The big stretch

I tried to start another patient on one of these drugs, hoping that its patient assistance program would be more helpful, but his experience indicates that some patients are so dreadfully underinsured that it is almost impossible to start them on biologic drugs. I got the following charming note regarding my luckless patient:

[This drug] is not covered unless the patient tries and fails two other biologics. Also, he has to pay 20% through medical benefit or 33% through pharmacy benefit, so he probably cannot afford it.

The New Year is well underway, and I can tell I’m going to need all my creative powers to help my patients get the care they need. Perhaps my resolution should be to steer my patients toward the medication that works best and has the most generous and fairly administered support program, provided I can figure out which medication that is and that I don’t forget my resolution.

* This article was modified on 3/4/2013.

Dr. Greenbaum is a rheumatologist who practices in Greenwood, Ind.

Readers can e-mail Dr. Greenbaum at rhnews@elsevier.com.