Posted by David Chalfant (208.30.14.54) on June 27, 1999 at 15:48:51:
Hi Ya'll. I was asked by a member to post a message on obtaiing free meds or at least supplemental meds. I will look into this subject a bit more but for now. here is what did to get help: 1-I called Vocational Rehabilitation Services/Rehabilitation Services of(your area)They pointed me in the right direction. I was transfered a few times to other councelors but I found a contact person who sent me some pamplets on Patient assistance programs. I had to present the programs to my docs secretary/accountant. Fortunately, they had their OWN assistance program. Not all docs have this,but you MUST ASK. These programs are based on income and need to qualify. It may be possible to obtain free meds even if you are over the National Poverty Level (about $6700/year). Number of dependants you have are considered;therefor, those of you who have wives and children can still qualify based on income. Considering the pain of CH's, I had to compromise the info I gave to the assistant. If one is willing to suffer the loss of fingers and toes due to over usage of Caffergot,this was not a problem for me.
Also, docs have samples the can give to their patients if the have trouble paying the high cost of meds. It does not cover all meds but I was able to verapamil SR for free.I doubt that we can get free oxygen but I do not about oxygen. I was able to purchase an oxygen tank thus avoiding tank rental. Now this may not be possible for all; I obtained my from LINCARE. I pay $10 a tank because I am a cash paying customer. But it may be worth a try at other respiratory suppliers. I know most of you all know you need a perscription for oxygen- this was the first step; the folks at lincare are very compassionet. I feel I was blessed to find them. I cannot say that these options will apply to CH members. Many meds are covered and not all drug companies participate and some CHs meds are not on their list but I know that verapamil and other calcium channel blockers are available. If you persue this option and have trouble getting applications, It is possible that Georgia Partnership For Caring foundation,Inc. Can locate a program in your area. Their phone number is toll-free in Ga. Call 1 888 473 2444.
hope you all have a CH free day
Good luck. I will keep looking into
the subject. luv, David Chalfant