Depending on what meds you are on, the drug companies often offer free if not a mininal co-pay for it. Your rheumy should be able to help. If not, go to the actual drug site and it will have info on there.

You also can try Healthware Foundation or Patient Access Network. When I had to pay COBRA, I got reimbursed for the total amount. You have to pay first and fill out a form but you do get the money back.

Sometimes patients will give their rheumatologist the meds that they have left over from being switched to a different one. The rheumatologist will then give them to patients who are waiting to be approved or patients who can not afford them. The med companies will also have a free one year supply for those who can not afford it. Do not give up.

You have to wait for Medicare to kick in 12 months after being approved. It does take a while to get your first check, but you will get your back pay starting from the day you are approved.

I'm on Simponi....extremely expensive and I'm not going to be able to afford it now..insurance only covered 1/2. It's crazy the government can help other people with meds and such in other countries but when it come to us forget it!