To be fair, I haven't even begun to receive the big bills for my surgery and hospitalization...but the insurance company is already driving me nuts.
On the day I had my catheter removed (remember...CFD?) I was given two prescriptions, one of which was for 90 Viagra tablets to be split in half and taken daily for six months. Nerve sparing robotic surgery is intended to allow one to return to normal sexual activity and Viagra promotes vasodilation following prostatectomy to preserve function.
When I first filled the prescription, I received three tablets and a $60+ charge. I was a bit confused as I had fully met my deductible and all prescriptions were to be covered. Well, I got that fixed...the next refill was another three tablets, but at no charge to me. Returning for the second refill I was told the insurance company would not cover another refill until January 6, 2012 (surprise...new deductible year, so no pay then). I am allowed just three tablets per month once my annual deductible is met.
Calling the insurance company I plead my case...this is not "recreational" Viagra, this is medically necessary therapy following surgery to prevent complications (potentially very expensive complications for the insurance company); but my argument fell upon deaf ears. I'm filing an appeal, but expect no luck.
So here's my deal...I want to begin a Viagra Bank for prostatectomy patients. Here's the way it works: Every time we go to the doctor, we request a sample of Viagra...we then send those samples to someone in need of the therapy if they promise to do the same after their need is met.
Look, this is going to cost me about $1,800...ouch! If someone can get samples but doesn't need them, I'll take every tablet I can get and gladly do the same for the next patient. If insurance isn't going to accept the therapy as medically necessary, we can do this ourselves. Whadda ya think?
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