Just announced--Financial help for those who go on Gilenya (fingolimod pills) is available. This is big news. Legally they can't help people on Medicare but anyone with conventional insurance or no insurance can be assisted. It seems hard to believe but they will help up to $800 a month for the medication itself. There is financial help for medical care to monitor during treatment (eye exams, skin checks, cardio and lung checks)--looks like $600 total.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-1...cket-cost.html

Am I completely imagining this? But it says so on the news page!

i can see where that would be true.
they probably want to make it easier for people to use the drug. like an introductory price.

they're trying to attract business for a drug that cost a lot to produce, research & development etc.

when it takes off the help might go away.

Thanks for posting this info!

I wonder if they are going to word this differently when it begins. The FDA refused to allow Biogen and Elan to help with any costs associated with Tysabri, except for the cost of the drug itself. No help with MRIs for monitoring, no help with infusion costs, because it was considered an enticement for people to go on the drug, and the infusion cost was a delivery to the system cost.

I can see them saying that the costs of monitoring are INCLUDED as a part of the cost of the drug (since the associated tests and monitoring are required in order to be on the drug) in order to subvert the FDA's rules.

Either way, great deal! Thanks for posting this!

I guess since I'm on Medicare I am staying on Avonex!

Hello Natalie,

Yes, I've started up the process and talked to the Gilenya support nurse who told me they pay $800 and they do have a payment assistance program too (if you qualify). Good luck to you.