Good evening @jlf2.....I was searching for a particular post and I just saw yours about Medicare.
I just might have a couple of suggestions for you. Last year I had a "heck" of a time getting coverage for a new product for neuropathic itch called Dupixent. The first thing I discovered was that this injection product was not even listed on the Medicare Formulary. I had to request a special exception just to have it placed on the Formulary "momentarily". After that was corrected, I found that the copay was way out of my monetary league.

This "itch" had been a major cause of my most difficult and fearful days. I spent time in the ER and my dermatologist even came in from her vacation to tell me to stay out of the ER and Urgent Care because they wouldn't know how to help me. She ordered a topical medication at least for my face which was inflamed and itching. She had already submitted the prescription directly to the company for approval and I was ready to go.

I happen to have a daughter who has spent 30 years working with patients in a dental surgery center. She took over the search for the copay and lo and behold she got it. I don't know all the details but I suspect there are some issues relative to those of us over the age of 60. Pharmaceutical companies need to qualify for additional research and development funding before the current products face the creation of generic copies with much lower prices.

So.....the medication was temporarily placed on the formulary and I was approved for the copay support. Whew....it took a year. The medication worked from the first time I tried it and has given me another chance at living an itch-free and therefore pleasant life. You may be able to find a way to fund your prescription by digging a little deeper.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris