Last Thursday I received my 6 month dose of Ocrevus. I have been getting this infusion for 7,8,9 years? Is it working? I don’t know. My MRI’s show no active lesions for the past few years. It is my decision whether I want to continue taking this drug and for now I will continue. The infusion of Ocrevus that I receive is the fast drip, I don’t know what else to call it. I used to be there all day and now for the last two doses I’m done by 11:30 am. I also used to get IV steroids before the Ocrevus and now I just get a vial full of steroids.
I am very fortunate that I have very good insurance coverage thanks to my husband. The Ocrevus needs prior approval and I know that my doctor is the one who handles that, (thank God). Anyway, Thursday was my infusion and Saturday I received a letter from the insurance company, Cigna, that it was approved. Lucky me, since I had already received it.
Now I have been dealing with another problem with my insurance regarding Prolia. My endocrinologist and I decided that this would be the best way to deal with my severe osteoporosis since the oral drugs did not improve the condition. That was in February. Since then we have gone back and forth, doctor/insurance company. At first it was denied and my doctor appealed that decision and I was then approved. I received a letter dated April 23, that denied coverage. I received a letter the following week, dated April 27, that after an appeal it was approved. Unfortunately I am the only one who received this letter, even though it showed that a copy was sent to my doctor. Since then the doctors office and I have been back and forth with the insurance, claiming they don’t have an approval, even after I read them the letter that I received.
After much frustration and a few hours put on hold, today I get a call from Acredo, the specialty pharmacy, that wants to schedule the delivery of Prolia to me. I was told that now it was approved. But now I am also confused. Prolia is a shot I receive every six months, through the doctors office. Why do they want to ship it to me? I told Acredo I would call them back after I spoke to the doctors office. Again on hold only to be told they will get back to me. I know the girl handling this will get back to me, she has been as frustrated as me, and hopefully today we can finally set up when I can receive the shot. Do I have to go through this every six months? Time will tell.