Tomorrow is the deadline, note to self ...

[cliffside]

if you are a senior.

I started looking at my part D options a couple of weeks ago. For the past few years things have been stable and I've just rolled over to the same plan, meds change etc. but all was relatively the same. Not so this year, a drug from the dermatologist has suddenly become very expensive under my plan, not a large concern because if needed ($50 to $700+) Not too concerned because it is not needed too often, but do wonder why the jump in cost?

No longer covering Synthroid, just a generic which makes my thyroid med which makes my numbers fluctuate too much.

Bottom line with the drugs that Medicare can negotiate for and the reduced out of pocket maximum I'm thinking the plans/companies need to make the deficit up somewhere.

So check your plans, I'm not touching my supplemental plan but do look at part D each year.

[elleng]

1. My 'synthroid' has fluctuated over the years, in appearance and cost;

been 'generic' for quite a while.; covered by 'my' supplemental, FEHB.

[cliffside]

3. Tried to switch a few times over decades, always more stable on Synthroid ...

my daughter who is an internal med doc, said that Synthroid is one of just a few brand named drugs that works for some people.
It works, less labs, so why play with it?

But I do think the Pharma companies will pass along higher prices with the new rules on out of pocket maximums and negotiated prices on other drugs ... need to make a profit, keep shareholders happy.

[Meowmee]

2. They probably cover the generic levothyroxine

What is the derm med?

[cliffside]

4. Fluorouracil is the derm med for pre cancerous spots ...

tried levothyroxine, labs more stable on Synthroid.

[Meowmee]

7. Mine are fine

I have always been on levo, I needed lio too though, it made a world of difference. I don’t convert levo well T4. I think I need more T3 though have to fight with my Endo over it.

But if you go get a good RX coupon and pay out-of-pocket, Synthroid may be cheaper that way, or order from Canada maybe.

I looked up that other cream, you can get it maybe cheaper with a good RX coupon. I don’t know what you pay for it. There are also generics you can try also on good rx coupon. Just google it.

[cliffside]

8. Not sure what lio is, but why mess with something that has worked for 20+ plus years and add something else ...

I've been trying to reduce drugs with lifestyle changes.

I can switch plans, need to do so by tomorrow, need to see.

The drug companies are going to make up the new changes, negotiating prices for certain drugs under Medicare and the new out of pocket maximum ... someone will ultimately pay.

We're seeing that with insurance rates, storms in the south, fires in the west etc. the costs will be spread to all whether they are 'in the storm' or not. The same can be said with drugs IMO, a change to lower prices on some prices will be made up somewhere else.

A company needs to beat their expected EPS and buy back more shares, while others fight for scraps. I'll be ok, I just think of others who might be paying higher costs going forward.

So what is lio? not looking to add anything, just curious.

[Meowmee]

9. Liothyronine is t3

Strongly do not recommend stopping taking your thyroid medication. You’re going to get damage to your whole organ system if you don’t take medication if you truly have hypothyroidism of any type, especially Hashimotos, which is autoimmune.

Some people don’t convert T4 ( levo) so, they need to take T3. Normally your body converts T4 to T3. T3 is the active hormone which is usable by your body, t4 is converted to t3.

My advice was aimed at helping you to find a way to pay less for whatever you end up getting if you don’t have coverage and or go the oop route.

[cliffside]

11. Thanks for the explanation ...

found another plan that covers it.

[Meowmee]

12. Great yw😀

You might want to ask your doctor to test the whole thyroid panel to see if you need T3. Or just try taking T3 as well. If you’re having trouble with your levels or even if you just feel tired etc. The treatment is really supposed to be based on how you feel not only on the blood work.

[elleng]

5. Yes, levo likely covered, as it is by FEHB.

Just picked up new rx, got new shape; not sure of how much, or quality (yet.)

[Meowmee]

6. I take levo and lio, both generics they are good.

[Roy Rolling]

10. Commercialization

We are debating every year what insurance plan to buy. That’s a far cry from the laughable “you can keep your doctor” promises of Republican politician puppets and health insurance parasite corporations.

How can we amass a resistance when all of our time is spent entangled in the complexities of intrusive capitalism within our personal lives?