Does the Veterans Administration Pay for Revlimid?

Can anyone tell me if you have gotten your Revlimid through the Veterans Health Care system? 

If so, how did you go about getting the drug through the VA, and what was the cost to you? 

I am looking for assistance to pay for this medication.

Hi I not sure about the VA. My husband got assitance through the Chronic Disease Foundation you can look it up on the internet for the numbers to call.

DAna

Hi there. I now know about the VA... First question - are you a veteran? And more importantly... are you already in the VA program?

If so, they very likely cover the Revlimid. I don't know for a fact, but they cover Thalidomide at full cost - i know because my dad has MM and now gets Thalidomide, courtesy of the VA, thank god. We would not be able to afford it, any other way. He pays $8 a month for it! (the co-pay). The 'catch' or requirement (aside from already being enrolled in their health care coverage is that you must go there to get it and see their doctors - once a month, which we do... in addition to my dad's regular oncologist. A very small price to pay, for an outrageously expensive medicine that is currently keeping him alive. 

I believe there is one other poster on here (might be, Harley Night Rider (?) but i'm not sure) - who definitely gets Revlimid through his VA.

Are you enrolled in the VA Healthcare system (i hope) and is that why you're asking? If so, i don't forsee you having any problems. They were very kind and generous the first time we went there and almost immediately said, "Okay, we're going to cover/prescribe the Thalidomide for you" - just like that, after learning our situation. Good luck & take care.

Thanks DAna! 

I have heard of the Chronic Disease Fund and am checking in to it.  I am trying to help my Dad find assistance.  His copay for Revlimid is  incredibly expensive!  

It is bad enough being diagnosed with cancer, but then the burden of finding financial assistance for the drug treatment yet...sigh.

My dad is already being seen at a VA in Pennsylvania twice a year in order to get his other medications...has gotten glasses and hearing aides through the VA.  I think he has been going to the VA twice a year for the past several years.  At a recent visit they said they don't have it and it is not listed in their formulary.  They suggested trying the VA in Wilmington, Delaware, or the VA in Philadelphia.

On 10/15/2009 isitfridayyet50 wrote:

Can anyone tell me if you have gotten your Revlimid through the Veterans Health Care system? 

If so, how did you go about getting the drug through the VA, and what was the cost to you? 

I am looking for assistance to pay for this medication.

Try the drug company directly.  I googled it and it is www.celgene.com.

They have a section dedicated to  help  people who have financial limitaions. He may qualify for at least a portion of help depending on his income.

From Anna,

Hi isitfridayyet50, Just wanted to say welcome to the group.  Our insurance covers Dad so I can't answer your question.

Your friend,

Anna