Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Catch-22

Thank you Mr. Vonnegut for coining a simple phrase that connotes a frustrating and inescapable circle of circumstances that make you consider going on a rampage.

I take two medications that have recently been deemed "special" (make that expensive). I received a letter announcing this two weeks ago. I called to set up the new system. Monday I got a robot call from CuraScripts saying everything was set up but they were awaiting another piece of information. I didn't call back the number given because I was having my Vidaza shot. Tuesday I got another robot call but was able to call back. A human told me that they were still waiting for the doctor's prescription so they could send me the meds. I called my doctor, and yes, they had received the rx  request Monday and faxed it back right away. I called CuraScripts again and they said to call back later because perhaps it wasn't scanned into the system yet.

The problem is, I'm about to run out of an immune suppressant drug which I wouldn't want to do for obvious reasons. I called my local pharmacy and they said they couldn't fill it because the insurance company wouldn't pay for it. Had I looked in the mirror right then, I'm sure I resembled Munch's "The Scream." The pharmacy suggested I call my insurance company, which I did. After explaining the problem to two representatives, I was granted a one-time dispensation to get the drug at my local pharmacy. Hallelujah.

Talk about jumping through hoops. I'm awaiting reimbursement from the insurance company on claims I submitted in October. Both came back with "problems." I wonder how much profit the insurance companies make from members who just give up. It's only because I'm relentless and healthy enough to pursue these battles. Don't I have enough battles to fight?

And so it goes. 













1 comment:

Ronni Gordon said...

Glad you figured it out. I had a similar problem getting a prescription and finally said to the pharmacist who had nothing to do with the problem, "Fine, then I just won't take it." I did have to take it and then went through the same hoops you did and wondered the same thing about people who don't have the where-with-all to see it through.