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Tuesday, September 11, 2018

I can put down the machete

Since August I've been slogging through Medicare and other insurers (a jungle, I tell ya) trying to find some way to keep using my oral chemotherapy, which I tolerate well and which has been keeping the Big C at bay, without having to exhaust my savings to pay for it.  Only in America, folks, do we get to choose between having needed meds and keeping our homes.  So, my insurance agent suggested pricing Canadian pharmacies, who'll only charge twice what Medicare will leave as out of pocket.  No help there, but her final suggestion was to get on the drug manufacturer's site and look for their Patient Assistance Program, which provides meds at no or minimal cost if the patient's income meets eligibility requirements.  SO..I contacted them, and no longer worry about whether or not I can pay for treatment.  What a blessing!  My application is still in process, but their agent assured me that our household income made me eligible.  And I've signed up for part D Medicare for all my other prescriptions (including 3 different eye drops, very pricey).  Whew!  All that research & wrangling, done away with by the manufacturer's good will.  The lesson here, kiddos, is to get on your drug mfg. site and look for their patient assistance --- many of the major manufacturers will have some kind of program so that your doctor can keep ordering your drug(s).

In the Knitting Knews, I bought some Lion Brand Mandala, only about 8 balls, and have been checking Ravelry for interesting knit patterns.  This yarn has long sections of many colors, but is all acrylic (why I'm not investing in more).  Disco has looked at some of the patterns, and was keen on Knitty's Wavedeck, so I've started that for her.  I may make a throw for her, too.  Her basement apt gets chilly in winter.