I realize that is awesome that her company picks up our end of the tab, but on the other side, isn't it scary to think that 9 months into the year, I have filled so many prescriptions that we have reached our out of pocket? ??? Seems kind of crazy. Of course, as many of you know, that procrit isn't cheap, now that I think about it, that is probably the bulk of our out of pocket. Please don't misunderstand what I am saying, I do feel it is a blessing that we have good insurance, but again, it is just scary to put into perspective that we have spent that much on prescrips...and I am not on d or even had a transplant yet!
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Can you imagine what it must be like for people who don't have good coverage for medications?
I hear stories of people cutting dosages in 1/2 to make medications last longer or people with transplants who can't afford to buy the anti-rejection meds once the 3 year post transplant coverage is up with Medicare. Thank goodness your wife has excellent health insurance. Make sure you don't lose it. Yes, kidney disease treatment can be very expensive.
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Yes it is very scary how much it cost to have kidney failure. I have insurance though my employer and i also have medicare. Medicare being secondary. Never had to use The medicare because my private insurance covers me 100%. I tell all the guys at work not to complain about the $148.00 premiums because they are worth every cent when you need it.