Brinsupri follow-up

I was just notified by Optum RX that I was approved to receive Brinsupri. I'm guessing they mean by Medicare, but Optun RX don't have it and cannot process it. So, I guess I'll check with local pharmacies.

I'd like to hear from those of you that have it, what the average cost has been as I have heard outrageous amounts, and Medicare covering very little. Thank you!

I was just notified by Optum RX that I was approved to receive Brinsupri. I'm guessing they mean by Medicare, but Optun RX don't have it and cannot process it. So, I guess I'll check with local pharmacies.

I'd like to hear from those of you that have it, what the average cost has been as I have heard outrageous amounts, and Medicare covering very little. Thank you!

BRINSUPRI is to be delivered tomorrow 10/01, via UPS. Yes, I have to sign for it. The ordering process has taken 10 days from when Dr Kanj put through the request. The preauthorization by Medicare/United Healthcare took a few days due to the weekend. AMBER pharmacy, based in Omaha, texted me and I was instructed to go to their link. Once all “paperwork “ was completed I was told my co-pay for 30 pills was $906. Apparently it’s $7,000 + if out of pocket! Luckily AMBER gave me information about filing for a grant: The Assistance Fund.
I went to the website, filled out the application, and was approved a few hours later. My co-pay is 0. In addition to Bronchiectasis I have MAC and will probably be starting “The Big Three” in December. Would be interested to hear from anyone who has started BRINSUPRI and is on antibiotics for MAC.

@scoop I was wondering how long it took from the time your physician started the process of prescribing Brinsupri till you actually took the first dose? I am asking because my "general community based pulmonologist had me sign papers on September 17 and so far I have not heard a word. I did send a phone message to the office inquiring if they heard anything and so far radio silence. My pulmonologist has been very good to me but if I have to change to a Bronchiectasis center I will to help improve my QofL by getting more up to date treatment.

@brettdf
I have Optum Rx and they have a separate specialty pharmacy. I can't speak to how it'll work with Brinsupri, but I started on Dupixent recently and get it thru the Specialty divisions. My doc sent order to usual CVS and I was in limbo for 4-5 weeks between doc's office, CVS and CVS Specialty. Once I found out it had to be thru Optum's Specialty, I spoke with them and they were enormously helpful! They called doc's staff while I was on phone to get info for approval. Couple hours later, the pharmacist called with question about the dose ordered and followed up with call to doc's office to get dose changed, then called me again with instructions. I was then sent tracking info for overnight delivery! I have no idea if they're always that great, but it's sure worth asking to speak with them. Good luck!

BRINSUPRI is to be delivered tomorrow 10/01, via UPS. Yes, I have to sign for it. The ordering process has taken 10 days from when Dr Kanj put through the request. The preauthorization by Medicare/United Healthcare took a few days due to the weekend. AMBER pharmacy, based in Omaha, texted me and I was instructed to go to their link. Once all “paperwork “ was completed I was told my co-pay for 30 pills was $906. Apparently it’s $7,000 + if out of pocket! Luckily AMBER gave me information about filing for a grant: The Assistance Fund.
I went to the website, filled out the application, and was approved a few hours later. My co-pay is 0. In addition to Bronchiectasis I have MAC and will probably be starting “The Big Three” in December. Would be interested to hear from anyone who has started BRINSUPRI and is on antibiotics for MAC.