That was what I wanted to say to the un-delightful, un-courteous specialty pharmacy rep who called yesterday to inform me that my copay for the drugs for this upcoming cycle would be $6639.41. Instead, I believe I said, I’m sorry, no that’s wrong, we have coverage. After she un-sweetly told me that I was wrong, that was the total, I have no coverage, I handed her off to my Husband, who has a background in healthcare. After a few short attempts to get our delightful rep to listen to him, he asked to speak with a supervisor. Who was apparently quite polite and sweet and helpful.
Except. We apparently have no coverage for injectibles. We switched plans at the end of last year and had ordered our meds for the Jan cycle under the old plan, and then did the procedures under the new one. So this is our first time trying to order injectibles under the new plan. And that kind, loving woman who first called me was quite right. We owe a lot of dough. Recall my previous post in which I mentioned that needing a high dose of drugs meant more packages…um, also means more dollars.
I am not complaining outright about this, I know that so many people have to pay completely out of pocket for allthingsivfrelated. But when one is under the assumption that she won’t have to, the initial reality is a hard hit. Who the HELL thought it was a smart idea to cover procedures (a trillion ultrasounds, retrieval, transfer) but not the very medication that makes said procedures possible? Dumb. Dumb dumb dumb.
7 Comments, Comment or Ping
Just stopped over from LFCA to say that I LOVE your blog title.
I’m sorry to read about your twins and I wish you the very best of luck with this cycle.
August 21st, 2009
Holy crap! I think I would have passed out if I’d heard that amount had not been expecting it.
We had the opposite happen… first two cycles nothing covered; third cycle meds covered. thank goodness. we needed a little relief. Insurance companies drive me crazy!
August 21st, 2009
Ouch. It’s terrible to get blindsided with a $6600 bill, no matter what the circumstances. Of course, I’m someone who almost had a heart attack when my allergy medication cost $72 (I was expecting it to be $50).
August 21st, 2009
Hi Welcoming you to Mel’s Blog Roll. That really sucks. I totally get it. When you’re blindsided with the cost that is hard to deal with.
Stop by my blog sometime. I am founder of the non profit Parenthood for Me.
http://www.parenthoodforme.org
Take care
August 21st, 2009
Have you thought about using IVFmeds.com (formerly LondonPharmacy.com)? When we did our IVF in 2007 – seems ages ago, now – it cost, including shipping, $1100 for Lupron, Bravelle, & Menopur. Trigger shot came from…Walgreens? Can’t recall, but that cost about $20 including needle, wipes, and overnight shipping.
August 21st, 2009
I just wanted to say “that bites”. Having been on the infertility rollercoaster for the last 3 years I completely understand what a blow that is. Endless cycles and two miscarriages later, paying for that crap only seems harder to deal with. Shoot me an email if you ever need to talk.
~Josie
August 22nd, 2009
Erica–your website is amazing. My husband and I have always talked about that when this is all over for us (whatever that will wind up meaning), we would want to start up something similar. What a gift you have given this under-funded community. All the best! –C.
August 23rd, 2009
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