Medication Management: Activating Plan B, C, and D...
Imagine tweaking your medication cocktail for what seems like, forever. Like trying on shoes, my doctor and I did the trial and error bit. We rode the merry-go-round. Finally, we discovered the antidote to manage my symptoms. Yay- We got this! No more hiccups. I'm doing well. Taking four medications to treat my schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type diagnosis. After we conquered the mind wars and achieved success with proper treatment, we ran into yet another wall...
When medication stops working and bills start piling up
My symptoms work in cycles. They go away whenever we try new treatments but the effectiveness wears off and the flare ups increases. I've battled low moods, depleted energy, and lack of motivation the most. Followed by mania and crisis. After all these years, I'm still hopeful and open-minded to keep "trying on new shoes."
What do you do when the medication stops working? What do you do when your Medicaid gets terminated? What do you do when you've found the right medicine but you can't afford it? What do you do?...
Four tips for navigating Medicaid and insurance
I've been in recovery since 2007. I've had my fair share of symptoms, crisis, and flare ups, and disappointments. Therefore, charging ahead to get positive results is another chore but also a normal part of my recovery lifestyle. In short, I'll share four approaches to tackling the pitfalls of health insurance or loss of Medicaid.
Consider reapplying
Research patient assistance programs
Review alternative health insurance plans
Use pharmaceutical discount coupons
First, re-apply for Medicaid. This seems tedious and unfair to be cut off from Medicaid but this can be a reality for too many of us. Some states don't approve of Medicaid expansion. Therefore, states seek all sorts of ways to disqualify us. Despite getting disability benefits I was rejected and put out into the cold without a roadmap to figure out how to maneuver the system. Consider reapplying for Medicaid.
Second, try patient assistance programs. These incorporate another lengthy application that requires proof of income and your doctor's approval. These programs can be a lifesaver. I found one through my county mental health center that provided an array of services including group therapy and pharmacy. However, all providers don't offer patient assistance programs and medication distribution. Let's dive into another method of dodging the bullets of a failed health insurance system.
Next, look at alternative health insurance plans. These may be a challenge budgeting but it gets your needs met. These health plans are offered at a reduced rate due to ineligibility to Medicaid. The perks include access to additional services that Medicaid doesn't offer such as dental plans and more.
Another method to getting medication when Medicaid fails you is to seek discount coupons through pharmaceutical retailers. These discount cards may avoid copays depending on the dose and brands of medications. Still, the downside is these discount cards may have a limit on use and may expire sooner than later. I've received a discount card for my meds that cost over $1,000 out-of-pocket. I got my medication free of charge before, but that didn't last! Fortunately, some manufacturers offer coupons. Visit the pharmaceutical's website and see if your medication offers discounts.
Still, on this journey to find practical solutions to complex problems with limited access to treatment, my doctor and I choose to keep pressing forward and I hope you will too.