Insurance paying for Avastin

I put out a message on this board several weeks ago about my insurance company refusing to pay for one of  my husband's chemotherapy treatments for his stomach cancer.  The chemo is Avastin, which as many people know, is not FDA insured for stomach cancer and that is why they are denying paying for it.  I had many helpful replies suggesting ways to research the drug and put forward an appeal to the California Department of Insurance, which we are in the midst of doing.  

However, I notice that several people with stomach cancer are also being treated with Avastin, and I was curious as to whether their insurance company was paying for it, and if they are who the insurance company is.  It is not bad enough dealing with this terrible disease but also having to fight to get the treatment paid for.

Any help would be appreciated.  Thank you.  Sue

My sis is on Avastin and she has Aetna.  They are denying her's but it's being appealed.  IT's ridiculous because it's approved for colon but not stomach yet it's all part of the same GI tract.   So, the oncologist has submitted appeal and we will see.

 Also, the manufacturer has patient assistance programs that may be of help.  Check that out.  http://www.gene.com/gene/products/access/

Good luck.

Tracy

Hi Tracy

Thanks so much for replying.  We have just sent off an appeal to the State of California so I will keep you updated on what happens.  It is disgraceful having to go through this ordeal as well as dealing with the traumatic effects of the cancer.

I hope your sister is doing well.  Sue