On Humira and wondering about moving to a different province.

[Slade2066]

I'm wondering if you can move from Alberta to Ontario while on Humira and be able to transfer coverage etc.?

 

[ChefShazzy]

Hmmm, sorry, I don't have an answer for you - I do have a similar question, though. I'm planning to move from MB to QC. What I think I'll do, is stock up on 3 months of Humira before I move, so when I get there, I can make the switch and still have my medicine. Haven't exactly figured out how I am going to take 3 months of Humira with me... In a cooler??

I am seeing my GI on May 11 and asking him about the logistics of it all...

 

[beth]

Last year I moved Humira around the country using one of those 12v powered cool boxes. Checked the temp first with a thermometer and it didn't go below 2degrees C so that was okay. Straight into a fridge the other end. When I inquired with the pharmacist they said they couldn't recommend anything that wasn't officially tested and approved by the drug manufacturer - so were pretty useless. Hope you get better answers!

 

[glum chump]

If you have the cost of Humira covered by private insurance, then moving and coverage is not an issue.

However, if your coverage is through a government pharmacare plan, then you'll need to check on the Alberta Health site to see what the requirements are for coverage. You might also want to check with the Ontario health care plan to see if you can buy extra Humira to last you until your coverage kicks in in Alberta. For example, if you were moving FROM BC, you would be able to get a 180-day supply of your drugs covered by the plan. If you were moving TO BC, you wouldn't be eligible for pharmaceutical coverage until you applied for both medical coverage (doctor's visits) AND the pharmaceutical plan.

Hope this makes sense.

 

[Slade2066]

But can you transfer coverage to a different province without all the application process which can take more than 3 months??

 

[ChefShazzy]

Maybe try calling the provincial health department of Ontario?

I am going to try calling Progress(Humira) this week, they have been helpful in the past with questions about coverage - they might know something.

There is a definitely a way that we'll be able to continue treatment, we just have to find out exactly how!

 

[Slade2066]

ok thanks for the good advice.

Slade

 

[ChefShazzy]

Slade - I talked to someone at Progress/Humira today. Are you enrolled with their program? Definitely give them a call, they will assign a rep to your case, and make sure you make the move without missing any doses!! Their # is 1-866-848-6472. First, though, you will need to ask your current GI for a referral to a doc in Ontario. Once you have the new doc's name and your moving date, Progress will do all the paperwork, and cover the costs of the meds while you are in between provincial health care plans. Good luck with your move!!!

 

[Slade2066]

I am with progress and my coverage is through Alberta Blue Cross. I know Ontario has Blue Cross but I don't know if I can just transfer over smoothly. I'm not sure if each province's Blue Cross is the same company or all separate. The info you have provided is the best I have got from anywhere. Thank you very much. And are you really a chef? Because I am one lol.

 

[ChefShazzy]

You're welcome! And, yes I am!

 

[davada]

I left a pen out on the counter over night. Called Progress the next day and asked if it was spoiled. Progress replied the longest Humira can be left unrefrigerated is 24hours according to the manufacture.

It's not that big a deal.