Financial assistance programs

[crzyallday]

Does anyone know about any financial assistance programs?  I'm in Arizona.  My neurologist wants me to take Tecfidera and just found out that I'm not eligible to get the $10 copay because I'm on MEDICARE.  Been on SS disability since 1992 and have take four of the injectables for MS.  Had to stop all of them because of side effects.  I was excited about it finally being in pill form tho a little concerned about the GI upset side effects, since I can't take codeine or morphine because of GI distress.  Anyway, now that the $10 copay is not in my reach I don't have any idea where I would go to find out about assistance programs.  The MS Society told me to start at Biogen and if that didn't work then they'd give me some other options.  However, they are out of the office since it's a holiday.  Really prefer not to wait until Tuesday to start researching different financial options.  Needless to say, there is no way I can pay a $3,000 copay.

[crzyallday]

Thank you so much.  Your comment really helps.  Wasn't going to just let what they said in their website stop me and was going to call them Tuesday.  Just received 3 more resources from the MS Society so I'll be busy this week.

[Lulu54]

If I remember correctly, the Chronic Disease Fund and the National Organization of Rare Diseases (NORD)are both funded by pharmaceutical companies.  I know Shared Solutions/Copaxone is the NORD help group. None of these groups ever really run out of money, but you have to access it through their special programs coordinators. If you call them direclty, they will tell you they have no more funding to give.

You may not get the answers you want immediately, but there is financial help for EVERYONE who wants to take an MS drug, regardless of their insurance.

I have a friend who is on medicaid, can't afford the copays, began the process just last week with Biogen Idea to get Tecfidera covered, and alrady has eveyrthing lined up.  I think they are getting better at this process.

Bottom line - you will have to wait until Tuesday to talk to someone as MS Active Source, but it will be worth the wait.

Welcome to the forum  - I think you are new here or I missed seeing your name earlier.
~Laura

[crzyallday]

Thanks, that was my next step.  There's also a program called CDF, Chronic Disease Fund, but they run out of money towards the end of the year.  But you might want to get their info.  Thanks for your reply.

[crzyallday]

Started with the manufacturer but because I'm on Medicare the federal government says I'm not eligible.  Thanks for your reply.

[crzyallday]

Thank you for your reply.  I wouldn't have thought of them trying any further to get me on it.  I sure don't want to have to wait as long as you have so I will try MS Active Source.  There is also an organization called Chronic Disease Fund but I'm told they run out of money really fast but anything and everything is worth a shot.

[SarahL2491]

you have to call Tecfidera and be prepared to "spend some time", they will appeal your case thru medicare and then you can fight with them on their assistance.

Biogen told me their financial help extended to all of the products but Tecfidera says otherwise.

I am in the "final" consideration on financial help thru biogen and I've been at this for almost a year..........If they throw me to the wolves, I'll stay on Tysabri, despite being JC+

I am also on medicare.

[cubbiesfan918]

Hi Crzy -

I was just on the Tec website earlier as I'm hoping to begin at the end of the month. This is directly from their website:

If you are not eligible or not sure of your eligibility, please call MS ActiveSource. There are charitable programs and even a free drug program sponsored by Biogen Idec that may be able to help you with the cost.

Good Luck and Best Wishes!

[PastorDan]

Most of the things I've read in this forum would suggest to me that the drug maker/distributor is usually the best place to start.  Can't say I remember reading anything about Tecfidera and/or Biogen, though.