Canadians: are you still able to get drug plan after going to a new company?

[shenhua_1984]

Hi. I have a question for Canadian fellows here. I will be treated by Remicade that is covered my current family insurance plan very soon per my doctor. However I might get a better job soon. My concern is whether or not I am still able to get the insurance/drug plan through the new company.

Thanks a lot.

 

[SupportiveMom]

I haven't had to switch insurance companies yet but I know Tesscom was looking into. Tagging her & Veganostomy who may also have suggestions. I recall him getting insurance after diagnosis. (Might even have a blog post about it)

 

[boussole]

I know for many insurances Remicade is in the Prior authorization category. So as for me, when I switched from Blue cross to Sunlife I had to fill a different form for Sunlife even if Blue cross had accepted because each company decides if they cover or not.

 

[Jay Woodman]

Shenhua_1984, Why don't you speak to the new company's HR Department as a condition of your accepting your new job offer. They should be understanding in helping you navigate your job acceptance as pending approval of their insurance company approving Remicade for you. I wouldn't make any assumptions that it would be an automatic approval : )

 

[Pixie100]

Hi Shenhua. I started a new job 10 months ago and Remicade is covered 100% with no annual cap and no special authorization. Remicade has been covered by my previous employers as well.

Good companies generally have good insurance plan options. Upon receipt of an offer, what about requesting detailed information about the plan? All the best!

 

[FrozenGirl]

Generally I would look into the company the plan is with. A lot of the big ones (blue cross, sunlife etc) have one policy for all their plans. So if Remicade is covered or not and prior authorization required or not ( most do need it). Good luck.

 

[shenhua_1984]

Thanks for all the info! Really appreciate it！

 

[VeganOstomy]

Sorry about jumping in so late - I don't see notifications when I get tagged.

I never had insurance for medication, and once I was on biologics (Humira), I got them through a clinical trial, so the drugs were not only free, but they were paying me to use them!

The insurance I had to get (eventually) was more to cover ostomy supplies, and not medication.

Good luck!

 

[shenhua_1984]

Thanks again for all of your info. I'll see my doctor tomorrow to discuss if I need remicade or not.

 

[hawkeye]

Not sure how various plans cover biologics. I switched jobs twice when I was on 5-ASA and Imuran and it was always covered.