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Paying for IVIG

After the relief of discovering that there is a therapy that can help, the next question many people with primary immunodeficiency (PI) face is, "How will I pay for this?"

Most people rely on third-party insurance (public or private) to reduce the expense of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. But getting the therapy approved by the insurer can involve a good deal of time-consuming paperwork and phone calls. If you have good insurance, you may be wondering how you'll pay the premiums or co-pays. And if you don't, you're probably wondering where you can turn. Fortunately there are a number of places that can help you with your insurance concerns.

Immune Deficiency Foundation

If you're experiencing problems related to reimbursement or insurance denial of therapy, you can get help by contacting an IDF insurance specialist by phone (1-800-296-4423) or email (idf@primaryimmune.org).

The IDF also offers a Patient & Family Handbook for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases, including an extensive chapter on health insurance, online at www.primaryimmune.org.

Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

Manufacturers are aware that consistent healthcare is important to the success of IVIG therapy for primary immunodeficiency, so they offer several kinds of patient support.

Insurance Assistance

Though brands vary in their offerings, most provide some kind of insurance assistance. For example, Baxter's GARDian program (www.mygardian.com) can help patients, caregivers, medical billing staff, healthcare providers and anyone else with questions about insurance coverage and reimbursement for GAMMAGARD therapy.

Insurance Gaps

The GARDian program (www.mygardian.com) may also help patients who experience insurance gaps and those who have no insurance. This assistance is available to qualified IVIG patients on any therapy, including newly diagnosed patients and those who are not currently on GAMMAGARD therapy. The program provides GAMMAGARD therapy at no cost to those who meet the program's requirements.*

Therapy Continuity

Access to the brand that best meets your needs can become a concern if you move, change jobs, or change your physician or site of care. If you are a GAMMAGARD therapy patient, the GARDian program can help you find access to the therapy you are prescribed. To learn more about this program, visit www.mygardian.com.

*Financial and residency requirements may apply. Please contact the GARDian program, 1-877-655-GARD (4273) for additional details.

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