I got word from Enbrel today that my insurance basically sucks and there's no way I can afford what I would have to pay. I am so tired of all of this... I feel like I'm going to loose it any minute. I'm going to check out that needymeds.com and see what I can do. I've just been in a funk these past few days... so discouraged as I see and feel this awful disease spread more and more everyday. Most of the time I keep a pretty positive outlook on everything, but lately it's getting harder!
Sorry to be a downer, but I just need to vent. Thanks all,
Katie

Hey Katie, That stinks. Have you contacted the NPF to see if anyone there can help? What kind of Insurance do you have, maybe someone else on here has the same kind and can help......

I would urge you to not go through Amgen -- they use thier own pharmacy. They say that they will assist in insurance issues but Amgen uses an outside commercial mail order pharmacy that I have found is not working on getting the best deal for patients - do you have a Sam's club or COSTCO in your area. I have found they are the best in working with most insurances.

Katie,
I'm so sorry to hear that. I would try needymeds and there is one other place that someone posted a while ago, I will try to find it for you and send you a PM tomorrow....and definately call Joey @ 800.723.9166 he might have some ideas for you.
Hang in there and please don't feel defeated, we will try to find an option for you, perhaps a clinical trial at MGH or Brigham & Woman's I will check out those as well.
Karen

I would also call Enliven services and ask if there are any Enbrel studies in your area.
I hope it works out for you!

Hi, I'm sorry you are having such a rough time with the insurance company. I was going the suggest the same thing that a couple of other people did. See if there are any studies in you area. Some of those can last up to 6 months. Keep your head up. I know it gets hard sometimes. No matter what you happen to go though right now, always remember, that one day this will be a memory, that GOD is only using us. Keep your faith.

thanks everyone. I know it will work out. I woke up feeling much better- Today is a gorgeous day in Boston (despite the frustrating little setback with the Red Sox last night...) I'm not going to give up and let this disease steal any happiness from me. I'm going to check out every option I can- thanks for all of your suggestions. I will look into them all.
These boards have come to mean so much to me. None of us are alone in this!
Have a good day everyone,
GO RED SOX!!!
Katie :)

Hi Katie-
First let me tell you if I haven't posted it already, it was a pleasure meeting you , your sister (a fellow nurse) and her boyfriend. I am so sorry that you are so down about this situation with your meds. There is a thread here regarding alternative treatments that you might want to look at if you haven't already. I would link it to you but I am a dummy when it comes to things like that. I am lucky I can type! Maybe Mike will come along and do it for you.
Just know you are not alone.
Marie

Hi Katie:
You've gotten some great advice - keep fighting for the Enbrel! Don't give up.
Krista

Hi Katie,
I am going through the same thing as you. My insurance won't pay for Enbrel either. My Dr. faught with the E people about it and lost. The E people did call me and give me the name of a state programs that helps pay for RX. I live in Maryland, and Md does have state RX assistance programs. I called them and they sent me an application and they want to know about your finances. You can work and make decent money and still get ass. I'm not getting the Ass. yet, because I just applied a month ago. So, I'm paying for E right now $2,200.00 for a month supply of 50mg 2x a week. My boyfriend is having a heart attack every time we have to pay for it. I've had to pay for 3 months now. I know how frustrating it is to try to get help from the Ins. co. and the E people, all the phone calls . It seems like no one cares. Did you try to get your Ins. to cover it under major medical? Instead of through the RX.
Also, try to get a mail order RX company to work on it.
They will make all the phone calls to try to get your Ins. to pay for it. I'll pray for you. Good Luck!
Please let me know how it goes .
Tammy

I wish everyone the best in trying to get Enbrel or any other med they need. All I can say is that you have to keep fighting and looking. Just when you have given up all hope, then you will find your help. It is tough, but we all have to be tough and keep fighting. I have not found one person that suffers with P or PA that is not tough and gives up.
Keep fighting and I pray every day that everyone can get the help and meds they need.
T