A diagnosis with multiple myeloma can be a little overwhelming. Being a complex blood cancer, it calls for efficient treatment; doctors these days are increasingly prescribing a drug called Pomalyst to treat this cancer. While Pomalyst is an enormous boon to the management of your condition, the price tag for such medication brings to the fore an even more serious problem. This article will discuss the cost of Pomalyst and its insurance coverage before indication of places that might aid in financing. We would like you to have an idea about the financial component of your care so that you may focus your attention on matters concerning your health.
Pomalyst is the brand name for the generic drug pomalidomide. It belongs to a class of medications called immunomodulatory agents used in the treatment of multiple myeloma. It works to first aggravate your immune system so that it is able to fight the cancer cells. The bad news about Pomalyst is that it is really very expensive. You can expect a supply of 21 capsules to cost $24,164. That can vary by thousands of dollars depending on the exact pharmacy from which you get the prescription filled. So it really does help if you shop around and compare prices.
Such price overlords shatter the bank accounts of many patients. Added to the actual toll is that of financial stress, burdening the situation even more. Knowing what's behind the price tag empowers you to drive your choices of treatment.
How much Pomalyst costs is going to vary drastically, depending on your insurance. Even though most plans can help with the cost, that will change how much is covered for the medication. You still might have to pay out-of-pocket costs like deductibles or copays/coinsurance. Added up over time, these can build into huge financial burdens.
Understand your situation: Check your insurance policy to see if there is an exclusion or indication for coverage of specialty medications like Pomalyst. Reach out and call your insurance carrier with questions. They can very specifically help spell out what you need to know about your personal coverage and what that means to your pocketbook.
Fortunately, there are many programs on financial assistance that can help one lower the treatment pomalyst cost. First of all, the co-pay assistance program is offered by the manufacturer of the medication Celgene. You may reduce your out-of-pocket costs down to as low as $0 per month, depending on your financial situation. This usually requires disclosure of information regarding your income and insurance coverage.
Besides the manufacturer's program, there are also patient advocacy groups and foundations that provide financial support to qualified patients. Some of these organisations offer grants or assistance to defray medication costs. Do a little homework to find out about local and national resources that are in place to help people get their cancer treatment. Most of these organisations are online and have forms to fill out in order to request assistance.
Though this is a large difference in cost, consider how Pomalyst might become an integral added value to your life. If taken correctly, Pomalyst can enhance the quality of life by effectively keeping multiple myeloma under control; hence, it helps in the extension of life, reduces symptoms, and lets one be more engaged in daily activities.
Consider, then, in the balance of cost versus benefits, how Pomalyst is going to affect your quality of life in the end. Discuss with your doctor exactly how all this forms a part of your general treatment.
You should have open discussions with your doctor, so you will be in a good position to share your views about the cost of Pomalyst. Your doctor will help you understand your insurance, explore available options for financial assistance for you, and consider other treatment plans if it becomes an issue cost-wise.
Do not hesitate to communicate your concerns regarding the cost of drugs with your doctor whenever he schedules appointments with you. He really does look out for finding you the best possible treatment considering your financial status. Yes, he can certainly give very valuable suggestions and be with you through this difficult phase of your life.
The cost of Pomalyst could, however, be effectively controlled if the following proactive steps are taken into consideration.