[marion06095]

Since the first of the year I have been without a medication (Provigil) that really helps my MS symptoms. The reason for this is that the med went from a $35 co pay per month to a $93 co pay. Further, when I am in the dreaded Medicare Rx donut hole (into which just two refills of this Rx will push me), the med will cost me over $900 per month.

So I have done my research, and I find that this Rx can be purchased from India for around $60 a month. I was leery of ordering, but I have to say that the Indian drug seems to be exactly the same as the $900 per month drug.

There’s something rotten in Denmark, I tell ya!

[Debbie D]

Sheesh, how does that discrepancy occur??

I want to move to Copenhagen...so I hope there's nothing rotten in Denmark

[Blessings2You]

I don't think I'd order meds from another country (except Canada). The way I understand, they are NOT subject to testing, etc., like those here. (It's still rotten, the prices charged)

[Kitty]

I agree with B2Y......I wouldn't trust the quality or safety of it.

[tkrik]

It amazes me how much meds cost. But, if you order it from India will your insurance cover it? If not, then you will stay in the donut hole. Is there another option for you like asking the manufacturer for assistance?

Speaking of med costs, did any one notice how much Copaxone has gone up? $3,000 a month now. That's a $500-$600 increase. It is crazy.

[marion06095]

I have asked the manufacturer for assistance. They tell me that I qualify in every way, except that I am on SSD, and they can't help anybody who has any sort of federal subsidy.

I am somehow sure that my insurance wouldn't consider covering an Indian Rx purchase.

[tkrik]

Do you qualify for the LIS program? I am on it and it has been such a blessing. But, I am on both Medicare and Medicaid and receive SSI. For me, it was an automatic thing but others need to apply. Even if you are over the income level, it may be worth a try. There is also a website called Benefits Check Up. http://www.benefitscheckup.org/ Again, give it try and see what happens.

"Who can get Extra Help?

Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Some people with limited resources and income are eligible for Extra Help to pay for the costs—monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co–payments—related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. To qualify for Extra Help:

* You must reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.
* Your resources must be limited to $12,510 for an individual or $25,010 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count your house and car as resources; and
* Your annual income must be limited to $16,245 for an individual or $21,855 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Some examples where your income may be higher are if you or your spouse:
o Support other family members who live with you;
o Have earnings from work; or
o Live in Alaska or Hawaii."

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10525.html

[marion06095]

With our income, we qualify for almost any of the aid programs. It amazes me how little we live on, but we really don't need all that much. But we do have a retirement account that pretty much rules out most sources of help.