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Members rallied around the question of affording immunotherapy for high-risk smoldering myeloma, sharing several financial assistance options... Read more
Melanie, I've found it's better for me to be on original Medicare with a supplement. It can be more expensive. But Medicare Advantage plans can be a pain to navigate.
Facing a nearly $10,000 out-of-pocket cost is genuinely stressful, but there are real options that can help reduce that burden significantly. Here's a breakdown of avenues worth exploring:
Talk to Your Care Team First
- Ask your oncologist or a hospital social worker for help — they often know about assistance programs that Show Full Answer
The Healthwell Foundation is another great resource. They have helped me with the cost of my Revlimid.
Carolyn
@A MyMyelomaTeam Member
Hi Melanie,
For the past 2 years I have received grants from TotalAssist Patient Advocate Foundation. I submit my insurance premium payments every month through their website and receive reimbursement directly into my bank account. The grant reimburse up to $10,000.
I have Multiple Myeloma which is why I qualify for the grants. It's based on the patients diagnosis code. Since you were diagnosed with HR SMM, your diagnosis code may not be listed on TotalAssist PAF website, however, if you google the following question "Do high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma fall under the same primary code as multiple myeloma not having achieved remission:" it appears that HR SMM patients diagnosis code is the same as that of a MM patient. I don’t know how true this is, but it’s definitely worth a call to ask.
Total Assist PAF also require patients to be on qualifying medicine. Start by clicking on the link below to see of your treatment medicine is listed under approved medications. You can also read about the other requirements while on the page.
Currently the grant is closed, but don't let that stop you, it opens every 2 - 3 months. If you would like to speak to one of the grant representatives, you can reach them at the phone number below. The wait is usually long, but you can leave your phone number for a callback, without losing your place in line.
They are very helpful and informative. I hope this works out for you. My insurance premiums are almost $8000 per year. It's so nice to not have to worry about affording it. Also, even though my doctor took me off my Revlimid maintenance drug, I will still qualify for grants in the future, as long as I’m being monitored by my doctor.
https://totalassist.org/funds/multiple-myeloma/...
TotalAssist Patient Advocate Foundation: 866-512-3861, Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm ET.
Vicki7 ☺️
Melanie, you aren't old enough for Medicare? I got help from Bristol Myers Squibb for copay assistance for my drugs before I got on Medicare. I believe they made a law that insurance companies have to use the help we get from non-profits and drug companies for our deductibles. Thankfully, Medicare part b covers all my shots and infusions given in an outpatient clinic. I have to pay the maximum yearly out of pocket of $2400.00, for my Pomalidamide in January. Thankfully, they let me pay it over the year.
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