Finding affordable medication took some time and a lot of pain for me to get there. I’m not upset; it took what it took, as I was really trying to avoid having to take any medication and handle it homeopathically. But the pain got so great I had to do something.
Thankfully, I have an excellent team of physicians and a few smart pharmacists helping me through this challenge. I wasn’t sure if I could afford treatment, but my healthcare team helped me find ways to afford my medications and therapy without bankrupting me.
Let me start by saying how very grateful I am for my life today, but I had to go through some mud and mucky waters to get to the other side of the lake where it’s safe and clean to swim. You’re probably wondering what I am even talking about. Good question.
After getting a divorce (remember, I’m happy to be on my own), some major things changed, most predominantly the income earned in my household. And as a result, my healthcare insurance changed as well. So much so that I need to consider all areas of my health very carefully, especially when it comes to affordable medication.
With the divorce came a lot of stress. Add to that many years of being active in contact sports, extreme sports, off-road adventures, bartending through college, and giving birth to two sons. As a result, I have many overworked injuries and am currently struggling with chronic pain issues all over, including:
- Left shoulder impingement
- Right shoulder bones spurs and a worn-out rotator cuff
- Left knee Bakers cyst and torn meniscus
- Right knee Bakers cyst and torn meniscus
- Sciatica nerve pain on both the lower left and lower right back
Should I go on? No, let’s not and say we did! What does that even mean? My mother used to say that a lot; she had quite the “dry” sense of humor.
Anyway, moving on. Point? My doctors have been trying to help me with physical therapy, acupuncture, pain shots, massage, etc. Recently, they asked if I would be willing to try gabapentin specifically to target the nerve pain, which was giving me the most grief and was temporarily rendering me disabled as I needed a walker to move about my home, and I am only 50 years old!
Reluctantly, I agreed. And you know what? The medication is actually working so far, and I was guided into seeing that there are ways to find affordable medication when needed. Most good pharmacists are willing to help patients find their medications at lower costs.
Many pharmaceutical companies, state programs, and non-profits have drug assistance programs (PAPs) that offer free or low-cost medicines if you don’t have insurance or are underinsured and can’t afford your medicine. Programs and program benefits vary.
What does a patient advocate do?
When my mom was going through dialysis treatment, she had a patient advocate who helped her find rides to medical appointments, find affordable healthcare, find mental health services for the chronically ill, make sure she was being treated fairly and equitably, etc. I loved who my mom had as a patient advocate; she was also the school therapist where my sons attended elementary school. Unfortunately, when my mom passed, it was very traumatic for me and my sons. However, because the patient advocate was also in the school, she was there each day to help my sons emotionally since she knew their grandma and their situation.
Let’s see how the experts define what a patient advocate does. One well-known advocacy non-profit organization defines its mission as follows: “The overall goal of a patient advocate is to provide patients and caregivers with the support and education they need so they can make their own decisions about their next steps. Advocates have the patient’s back (like a “wingman”) and help make their journey through the health care system as smooth as possible,”
To get services, a patient must be in, just starting or just ending treatment for a serious health condition.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services put it this way, “Patient advocates can help you navigate the healthcare system. Advocates ask questions, write down information, and speak up for you. They help you get the care and resources you need”.
What is a chronic serious health condition?
A chronic condition requires periodic visits to a health care provider or a nurse supervised by the provider at least twice a year, and which includes periods of incapacity that recur over an extended period. A chronic condition may cause short periods of incapacity. Chronic illnesses can have a profound impact on a person’s daily life, potentially causing limitations and impairments that require regular monitoring and intervention.
My mom had diabetes, that qualified her to receive this benefit. On the other hand, my family friend has been battling breast cancer, and so that qualifies her. Some other health conditions that would warrant a patient advocate could be:
Diabetes: A condition characterized by high blood glucose levels due to the body’s inability to produce or utilize insulin effectively. It can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage.
Asthma: A chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to breathing difficulties, chest tightness, and wheezing.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A progressive lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It causes difficulty in breathing and results in a reduced ability to perform daily activities.
Cardiovascular diseases: Conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and hypertension.
Arthritis: A group of conditions characterized by joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can impact daily activities and cause mobility issues.
Chronic kidney disease: A long-term condition that affects the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products from the blood. It may lead to complications like high blood pressure and end-stage renal disease.
Multiple sclerosis (MS): An autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing problems with movement, coordination, and sensory functions.
Mental health disorders: Various mental health conditions, like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, which require ongoing treatment and support.
HIV/AIDS: A chronic viral infection that weakens the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and other complications.
Cancer: Different types of cancer, such as breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer, often require long-term treatment and management.
Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Crohn’s disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues.
How to find affordable medication
Finding affordable medication can be challenging, but with the help of healthcare professionals and patient advocates, options can be found.