Ways to Save Money on Healthcare from the Community
I Didn’t Know $0 Was an Option: How I Made My Migraine Medication Affordable (expert story of the week from Amy D)
Amy D relies on Nurtec ODT to manage her chronic migraine attacks.
“I rely on Nurtec ODT to manage my chronic migraine attacks, and while my insurance covers the medication, my monthly copay was still over $100,” she said.
Her insurance coverage helped, but it didn’t eliminate the cost. Each month, the copay remained.
“When I visited the Nurtec ODT website, I discovered that eligible patients with commercial insurance may qualify to pay as little as $0 per month through their savings program,” Amy explained.
She entered her information, downloaded the savings card, and activated it within minutes.
“The card — valid for an entire year — now covers my copay, reducing my out-of-pocket cost to $0,” she said.
That change allowed her to continue her treatment without the added expense.
“This resource has made a tremendous difference in keeping my migraine treatment affordable and consistent.”
Amy’s experience highlights something many patients don’t realize at first: the amount listed on a prescription label or pharmacy receipt is not always the final option.
Sometimes, the difference between paying hundreds of dollars and paying nothing is simply knowing where to look.
A quick thank you to Amy D from the Editorial team at Health Savings Expert. Amy is our first contributor amongst our readers!”
Expert story of the week from Calli:
“When I had a seizure and was taken to the hospital, I received an ambulance bill for almost $10,000. I found a NYU Hospitals Financial Assistance Application online, filled out my information and my gross monthly income. The ambulance bill was wiped from my overall charges and was a huge help in putting a dent in my medical bills. Every hospital system is different, but most should have a financial assistance application of some kind.”
A quick thank you to Calli from the Editorial team at Health Savings Expert.
Expert story of the week from Jordan:
“I was diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency in 2019. My weekly infusion meds cost about 5000 a month even with insurance. I was able to join the medicines financial aid program directly and they fully help me meet my deductible to pay for the medicine. I’m allowed 10k which I need about 5k of so not even using the full amount available. It’s a huge money saver and without it I wouldn’t be able to afford the cost. I also suggest getting the most expensive best coverage insurance option. It may be more a paycheck but I’ve found the coverage is worth it for a frequent flyer like myself. Also, doctors will sometimes have freebie medicines. I’ve gotten a free week of things here and there or a free inhaler. It helps to ask if needed when starting to find care”.
A quick thank you to Jordan from the Editorial team at Health Savings Expert.
Expert story of the week from Margaret:
“To make the most out of your FSA account:
– Take your card with you everywhere! Better yet, add to your Apple Wallet if you have an iPhone
– Use at dentist appointments, pharmacy, grocery store and routine eye appointments
– Always get a receipt as they are sometimes required and sometimes not required
– Go to your FSA website to familiarize yourself with what is covered, what amount can be rolled over if needed and more.”
A quick thank you to Margaret from the Editorial team at Health Savings Expert.
Expert story of the week from Megan:
“I was on Rituxan for 4 years. My insurance covered treatment, and everything was fine. I then had pneumonia in July, and again in September. My rheumatologist took me off of Rituxan, and prescribed Saphnelo instead. She told me while it would still lower my immune system, it was a faster rebound time than with Rituxan, making it a safer option for me. My insurance denied it for two years. They claimed it wasn’t medically necessary, even though they paid for my RA and Lupus treatment for four years prior. I just recently was approved through the denied patient program through Saphnelo, and go for my second treatment in two weeks. I had to hold treatment because of hip replacement surgery, and I am so ready to get back on schedule. It’s been a long time, and a long fight.”
A quick thank you to Megan from the Editorial team at Health Savings Expert.
Expert story of the week from Karie:
“My doctor has done 2 peer to peer reviews. It’s where they consult with another clinician, most of the time not even of the same specialty to get your medication approved. I was grandfathered into my medicine with a special medical exemption last year and they denied my pre-authorization for this year when I found out, they were no longer going to cover it. My doctor went back and conducted a peer to peer review just last month and was outright denied. I was grandfathered into my medication under the stipulation that as long as we make no changes to our insurance plan, since it’s through John, there would be no issues with my medicine. In this peer to peer review last month, the clinician said that the insurance company decided to”d-grandfather”me out of the special exemption case. When my doctor said that that’s not even a medical term, he basically told him it was now! It’s amazing to me the ridiculousness of all of these insurance companies. I’m going to appeal it. So frustrating…”
A quick thank you to Karie from the Editorial team at Health Savings Expert.
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