← Return to Kevzara and Prednisone Tapering before and during Kevzara

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@nyxygirl

@mikeydee Hi there - do you plan to plot out all this data : ) that would be great !
i posted to the ACR meeting thread on Friday -- about the "great debate for PMR patients " -biologicals or not ?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1012486/
After seeing @froehlich22 comment - i am surprised the COST of biological drug(s) was not part of the debate (as i recall) ! I have mentioned before that i actually changed my PART D Rx plan for 2024 in case i needed to take Kevzara. Prednisone is literally zero dollars !

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Replies to "@mikeydee Hi there - do you plan to plot out all this data : ) that..."

All biologics are expensive and the cost of Kevzara is no different.

There is a loophole for biologics given by infusion for people on Medicare. As long as the biologic is FDA approved for the condition being treated, Medicare will pay 80% of the cost to do an infusion. A good Medicare supplement will pay the remaining 20%.

"Injectable and infused drugs: Medicare covers most injectable and infused drugs when a licensed medical provider gives them, because these types of drugs aren't usually self-administered."
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/prescription-drugs-outpatient
An injectable biologic usually isn't covered because it isn't "medically necessary" for a licensed medical provider to administer them. However, an infusion needs a nurse or someone who is qualified to start an IV and give the medication.

Unfortunately, I don't think Kevzara is available by infusion. For people with GCA however, Actemra can be given by infusion.