Multiple subjects from new /old member

[Guest guest]

I have been reading and rarely posting here for 3-4 yrs. ( good to

see you back Tawny). I am one of those with a family history( my

father had mild RA--treated with cecil's serum( very old time remedy

from one of the first physicians to treat RA) & gold shots. I

experienced exteme stess when my husband killed himself and his

family chose to go totally weird and acuse me of murder, stalk me,

and contest the will for 2 years. I developed symptoms soon after.

I have been on Plaquinil( bad side effects), Methotrexate, Arava,

and humira. The arava caused liver enzyme elevation--Humira did

nothing at all. Methotrexate helped some. I am now on Enbrel( about

two years) which has improved life considerably. Here's the question--

how do those of you like me on Medicare afford the co-pays and the "

donut hole " full pay?? I received disability and finally got medicare

in June. I'm paying for the best I could find supplement insurance;

but the co-pay is 33%! That's about 480.00 a month for me. I got help

thru Healthwell foundation( $2800.00); but that was used up pretty

fast. I am now in the 'gap " --so to get Enbrel next month would cost

me 1478.00. Not even close to possible. When i called Enliven they

said since i have medicare Rx coverage I am not eligible for help. "

Just pay for it for 2 months and you will be at the catastrophic

level and only owe 5% " Needless to say , that was not only

aggrevating but useless. So---sorry this is so long; but I can't

believe i am going to loose the drug that has made life bearable

I am not eligible for medicaid or any stae assistance due to

my " too high " income. Thanks for any suggestions--and welcome to

the numerous new members. lou