Expensive meds and specialty pharmacies, part 2

I wasn't expecting to write a part 2 to this, but it was in such contrast to my previous specialty pharmacy experiences that I felt obligated to.

Anyway, I took my first dose of Orencia last night.

Aside from the much more phallic-inspired shape of the injector, it was pretty much the same.. Although a few seconds after injecting it felt like I had been punched in the goddamned gut for about 30 seconds.

Otherwise, it was fine. Seemingly no negative reactions, although I am in such a bad pain flare today that I probably couldn't tell.

That's not why I wanted to write a part 2, however.

You see, literally every step of the experience was in complete contrast to what it was like with Accredo.. because, as it turns out, Walgreens Specialty Rx is also an option.

Aside from Walgreens Specialty Rx indicating it was in prep for shipping in the portal despite me never signing up for the critical payment assistance, it was a very smooth process.

There were some obnoxious messaging, and I had to go through 3 different phone calls, but even then it was miles better than my experience with Accredo.

They even signed me up for my payment assistance for me, which is fantastic: One less piece of bullshit to deal with.. But what was most interesting was how everything was billed.

You see, with Enbrel and Accredo, they'd bill the payment assistance first, and then tap the insurance.

That meant that the $7.5k of payment assistance is wiped out with the first month's order, leaving insurance to say what they'll cover of the remainder (my insurance will take care of approved meds leaving me with $500 max out of pocket).

I'm beginning to think that Accredo did things the dumb fucker's way, because Walgreens?

Yeah, they billed insurance first, so the payment assistance only gets tapped for the $500 per month's dose.

That makes much more sense, and with Orencia's payment assistance I just pay $5 per month.

So, fuck you, Accredo. Hopefully I never have to use you again.