Drug Cost Assistance- Flovent

[SchoolNurseK, BSN, RN]

I just found out that one of our teachers has been unable to afford their inhaler, so they have been going without.  Our school offers really terrible insurance and this particular inhaler (flovent) is $330 per month because of the insurance deductible.  I looked into a patient assistance program but GlaxoSmithKlein requires patients to be completely uninsured for assistance and my quick search found that this medication was not even covered under the assistance program anyway.  Good RX is offering the inhaler at the same price, so that's a dead end too.  Any other ideas? 

It is so sad to me that we have full-time hard working TEACHERS that cannot afford their medication. 

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

Yikes  that's all I've got...

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

https://www.aafa.org/patient-assistance-medicine-drug-programs

Here are some others that can be specific for inhaler payment help. 

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Is the teacher's doc aware of the fact the teacher isn't compliant because of the expense? Is there any other med that they can take?

My beloved Dr. Singhania (if you're in the NTX and need an allergist or care for your asthma that is allergy-related) asks every single time if I can afford my RX. Singulair just went generic.

Best of luck and an Old Dude pat on the back to you for helping the staff as well as the students.

[SchoolNurseK, BSN, RN]

I just sent the teacher an email that said he needed to prioritize his health by getting a local primary care doc (his is 400 miles away) so that he can discuss alternative medication options that may be more affordable.  I also provided a few of the resources you all offered (YOU ALL ARE THE BEST) that look like he may be able to get based on his income.  

I also stepped out on a limb a bit and told him that he needs to prioritize his health because it is much more expensive to deal with an emergency than to do it right on the front end.  Hopefully that lands OK, but he is morbidly obese and doesn't make the best health choices, which he is very open about.  I don't know him super well, but as a nurse I think we can get away with that tough love every once in a while.  Hopefully....

Thanks again for your help!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Since staff have "terrible  insurance", I'm sure ED/ hospitalization copay would be much higher than med cost.  Canada pharmacies pricing about ~$100.00/ inhaler.  Allergist's often have mfg supply they give patents unable to afford med.

I changed Medicare drug insurance company as Mybetriq no longer covered for 2021 under prior plan --December cost $195 /30 days.   Picked up January supply- $425.00/30 days. (overall cost =  $550 @ CVS).  Checked a Canadian pharmacy -drug cost = $111  so can understand your colleagues concern.

[amoLucia]

My sister was picking up my smbicort for me. I didn't know the price - just found out. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Need to do some research but will discuss this with my PMP.