Prevacid Solu-Tab vs. Medicaid

I have had just about as much as I can take with this Prevacid thing. Dr. Irgau increased my dose to twice a day but the Medicaid only pays for enough each month for once a day. I have to call Dr. Irgau every two weeks to have him call Medicaid for a prior authorization to get it filled a second time each month. It takes them forever to get this done and I end up waiting several days and as long as two weeks before I can get the meds. In the meantime, I am going without the Prevacid and the pain is almost unbearable. The last 3 times I have called the office, I have asked them to please put me back on the capsules since 'Caid pays for those as written. They still haven't done that, so I have to pay for these Solu-Tabs out of pocket at nearly $5 for EACH tab! Crap, if I could pay $300 a month for just ONE of my meds each month, I wouldn't need Medicaid. The doctor is the one who insists I take these things twice a day to prevent ulcers, and when I run out, the acid just eats away at my belly but I can't get the office to get moving on making sure I can get them. Does anyone out there on Medicaid know of a product that is paid for without having to get prior auth. every month? I am so frustrated because when the pain comes, I know it's putting me in danger of bleeding ulcers and that causes me to get stressed out, which causes even more acid production. Any suggestions?? Thanks. KathyG

Kathy, When I was on the Prevacid I got many weeks of ''samples'' when I went into the office. I told Dr Irgau that I couldnt afford which I couldnt to keep buying ALL of the prescriptions then keep changing after a week or two so if I didnt get samples then I couldnt take them. Even with Prescription insurance which is the top in the industry I paid one month over $300.00 in co-pays. Some of the drugs I used maybe 5 days worth only to be told oh dont take that any more, take this. DUH. I hope this helps you........Sharon

Kathy, I just finished reading my AARP bulletin I received today. There's an article in there about getting assistance for prescriptions. It gave a couple of options for folks who have difficulty paying the script costs. Here they are - contact manufacturer of the med - most companies offer free or low-cost prescription drugs to people who meet their eligibility guidelines. - call your state's health department -check out website: www.aarp.org/bulletin/prescription (click on "your guide to state-run and private pharmacy assistance programs" - other sources: www.needymeds.com (click on Patient Assistance Programs) Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America at www.phrma.org I agree that doctors do get free samples from companies. I know for a fact that if my meds don't arrive in time from the mail, my doctor gives me samples to hold me over. Good Luck to you. Let me know if any of this info helps you. Diane S.

hey kathy i feel for you hun. but girl thank god you got medicaid to fight with to get it and that you can atleast take one pill a day. medicaid cut me off because my hubby makes $49.00s to much and i cant get prevcid any more so i use gas x it does ok and its better then nothing. and one pill a day is better then nothing. tell the dr to give you the samples to make up the diff so you dont have to do with out hell they charge medicaid for them to so whats the diff. belinda so didnt mean to dump.