shadow10cats wrote:

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I have to ask, is that a real picture of one of your companions?  (the kitty pic)  Either way it's just too cute.  I love cats. One of the things I used to do before I ran out of steam was rescue, socialize and find homes for poor little kitties thrown away by their owners or from feral colonies.  It was the most rewarding thing I have ever done.  AT one time I had 12 of my own and couldn't have been happier.  Now I have only 6 but even tho I am not out actively trying to help these guys they seem to find their way to my door. 

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 Hi Shadow10cats:

No, Isis would never allow me to put a costume on her.   She is a confirmed nudist and refuses to wear even a collar.  

Isis was homeless when I adopted her.  She was hanging around my home, looking all skinny and sad, but would not let humans near her.  I started putting food out and she would wait until I left to eat.  After about a month she came up to me and let me remove the filthy, worn, collar around her neck, that she had long outgrown.  Then she followed me inside and the rest is history.  

Isis is an only cat and may have to stay that way because she doesn't like other cats.  I know how you feel. I wouldn't mind having a dozen or so. Maybe a few dogs and of course a mouse too!  Anything but Llamas because they spit at you and that is just rude. 

Notice that the tablets are colored gold.  At least I think that is just the color...

My first request (by dr.s office/pharmacy) was rejected for "lower fibrosis". Dr office and pharmacy are pulling more paper work and history to present to carrier. Should have second request answered mid next week. Will see..  Pamigo

Hi, My PartD does not cover Harvoni for 2014 or 2015, I looked in that finger tip formula list. Then called AARP, and was told they have 2 generics listed but they dont come up on the list.  The generics are the 2 drugs in the Harvoni.  Looks like I need to find a Part D that covers it. 2 steps foward 6 steps back.  Michaele

-- Edited by Michaele on Thursday 30th of October 2014 01:30:44 PM

Shadow10cats, I am retired, live in PA. and have NEPA BC&BS.  10 day insurance approval timeframe.  Failed treatment twice in past.   Went through a runaround with pharmacies initially, but  it is now  being filled  by Curascript.  I have cirrhosis.  I hope your efforts in obtaining treatment are successful!  There are still seats on the train!  Ro

"Won't be the first time I've had something large in my mouth".    -oh were you talking about your foot?  lol

I have to ask, is that a real picture of one of your companions?  (the kitty pic)  Either way it's just too cute.  I love cats. One of the things I used to do before I ran out of steam was rescue, socialize and find homes for poor little kitties thrown away by their owners or from feral colonies.  It was the most rewarding thing I have ever done.  AT one time I had 12 of my own and couldn't have been happier.  Now I have only 6 but even tho I am not out actively trying to help these guys they seem to find their way to my door. 

jimbob wrote:

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Isis, are those the actual size?

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No, I reduced the image by 50%.  Won't be the first time I've had something large in my mouth.   JUST KIDDING.  !!   

Thought we could all use a little levity after Matt's TEMPORARY setback.  Hang in there, Matt.  

Shadow10cats,

I'm a retired county employee and my insurance is my county's self-insured point of service plan.  My plan uses Briova specialty pharm., I'm F3 and I live in California.

Shadowcats I will share my info

No insurance and low income due to my health I am only working part time.  I was approved through Gilead Support Path program 100% 24 weeks

Stage 3-4 cirrhosis.  I wad in a BMS clinical trial in Feb but did not achieve SVR my case was considered a relapse.

I live in PA and we have a hep c clinic at a major hospital in my town.  The docs there are great. 

To get Support Path in my state I had to have a denial from medical assistance and they wanted to know if I applied for healthcare reform.  I am not required to have Obama care due to my income.  

The approval was quick. I picked up my first bottle from my Dr and have 5 refills.  Mine goes through Covance Specialty Pharm

I hope you can get your ticket on the train too... 

BJ if you do a search for         Harvoni prescribing guidelines       some insurance companies have their approval criteria posted.  Problem is, that it may vary, even for the same insurance companies in different states.  You just about have to look at each specific insurance company under their "specialty Pharmacy guidelines" to see how high you must jump....  Being proactive and polite goes a long way.  Hope this works out for you.  I know how frustrating it can be.  Keep the faith.

For those who have been approved for Harvoni would you mind sharing some info w/ me? I'd like to get a picture of how things vary from state to state & by diagnosis. 

- do you have insurance?  If yes who is your provider   If no - how were you able to obtain harvoni

- What pharmacy is getting you the Harvoni?  (ie: I hear some are contracting out the distribution)

 - What Grade / Stage liver disease do you have and any cirrhosis? 

- What state are you in

To be fair , my info is.....

I am Grade 1 / Stage 1 or 2 (one biopsy was 2; one was 1 in that order)  /  no cirrhosis (that I know of) / Tons of symptoms - in a few days I am being put on  medical leave / I have CDPHP / One Dr told me Acaria Health would be distributing Harvoni / but Caremark said they were so I  have no idea / I live in NYS

My Harvoni arrived today and I stepped on the train at 4:30 p.m.  Along with the Harvoni came a survival kit for hepatitis C patients:  Oatmeal bath packets, lotion for dry skin, hot pack/cold pack for achy muscles/headache, water bottle, pill case, and a pack to put this all in.  After all that I went through with my first treatment, this is a breath of fresh air!

I believe everyone will get treatment.  It makes a difference if you have a doctor's office that are experts in getting the approvals through.  My doctor put me on a priority list in September for Harvoni and told me don't worry about your insurance; we will handle everything.  I was skeptical and I was on the phone daily and writing emails to anyone and everyone just in case.  My insurance kept telling me Harvoni was excluded from my plan.  It's just going to take time for insurances' to get it together.

Julia,

Thank you. I went to see my Dr this morning and he already submit the paper   work for me, so hopefully I will have my Med soon.

Take care.

Julia, I have felt the same way...my insurance would not pay for Sovaldi with olysio and I was devastated.  After a few failed treatments, dealing with awful side effects and increasing  symptons I never thought I would be hopeful again, but I am!  Ro

I am too Ro.  I still cant believe that I am getting another chance at SVR and so soon after my clinical trial failed. 

I have waited a long time for these medications to come out because my doctor didn't believe I would be able to tolerate the 12-18 mos of interferon which was my only past option.

Everything is happening so fast and my life is changing in remarkable ways.  I am happy to be 49 years old and looking forward to 50+.  I would have never said that before as I believed I had a death sentence hanging over my head and now I have a chance to be healthy and hopefully get some energy back.

As you see my Avatar is a sloth but she is smiling because soon she will be able to move faster than ever.

Julia, I also have 24 weeks...really hoping for the best this time....for all of us!

LOL yes it is IsisCat

Ro how long is your treatment?   I have 24 weeks. 

Thanks, Julia... I will be there soon!  And losing a few pounds along the way wouldn't hurt me , either!  LOL

Excellent, Julia.  Your ride has begun!!   Is this what Mr. HARVONI looks like?

Thanks guys and Congrats to Ro!!!!!!!!!!!!

I took two pills so far and no more fatigue than I usually have and no headaches (crossing my fingers).  I haven't had an appetite the last two days so that may be from the meds.  Hey if I can lose a few more pounds along the way than kudos to me lol.  The pills are bigger than I expected and it is a pretty color  

I am so happy to see the insurance companies are approving these meds and rather quickly for insurance company standards. 

Hey Ro

That is really good news for all of us that have BCBS health insurance. The 10 day window makes sense because that is the time they have to render a decision.

Let us know when you receive your meds. and start lounging on the train.

matt 

Hey Julia

Great news and even better is seeing the actual pills staring you in the face.

Welcome aboard the train, looks like you have found the lounge car and have put up your feet for the long journey.

matt

Great news, Julia!  I will be a week behind you..

My paperwork was submitted Oct.10.  Insurance approved it for Oct 20...10 day turnaround for approval, THEN much back and forth with Specialty Pharmacies, (Prime Aide, Walgreen's, back to Prime Aide, Accredo ) until doctor's office FINALLY went to Curascript which is where NEPA BC&BS approved in the first place!!!  Not sure why they tried everywhere else, (and I do have questions about that) ,  I have used Curascript last 2 treatments with no problem... ANYWAY, my pills arrive at doctor's tomorrow, Wednesday.  I have appointment for instructions.  All future meds will be delivered to my home.

Keep posting so I know what to expect  And all positive thought to you!

Great news Julia!  

Congratulations Julia!

Thanks for the well wishes.  J Lynch I do not have insurance so I got approved through Support Path. You can find a link on Gilead website.  In my town we have a HIV and HepC Clinic and they put all the paperwork through to approve me.

I took the pill about 1 1/2 hours ago and I don't have side effects yet lol.  But I will be sure to keep everyone posted and will be checking back for the same.

Lisa, my paperwork was put through about 2 weeks ago.  But I am not going through an insurance company so I believe mine came faster than people battling insurance companies.

I would have never been able to do this without my doctors at the clinic.  I will be forever grateful to them.

-- Edited by julia1065 on Monday 27th of October 2014 08:52:50 PM

Good luck to you julia1065. Can you tell me how long you had to wait since you applied until you have Harvoni. thank you , take care.

Lisa Pham

Great new- what insurance do you carry?

julia1065 wrote:

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I just came back from my doctor with a 28 day supply of Harvoni.  I will be taking it for 24 weeks.  It will come by mail order from here on.

I just took my first pill.   I hope everyone waiting and going through the insurance company "red tape" will be on the medication soon.

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Wooooo Hoooo!   So very happy for you.

Julia,
Congratulations! Please keep us posted about side effects.

I just came back from my doctor with a 28 day supply of Harvoni.  I will be taking it for 24 weeks.  It will come by mail order from here on.

I just took my first pill.   I hope everyone waiting and going through the insurance company "red tape" will be on the medication soon.

I found a helpful source of info called the Fingertip Formulary http://www.fingertipformulary.com/home/

You can search for any drug, any state, any insurance company.  However, it's not completely up to date. I searched my insurance company for Sovaldi and found it but Harvoni is not coming up yet.

thanks!  I will keep you posted too.

JLynch30,

I emailed my gastroenterologist at Kaiser to ask if he has heard any news about Kaiser's criteria for treatment. He responded to check back with him on 11/10. Same as your doctor.  Gilead's MySupportPath is also checking on Kaiser's coverage for me, so I hope to hear from them before 11/10.  I'll let you know.

Thanks for all the well wishes.  I just completed a BMS clinical trial which was unsuccessful.  My doc told me about Harvoni being FDA approved but never in a million years would I have expected to receive it and so quickly at that.

Congrats Julia! Please keep us informed on what happens. Keep looking forward to you yelling SVR!

Hey Julia

That is wonderful news, I am so happy for you. Now its stay on the train for a strait 24 weeks and you should be good to go SVR.

YYYAAAHHHOOO!

matt

Julia, what great news, congratulations!!  Woohoo!

I`m so pleased you`ve got your approval for the Harvoni tx meds and wish you all the best of luck!  ~ Jill

Hi Matt Chris you asked who my insurance carrier was?  At this time I am uninsured and my income puts me under the guidelines for the affordable care act.  My doctor put me through Support Path.  They approved me rather quickly.

My RN called me today to tell me that they received my medication and I have an appointment on Monday to start my meds!! 

justme50 wrote:

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Harvoni is excluded from my plan because of the cost.  Wonder how many insurance programs will exclude Harvoni and if there is any recourse.

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Hi justme50:

Under the Affordable Care Act your insurance company cannot deny prescription coverage but limitations can be placed on the approval of the medication. You are entitled to be treated with the Standard of Care prescription medications for your condition.  All oral DAAs are replacing Interferon based tx as SOC for HCV tx in the US.  Your insurance plan must, therefore, allow for coverage of all oral DAAs.  The only FDA approved all oral medication presently available for GT1s is Harvoni.  (Note: The limitations placed on the approval of Harvoni are subject to judicial review -- in other words the limitations must be lawful-- expect to see more about this in the future.)

I'm not sure why you believe Harvoni is entirely excluded from your plan but I doubt this is the case.  It may not be included on the formulary list yet because it is so new but that doesn't mean it is excluded from your plan.  

I noticed you are an F-3.  Your HCV tx is considered a priority.  If you are denied you need to appeal immediately.  Talk to your doctor; you should be eligible for Harvoni tx.  Here is some more information for you to read:

http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/insurance-costs/aca-prescription-drug-costs-faq

http://obamacarefacts.com/essential-health-benefits.php

P.S.  The AASLD tx guidelines are important for you to know about also:

http://www.hcvguidelines.org/full-report/when-and-whom-initiate-hcv-therapy

Harvoni is excluded from my plan because of the cost.  Wonder how many insurance programs will exclude Harvoni and if there is any recourse.

Hey all

Just a important reminder regarding getting help in obtaining "Harvoni" You might want to sign up with Gilead sponsored assistance program called  "Harvoni Support Path"

Link--- http://www.mysupportpath.com/

After signing up last week they called on Monday and told me that they checked into my BCBS health insurance coverage for my particular policy and said it would cover it. Then informed me to that they want to contact my medical team to help with prior authorization procedures, I told them I think its already sent in but gave them the contact info. Found out later that BCBS (Prime Therapeutics) received the info on Monday which is 4 day turn around from the day I saw my Hepatologist. In talking to Prime T. they said is 4 or 5 day process until determination of approval or rejection. It shows again the importance of competence of the medical team.

matt     

let us know when you get the gold in your hand!

Hello Julia

Super congrats on getting approved for 24 weeks of Harvoni. Welcome to the Harvoni train your one of the first confirmed passengers aboard. BTW may I ask what health insurance company works for you.

matt 

Congratulations Julie, hope you get the Harvoni quickly.  Will be great to get started.  Maybe you'll be the first to strike gold     A true blessing.  Woo, Woo, all aboard. 

I am frustrated with the lack of response from keiser too.  My doctor said she is going to a conference in Boston on November 4th to the 10th and she will know when she gets back.  I will keep you posted - please do the same

JLynch30,

I saw on the "Harvoni Train" thread that you have Kaiser insurance (I do too).  I'm wondering if you have any information about what criteria Kaiser is going to use to decide if they will approve us for Harvoni?  I met with my dr. last wednesday & he said he would let me know but I haven't heard from him. I'm not good at waiting.

Today, I called Member Services and asked if Harvoni had been added to the Formulary.  I searched the online Formulary & found Sovaldi is on it but not Harvoni. Member Services told me they update the Formulary monthly. 

Ro, Congratulations!! That is great news!