Abbott patient assist and worried...

[wasney]

I'm currently on the Abbott patient assist, and have been for almost 2 years. Tried remicade, pantasia, and one other, and humira is the only thing that's worked for me.

And here is my worry. This year I got a new part time job, figured I wouldn't make very much more per year, but, didn't factor is bonuses as they used to be rare. Now we are doing awesome, and I am worried that next march when Abbott redos my eligibility form they will deny me...

Long story short, if anyone is on the patient assist what's a ballpark on your annual income? my work doesn't offer insurance to part time, and the only place that will accept me charges well over $350 a month...

If no one wants to share a dollar amount, could anyone at least tell me if they have been accept with higher then $17k yearly income? I'm putting myself through college and have no family help...very worried that if I continue this job I will loose my meds and get sick again. My manager is willing to limit my hours drastically to help me bot make to much, even tho that would cause huge issues with school I will do anything to stay on humira.

 

[Patricia56]

Why don't you call Abbott and ask them for guidance? I doubt anyone on the forum will be able to advise you at the individual level.

If you are making enough then perhaps you should try to get your own insurance. If you're going to college, there's usually a student health plan available. Whether it would cover Humira is another question but you could find out. And even if it doesn't, having some basic health coverage would probably be a really good thing.

 

[wasney]

I tried for my own insurance, the only place that will take me is bluecross. Which is $350+ before prescription help. That's about 25% of my income. I called Abbott and they said they can't disclose an amount that I would get disqualified at, and said just to reapply and see what happens.

 

[Patricia56]

1. If the situation applies, perhaps your parents can add you to their health plan.

2. Apply for MedicAid in your state or if there is a state pooled high risk insurance plan look into that.

3. Apply for Social Security Disability if you have enough work quarters or SSI if you don't. Unlikely to get it if you are currently working but you never know. Cannot have more than $2000 in assets (car and house not included) to qualify for SSI.

4. If not currently eligible for SSI/SSD due to working, if Abbot assistance stops and you get ill you can re-apply at that time.

It seems to me that if you are considering drastically cutting your work hours that means losing more than 25% of your income. In that case you might as well get the insurance and see if you can make enough to handle the increased expense. Abbott may still cover part of your drug cost or co-pay if it is high and your monthly insurance premium reduces your income substantially. And you get regular health care into the bargain.