Many Insurance Plans Cover Opioid Painkillers But Restrict Access To Less-Addictive Drugs
With an opioid addiction epidemic ravaging the nation, physicians are being asked to consider non-opioid treatments or opioids that are less addictive than the widely abused drugs on the market. But there’s a big problem with that suggestion: Many insurance companies won’t cover, or heavily restrict access to, a number of less-addictive painkillers.
A lot of times insurance companies will dictate to the doctors that a patient has to try older, less expensive drugs first and if they don't work for them, they can then prescribe the newer more expensive drug. So it doesn't matter if the old drugs don't work or have bad side effects. The patient still has to do a trial of that first. What a waste of time and money, not to mention bad patient care.
I believe it also depends on the type of insurance you have. There is discrimination among insurance companies. BC/BS on the Eastern Shore works well with doctors plus Medicare
Did you know the FDAhas tried to ban vitamins because they are in cahoots with big Pharma? Big corporations are trying to keep you sick so they can make money! Get it?
5:32, you are correct. Many insurance companies require step therapy. If step 1 doesn't work, go to a step 2 drug, then finally a step 3 drug as a last resort.
Follow the $$$
ReplyDeleteThe less addictive drugs are "experimental" (even if they've been on the market for over 10 years) and are, therefore more expensive.
ReplyDeleteNothing like having the insurance companies determine your healthcare rather than you doctor.
They are all working together to keep the money flowing. They all need eachother.
ReplyDeleteA lot of times insurance companies will dictate to the doctors that a patient has to try older, less expensive drugs first and if they don't work for them, they can then prescribe the newer more expensive drug. So it doesn't matter if the old drugs don't work or have bad side effects. The patient still has to do a trial of that first. What a waste of time and money, not to mention bad patient care.
ReplyDeleteI believe it also depends on the type of insurance you have. There is discrimination among insurance companies. BC/BS on the Eastern Shore works well with doctors plus Medicare
DeleteBC/BS restricts lidocaine patches while easily paying for fentanyl patches. Makes no sense.
ReplyDeleteFind us a non-addictive pain reliever that works and doesn't cost an arm and a leg, please.
ReplyDeleteMarijuana/THC tinctures
DeleteDid you know the FDAhas tried to ban vitamins because they are in cahoots with big Pharma? Big corporations are trying to keep you sick so they can make money! Get it?
ReplyDelete5:32, you are correct. Many insurance companies require step therapy. If step 1 doesn't work, go to a step 2 drug, then finally a step 3 drug as a last resort.
ReplyDelete