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Replies to "Do Canadians have to pay for prednisone? Most medical insurance in the USA, private or government,..."
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 23 hours ago | Replies (17)
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Do Canadians have to pay for prednisone? Most medical insurance in the USA, private or government, will happily pay for prednisone because it is inexpensive. . In the long term, the side effects associated with prolonged treatment with prednisone may cost a lot more in terms of health care costs.
"The annual incremental cost of steroid-toxicity ranges from $6000 to $30,000 depending on the dosage.[1]"
https://www.steritas.com/insights/steroid-toxicity-the-cost-to-healthcare
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I only got treated with a biologic because of my long term (decades) of Prednisone use and my inability to taper off Prednisone. My rheumatologist didn't think taking Prednisone for the rest of my life was a good outcome.
Replies to "Do Canadians have to pay for prednisone? Most medical insurance in the USA, private or government,..."
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Hello @dadcue thank you for the link. I really appreciate all the good info you send, it is so helpful!
In Canada we have universal health care which is managed by each province. Each province has different rules and coverage. It covers Family Drs (General Practitioners, NP's) and specialists visits. Hospital stays and ER visits. It covers a whole lot of diagnostic testing: Xrays, CT scans, MRI's, Ultrasounds etc ... we are pretty lucky in that respect!!! However that said there are long waits ... especially for the more expensive tests ... like CT's and MRI's .. up to a year sometimes depending on where you live. Rural areas are particularly affected!!!
However the only time they cover prescribed medication is while you are in the hospital or ER. A lot of people have extended health benefits insurance through their employers and if they are lucky their contract will have negotiated the continuation of these benefits when they retire. These benefits will cover a percentage of prescribed medications, chiropractors, physio etc... Unfortunately I did not have this benefit with my employer.
There is a provincial plan called Fair Pharmacare for prescribed medication. Depending on your status and your yearly income they will cover the cost of these prescriptions up to a yearly maximum and after a sizeable deductible. In my case it is around $2500. Once I have spent that much they will cover costs until I reach the maximum at which point I pay again. I have never to date reached the total deductible.
I do hope you are doing well and so glad you are off the Prednisone!
Thank again for all your good info.