Who Are We Kidding?
On Monday, I ordered prescription refills online and noticed that one of my medications was listed as nonrefillable, which was odd because the bottle clearly stated I had one three-month refill remaining.
I called customer service and that is where the madness began. I was told, as of January 1, 2010, the drug needed prior-authorization. I would need to contact my doctor who in turn had to contact the insurance company and file a pre-authorization request.
Okay, I know this process is understandable for speciality medication, but I don't see how extended-release nitroglycerin capsules would qualify as a speciality drug.
I had checked the formulary I received in November to make sure all of my medications were listed and they were. There on the list plain as day was "Nitroglycerin"; however, my error was not digging deeper and seeing if my particular type of nitroglycerin was listed in the unabridged formulary. After my conversation with the representative on Monday, I checked the online formulary. It has a lot of nitroglycerin products listed, but my particular one was not there.
Fast forward to this morning. I received a pre-recorded call informing me that the pre-authorization had been denied. The nurse was surprised when I called to inform her and said that she would contact the doctor to try and find a substitute medication for me.
I have been taking this drug for four years with great results, and now I am being forced to use a substitute that may or may not be as effective.
Healthcare reform has become a popular buzz phrase, but we are fools to believe healthcare reform will be the remedy: it all comes down to dollars and cents, not in our pockets but in the pockets of the insurance companies.
Fasten your seat belts folks, this is going to be a bumpy ride.
I agree. I had a similar issue with one of my grandmother's meds and the insurance company. Ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteI was going to comment, but get too angry on the subject!
ReplyDeleteI call it prescription wars..as soon as we get used to something they change it. It is very frustrating. I hope it gets better..but I doubt it.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your Question about how I label the photos.. I use creative names..and lots of different files. You can also write the name, location and date on a small slip of paper and scan it right along with the photo if you don't want to name each scan.
I love your handkerchiefs and linens.. I collect them too:)
One of my persriptions has gone up a large amount for no good reason that I know of and you know that once something goes up it rarely goes down.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get it all straighten out and that the new medicine works just as well as what you have been taking.
ReplyDeleteI know what a pain this is!
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