Sprycel Copay Support

pdmarsh
pdmarsh Member Posts: 1
in Leukemia #1

With this post, I hope to find out what experience others have had with regard to copay financial support when on Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance plans.

My wife takes daily 100MG doses of Sprycel (dasatinib) to control Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).  She is insured through my employer and we receive copay support directly from Bristol-Meyers Squibb.  That copay support plan is not available to patients on Medicare.  I hope to retire next year, putting us both on Medicare and the supplimental plans that are needed.  However, even with a Medicare Part D plan we still face $10,000 per year of out-of-pocket costs, i.e. our copay.  Without any further copay assistance, I simply can't retire, at least not fully.

What I have learned so far from the support foundations I have called is that their funds for CML support open and close throughout the year pending donations and that even when approved, one must re-apply annually for the support.  In addition, at least one fund limits support to $2,000/yr.

I would very much like hear from others in a similar situation and find out how consistent their copay support has been, i.e. when on Medicare.  Have there been years when support was not available, or have you found that financial support is actually readily available and consistent from year-to-year?

Basically, I am looking for something that might be elusive--a comfort level of what I can expect going into retirement.

The following are the foundations I am aware of.  If someone happens to know of others, please post their names.  That would be very much appreciated.

Healthwell Foundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Cancer Care
Bristol-Meyers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (this one is open to patients on Medicare, but it says on their web site that the support is temporary)

Thank you,
Paul Marsh

Comments

  • a_oaklee
    a_oaklee Member Posts: 566 Member
    #2
    Consistent

    My husband has been on Medicare for the past six years.  I know that the specialty pharmacy is the one that finds him assistance.  We have had to provide our income tax records every year.  It would be smart to be up to date with filing.  He does have to reapply every year.   I'm typing on my darn phone and just realized you are talking about s specific drug for a specific illness.  My husband buys targeted therapy for renal cancer.  I dont know whether my post is helpful to you or not.  Sorry.  I do hope that all goes well for you.

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