There's hope for now

[klwilliams]

Thank you to everyone. Aetna called me this morning to let me know the prescription's prior authorization had been approved. Then Walgreen's Specialty Pharmacy (that I can't say enough kind things about) called me to set up a delivery for tomorrow, which will arrive just on time.

This wouldn't have happened without your help. You are all wonderful people. I hope you never find yourself in the situation, though I know that's a hope that won't come true. I also hope I won't be in this situation again next month.

You all rock. Thanks.

Comments

[vaughan-stanger.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear that things are moving.

[maryosmanski.livejournal.com]

Great news!

[jemck.livejournal.com]

Hugely relieved to know this.

May I use this as an illustration of why US healthcare really isn't a model for the UK to follow, whatever our sleazy PM says?

Tread carefully...

[durham-rambler.livejournal.com]

... as although BG-12 (Tecfidera) was granted a licence by the EMA (European Medicines Agency) in February 2014, NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has still to appraise it to determine whether the cost of treatment is approved for the NHS. This information from the Multiple Sclerosis Trust. Let's hope it’s just a short time before people with MS in the UK can get this drug.

And also hugely relieved of course.

Re: Tread carefully...

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

I'm appalled that it's taken this long just to get this far. Tecfidera isn't perfect, but it is so much better than the current drugs everyone should have access to it.

[aberwyn.livejournal.com]

There really is a government agency in the UK called NICE? The ghost of CS Lewis must be prowling its halls! :-)

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

Sure. This isn't a rare occurrence, either, if you read the comments on the post that started this.

[aberwyn.livejournal.com]

This happens all the time in the USA. I have no doubt that if the Tories dismantle your NHS, something similar will start happening very fast.

[mrissa.livejournal.com]

I am so glad and so relieved.

[shewhomust.livejournal.com]

Phew!

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

Huzzah!!!

[evil-macaroni.livejournal.com]

So glad to hear it!!!

[6-penny.livejournal.com]

Huzzah. And fireworks. And fingers crossed for next month.
Our health uncare industry sucks rusty scissors. Bigtime.

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

Hi Karen-- I heard about your situation via someone else--maybe jaylake?--anyway, I made a point to tweet about it. I don't know if it helped, but if it did, I'm glad. I hope things go smoothly from here on out with Aetna. What a terrifying close call! This comes with my very best wishes.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

Of course it helped! Thank you.

So glad to hear this!

[(Anonymous)]

I'm so glad that they've gotten you a delivery in time! Here's hoping they get things clear up in the long term so you don't run into any further trouble.

So glad to hear this!

[razor-dancer.livejournal.com]

So glad to hear that they got you the prescription in time! Here's hoping that things get streamlined so you don't have any future issues with prescriptions.

[rustmon.livejournal.com]

YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY!

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

That's great! Although I feel bad for all the people in similar situations who don't have the friends and eloquence that enabled you to get your essential medication. People shouldn't need that level of resources to access that.

[saare-snowqueen.livejournal.com]

Very happy to read that you got a successful result. It does seem that being able top marshal the energies of the internet can be a powerful tool. I hope my efforts contributed to this.

This whole disgusting scenario reminds me once again why I could never return to the US. No way I'm going to give up the Estonian health care delivery system. Happy for you!

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

Of course you helped! Thank you. One disadvantage of the English health care system is that Tecfidera isn't offered there. I won't be heading in that direction, unfortunately.

[swan-tower.livejournal.com]

Halle-bloody-lujah.

Still not an optimal situation or result. But at least for you, at this moment, things are getting better.

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

So glad to hear this. Well fought.

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

I am so glad!

So glad

[kevin andrew murphy (from livejournal.com)]

So glad this got fixed in time. Glad to have helped with the signal boost and that it worked.

Re: So glad

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[birdsedge.livejournal.com]

Very relieved for you. Glad it's sorted (for now, anyway). Hope you don't have problems next month.

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

So happy to hear this!

In case this happens again w/Aetna

[mighty casey (from livejournal.com)]

Aetna's CEO Mark Bertolini has a personal Twitter handle, @mtbert (link: https://twitter.com/mtbert) - he shared it in a keynote at HIMSS14. Use it if you need to solve another problem!