Cost of Medication & Specialists
Is anyone else struggling with high cost of medication for RA & Chronic Pain. I can only work a 3 day week due to 3 autoimmunes and am struggling with the cost of day to day medications required to support me. Not to mention the extraordinary costs that my specialists charge. I wish there was more understanding around cost of medication & appointments, even a threshold that allows cheaper medications & treatment after spending so much (there is one in Australia but it is too high) Not everyone can afford to have all there medications & treatments, especially when multiple AO are at play . If I did not force myself to work 3 days through chronic pain I could not afford all my medications & appointments. This is no way for anyone to live on top of the day to day struggles that chronic pain brings. There has to be a better way to be more financially supported.
Hi
. Please know that you are not alone in struggling with the high cost of medications. You mention Australia, is that where you are located? In the U.S. the drug manufacturers have copayment assistance programs where patients pay a small sum. These programs are in the interest of the companies because it is worth it to accept what the insurance companies pay to keep as many patients as possible. I have no idea of a similar program exists in Australia, but it may be worthwhile to contact the drug manufacturers directly. I hope others have some thoughts. We know that the stress alone in worrying about the costs of medication can be detrimental to one's health. Best, Richard (Team Member) 
Hi
thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences and what you're currently going through. I know every country is different, here in the USA people deal with this all the time but there are assistance programs for various medications like biologics that help people cover the extreme costs. I'm not sure where you live exactly (I believe Australia?) or what medications your doctor prescribed, but it's best to talk to your doctor and your doctor's nurse because they do have information on these type of things to help patients. Or at least they should. I would really push for help and answers from your providers first. -Effie, team member
