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Minniecifra Asked July 2021

How do you pay for expensive cancer medication?

My husband and I are both on Medicare. He has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The drug Revlimid has been keeping him in decent shape, but it costs $18,000 a month. I am a retired teacher and he is a retired business person. We are comfortable, but by no means able to afford that amount. Suggestions please.

hallah Jul 2021
My wife has a medication paid for by NORD.
Check out NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Search there for your husband’s disease.

Also, www.rare diseases.info.nih.gov and then GARD (Genetic and Rare Disease information center.

I'm not computer-literate but I did find Multiple Myeloma on the second site I listed above. At least I know it’s on there.

If you call for information you may have to leave a voice mail. They will get back to you. I found them very easy to work with.

Blessing to you!

Carolann2244 Jul 2021
My mom passed from MM in fall of 2019, and had Medicare and a Humana supplement. She was on Revlimid until it stopped being effective, but paid very little for it. The nurse navigator at the cancer center hooked them up, and I wasn’t very involved at the time because my mom had full mental capacity, so I don’t know HOW she did it, but reaching out to the nurse navigator or whoever is coordinating care would be my first suggestion. My parents had very little extra money and I know the nurse worked SO HARD for them to get everything covered, however she did it.

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JoAnn29 Jul 2021
I don't know how the Pharmaceutical companies think the average person can afford this. I personally would weigh the pros and cons. Is this med going to cure your husband, or just give him a little more time? I would check and see if there is any research study going on at a large hospital near you. My sister was able to get in one at John Hopkins for a new breast cancer drug 25 yrs back. Sometimes the Pharmaceutical Co will give a big discount.

GardenArtist Jul 2021
A similar question was asked a few days ago.    You might want to read it, including my answer and reference to financial assistance provided by the CURE magazine:

https://www.agingcare.com/questions/how-can-i-get-financial-assistance-must-stay-home-with-wife-who-is-battling-cancer-468747.htm?orderby=recent&page=1�

I would also ask your husband's oncologist for suggestions.    The medical pros may know of sources that we don't.  
Minniecifra Jul 2021
Thank you very much.

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