Lupus is very expensive and I can't afford it.. From the meds, doctor visits, vitamins and healthy eating I can't seem to come out on top. I had an appointment for a new doc but in addition to wanting $25 for a co-pay they wanted $75 administrative fee.. I really wanted to go to them because I think they can do alot for my pain management... Needless to say I had to cancel and told them I would re-schedule once I had the money.. I'm just so aggravated that I can't seem to even afford to maintain my health to even cope with this foolishness.. My quesiton is has anyone found any supplemental help to off set some of the costs of having this crazy disease.. and I do have insurance but the co-pays and bill after insurance has paid their part are really drowning me..
I fortunately live in Canada so my appointments are paid, so I can’t really help. But I just wanted you to know you are not alone. I am not working and finding it very hard to afford everything I need for living with lupus. I hope someone on here gives you some advice you can use 
Some drug manufacturer offer programs to help defray the cost of drugs, there's some prescription programs out there also for free or reduced prescriptions, also ask your doctor's for samples of medications as well sometimes that works too. As for copays there's no way to get around them, I have good health insurance too, between co pays and that 20% they don't pay it can run into some serious money I've not found a way around it either. Chin up you are not alone there's a lot of us out here in the same boat.
Are you working? If not you can apply to medicaid for additional assistance added to your current insurance plan. If you are considered disabled you can apply for a medicare advantage plan HMO which will help to lower the costs. I'm not sure what state you live in but I'm sure there are alternatives if you are on SSI. In addition you may qualify for patient care programs through certain pharmaceutical companies which can give you discounted or free medicine.
Also adding to the other wonderful advice from others, most hospitals have special programs for people who are having a difficult time paying their bills. Check with the hospital you attend to see if they offer assistance. Some drug companies will even give you the meds you use from them for free. I know GSK does this.
Definitely contact the pharmaceutical companies and ask about getting your meds for free or at a reduced cost. I completely understand how even with insurance you can get behind. I totalled our out of pocket medical expenses for last year and found out that it averaged almost $300 a month! Granted that was for our whole family but it’s still excessive in my book. It also helped explain why we had to apply for HARP to save our house from foreclosure. It’s really frustrating when you are too sick to work but not sick enough for disability doctors. I hope you qualify for free meds etc… Good luck!
I will give you a brief answer, then leave you alone unless you care to contact me. I had Lupus. Yes, ANA positive in 2005. Was sick for so many years, starting in the early 80's. I was so tired of it. So, I researched and found Carnivora. You can go to Carnivora.com to get it. I also paid attention to the Drs that said don't eat anything except meat, less chicken, because of a bacteria residue it carries that can't be cooked out, fruit, minus oranges (I am sensitive to them), and vegetables, minus the Nightshades. All symptoms are now gone, and I tested NEGATIVE on the Lupus blood panel I just had done, across the board! I also feel a whole lot better now, with none of the symptoms presenting. I can eat like this for 6 months, then try 1 food at a time to see if I still react to them. I think I was told 1 a week or maybe 1 every 2 weeks. Anyway, you CAN get better. This is really all there is to it. You can take this, or leave it. It is your choice.
I hear ya! many people just suffer through because they can't afford it and because it becomes a full time job to go here and there for tests and treatments, etc. Here's an article I wrote just because Lupus bankrupted me! I hope it will help.
http://forum.lifewithlupus.org/forum/topics/help-for-low-income-americans
I can relate after being diagnosed in 2012 I had to file Bankrupcy just to stay afloat and I have insurance too and everytime I go it is a 60 dollar copay and the doctor who I go to now for my heart he doesn't want to do my labs the same day like my old doctor so I have to come back for the results and that is another 60 dollars,I miss my old doctor he left the practice.
Their is a website called I am not sure if this is right called Hands for Hope clinic their number is 7705071344 maybe you can ask them about a location in your area/Plus their is a website that helps with prescriptions www.healthcareAlliance.com or call 18003681434
Thank all you ladies... You have really been very helpful and supportive. I'll take what everyone said and go from there.. I'll do some research and see what I can come up with.. BTW, I live in SC...
I have no insurance and yes it is expensive but we have a free/ low cost pharmacy were I get my meds and some thru the drug company. But I am responsible for paying dr. visits. Here in America we are becoming socialized, and they will take your home or what ever to cover your bills. For general practice I go to a clinic that bases pay on income also. Could check around on this. Fortunately my rheumatologist only charges me $60.00 for a visit.
Shelia....What an extensive list of help...That must have taken you a long time to compile. I have a friend that this might help. She doesn't have Lupus, but I think out of all that she might be able to find some help THANK YOU for all your hard work.
You're welcome Bak. Happy if I can help anyone in this path called life.
I would recommend for you to look into those clinics that base your copay and prescriptions based in your income as well. Have you also looked into disability? I am very fortunate my HD has a very good job and health insurance but the meds are still very expensive after what the insurance covers really stresses me out don’t like to ask for anything because I feel like as it is my disease is costing a fortunate and as we all know finances are the 1 reason for relationships to fail he is suppor supportive and doesn’t complain one bit but I know it must be stressful we have two kids a 13 year old and 23 month old and you know how children are extremely expensive. As of right now I only have SLE an Sjörgens syndrome can’t imagine what it will be like when I start getting more added to the list. Wish you the best of luck and hope you can find some kind of program that can help you. Will keep you in my prayers god bless.
Yes Ann, I do.... It's pretty high being $5000, so no way I'll come anywhere near that figure to get that assistance... Thanks anyway
Ann A. said:
Dear Torie,
Does your insurance come with a "maximum out of pocket"? When I was insured through my job for 30+years my health insurance included a such a clause. Once I reached that figure the insurance company paid the rest of "allowable charges" for the year.
That does not cover meds but it helps with office visits.