I got approved for Harvoni and have started 8 weeks of treatment

[CharlesA920]

My family doctor is the one that discovered I had hepC 1a over 10 years ago.  I have been waiting for a cure.  When I found out about Harvoni I went to see him.

He's up on HepC and attended the fall seminar on the new treatments.  But I was his first foray into treatment rather than referral.  He didn't really know the procedure but know about Aureus Pharmacy from another doctor.  He called Aureus and they walked him though the entire process, including all the tests that were needed and all the paperwork that needed to be filed.

First thing I know I get an approval letter from Humanna (Medicare Part D).  I was contacted by the Aureus Pharmacy and they asked a couple questions about my family size and income, and send me the prescription overnight with Zero copay.

I've taken 10 pills so far and a couple good things are happening>
1) I've started to dream again.  Really had not given much though about why I wasn't having dreams but now I dream almost every night.
2) after just one pill I had a strange clarity of though but not clear enough to draw a connection to the treatment and the clarity.  But after 2 pills I knew there was a direct correlation, and the brain-fog is lifting.

No ill side effects at all.  I feel pretty good.

[w_ink]

Congrats on getting Harvoni! I'm in a position to change my insurance, as my husband just got laid off from his job. Instead of getting coverage through COBRA, after being denied Havoni and Vikeira Pak through Blue Shield of California, I was hoping to get insurance that would cover it. I just called the pharmacy which has been submitting the prescriptions and asked them which insurance companies were approving Harvoni. They told me it was against the law for them to tell me. So I thought to see if I could find out through these forums. I don't qualify for Gilead's support path, as we make just over the maximum per year. It should be against the law to deny treatment to people who are ill.

[KimInTheForest]

How is it going, @CharlesA920? You must be nearing the end of your 8-week Harvoni treatment. Smooth sailing for you? I have just finished Week 4 (of 12) of Harvoni+Ribavirin. No problems so far, and feeling better.

@w_ink: Any luck getting coverage and starting tx?

best to both of you,
kim

[Karen3717]

Gilead may be able to guide you on which insurances are approving.  They know who the pharmacy benefit managers (PMB) are because the contracts are established directly between Gilead and the payer (insurance company & their PMB).  I have BCBS of Texas & had no problem.  I have also heard that Aetna & United healthcare are approving.  But.... This will vary by state and perhaps vary by the policy you choose.  I would look for a policy that has decent coverage for the "specialty pharmacy benefit" because no matter which drug you eventually get, it will fall under the specialty pharm benefit.  Best wishes to you in getting the info you need to make a decision.
Karen

[w_ink]

Yes, I hope it was smooth sailing for you, Charles! I've heard about the lifting of the brain fog when you start treatment. I want that!!! I called Gilead, and they told me to apply through My Support Path, that I may qualify for a copay, so I'm in the middle of that process. I'm in Los Angeles, and there's no Aetna coverage available here through individual policies. Thanks for the info and words of support, Kim and Karen!