United Health Care & MS

[@BlueSteve1875]

You have taken a risk to post this video as its such a sensitive subject. I would guess you have posted this content so that your patients are given a voice. I have deep respect for that.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Thanks. I am interested to see the reaction here.

[@CodeStatus200]

@@BlueSteve1875 I fully agree with you. This means the world to us.

[@BlueSteve1875]

@@DrBrandonBeaber I am from the UK and am on kesimpta even though I may have SPMS. DMTs take quite a while to be apporoved by the NHS, but when they approved there free.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

@@BlueSteve1875 Will the NHS not cover kesipmta if you have a diagnosis of progressive MS?

[@BlueSteve1875]

@@DrBrandonBeaber The NHS will not prescribe any DMT's for non active SPMS. New drugs are approved for NHS use by a body called NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and evaluated to determine whether they are cost effective. Ampyra's approval was rejected so potential users would have to pay for this drug in the UK.

[@jenniferh4929]

I have UHC. When I was diagnosed in 2008, they covered Rebif without question. However, they denied Tecfidera when it was first released even though I had failed Rebif. My doctor appealed and won.

[@imthebossofme63]

Thank you. Professional testimony is so important if there is ever going to be a change in our healthcare system in this country.

[@peggypasson8794]

Trust me they will make a huge deal over it ..then just fade away an it continues .....no worries I'm such Trump's health care plan will be much better ..ohh wait !!! Sad

[@TradBarbie]

We were all... *_UNITED_* right before Christmas; because whether you're Left or Right, we all love Mario's brother.

[@jeffc9870]

In various ways you also 0ppress people too. So I hope somebody takes loving action :-) hugs

[@TradBarbie]

@jeffc9870 no. Stop 🤚🏻

[@polluxtroy1310]

Free Luigi!

[@jeffc9870]

@@TradBarbie Sure you do. You consume more than you need. Others are starving and have far less than you. That IS 0ppression. Stop.

[@jeffc9870]

You're a Capitalist; you're not like us. So stop trying to appropriate our cause. Mario's brother should take look at you.

[@AaronBosterMD]

Well done Sir

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Thanks

[@HazelRobertson-y3u]

I'm very grateful for living in Scotland and our NHS. Merry Christmas to all 🎅🎄

[@gemmapeter7173]

I'm glad your end of the country looks after you better than our Westminster overlords.

[@peggypasson8794]

Lucky

[@HazelRobertson-y3u]

@@gemmapeter7173 to busy looking after the channel freeloaders and themselves 🤣

[@LuckyKat89TV]

This is wildly relevant to me. I don't feel like begging for meds

[@LuckyKat89TV]

And know that I've worked very hard as a single mother working in EMS for a decade.

[@Lisa-r6u1w]

They love people like you , I've had prescriptions denied because apparently just because my doctor wrote the prescription that doesn't mean he didn't clear it with them I just pay for it because if my doctor has to beg them I'm afraid he won't bother and I'd rather pay cash than not get the medication at all .

[@brianwillam8977]

Thank you for this video. The battle with health insurance often feels very isolating and daunting. My insurer, Aetna, denied my initial coverage request for Kesimpta requiring a step therapy. I joined the pharmaceutical program, Alongside, and initiated treatment. 8 months later it was approved for continuation of care. It’s another stressor in a very trying time. Note that I would highly recommend you investigate other pharmaceutical sourcing as well (goodRx, cost+, etc). Perhaps not for DMTs but many of the other drugs we all take. This would make a great video. I’ve saved $1000s in a single prescription. I know many are not aware of the great resource they have to fill prescriptions outside their insurance plan at a fraction of the cost.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

This works for certain medications. I have had patients save money with cost+

[@andrewreisinger6860]

I was dxd in the military and was medically retired, so I use the VA for my MS treatments. All of my DMTs have been covered throughout the duration of my disease (32 years now) Avonex, Betaseron, Ocrevus, and now Kisempta. I don't pay anything. I got "lucky" being diagnosed and medically retired from the military. Overall health insurance for military retirees and their families (Tricare for Life) only costs me $20 a month. I am beyond blessed, and couldn't imagine dealing with today's Healthcare insurance system in the US.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Thanks for sharing. I also understand that sometimes MS can be considered to be a service-connected condition in certain cases. Is this correct?

[@andrewreisinger6860]

@DrBrandonBeaber yes. I am "service-connected". Some people get diagnosed after leaving the military can get this designation, but it's harder to get. I guess if they can prove they had symptoms while serving, and if they don't wait too long after getting out to get diagnosed. I'm located in Southern California, and my VA Neuros were Dr. Baumhefner (now retired) and now Dr. Eric Williamson. I assume neuros who specialize in MS are a small community and you know each other, lol!

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

@@andrewreisinger6860 Yes I know Dr. Eric Williamson as we both trained at USC

[@andrewreisinger6860]

@@DrBrandonBeaber he is on paternity leave. He and his wife just welcomed their third son into the world! 👶👶👶

[@peggypasson8794]

Let's pray they do not cut vets benefits ugh

[@TradBarbie]

*_LOU EE GEE is a HERO!!_*

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

👍 Freeeeeee Loo Ee Gee !

[@freeluigi4444]

@@Starry_Night_Sky7455copying 🙏

[@kevineeverhart7869]

​@@Starry_Night_Sky7455 It's phonetic spelling that helps them get their message past the KZbin Censor Bots. Just sound it out.

[@adrienchavatte]

In France, despite the 1-2 years delay from FDA approval, near all MS DMTs are 100% reimbursed by our kind of Medicare

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Which are not available?

[@adrienchavatte]

@@DrBrandonBeaber I know MAYZENT (siponimod) is not available for example due to an estimated low efficacy and I'm waiting for Gemtesa for overactive bladder which will only be available end of 2025

[@Hugo-ll1kc]

​@@DrBrandonBeaber I believe only Rituximab for french citizens as it's not 100% approved yet or some experimental ones. But most of us are getting on Kesimpta, Ocrevus or Tysabri. 100% covered, aswell as MRI, bloodwork, vitamins etc.

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

Thanks for taking on this timely and controversial topic. I don’t have UHC but have been brought to tears of frustration by my provider on several occasions trying to get needed procedures or medications covered or to appeal denials. I would like to encourage people to get involved with their local MS Society and take part in annual state action days. We can affect legislation when it comes to care. Just this past year we spoke to our legislators about step therapy reform. Having people with MS speak with our legislators and share their stories is important and helpful.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

I think step therapy makes sense for some conditions, but for MS, there is increasing evidence that highly effective agents early in the disease produce the best results.

[@jeffc9870]

​@@DrBrandonBeaberwould you treat a Trump supporter? Just curious.

[@HurricaneHeather]

I never had anything but problems with UHC. Never again.

[@loose.cannon]

Well, my company, Fortune 500, has UHC for health insurance and they sent out the wrong ID cards for the new 2025 plan year. We all just got 2024 ID cards in the mail. Can’t even get that right 😮‍💨 sigh. Thank goddd, my spouse is military so we have Tricare Prime.. that’s the modern day Willy Wonka golden ticket 🎫

[@kara7197]

All of this sounds so surreal to me, I am European and cannot understand how the selection of the meds is based on insurance and not on the patient's needs...The USA is the richest country in the world, how can they not afford universal healthcare? Surely my country's healthcare system has its flaws, but I am really at ease knowing my treatment's decisions are made based on my best interest

[@ritarac77]

You are blessed. In the US, medical costs can bankrupt you

[@monicamar8616]

Yes Europe has it perks when it comes to meds but when it comes to surgeries and diagnosis there are flaws which I don’t understand. My aunt has been waiting a year and half for a hip replacement. She’s 80 years old and since has fallen twice and basically lives in pain and can hardly run any errands. I think that’s insane to think there is no urgency for that in Spain. She’s literally just waiting for a phone call to schedule the surgery. Trust me I have a list of issues I have ran into plus other relatives and friends with their healthcare. Specifically being misdiagnosed on something that is so easy to be found plus a lot of unavailability and an actual broken x ray machine that we had to drive to another clinic an hour away.

[@kara7197]

@@monicamar8616 I'm sorry to hear that. I'm in Italy and as I said we have issues here as well. Incompetent doctors can be found everywhere, but I have to admit I can easily choose to change hospital or healthcare centre if I'm not comfortable for whatever reason and almost all is covered.

[@stefania4382]

Believe me in USA the elite make money out of your suffering mean while the government is financing none sense wars because there is even more money there do it the elites , at the end people pay the price .

[@kara7197]

@@ritarac77 yeah that's scary. I have an average job and can't afford private insurance, so I'm really grateful the public healthcare gets me covered in a decent way.

[@rileed]

I am from the US but have lived in the Netherlands and now in Spain all after my MS diagnosis. I will never go back the US purely based on the healthcare situation. I had what was considered a "good" insurance before diagnosis (I was diagnosed in about 2015) through BCBS and I still got hit with all kinds of crazy unexpected costs. Both other countries I've lived in have been much better experiences even though they have wildly different healthcare systems. For reference I was prescribed Tecfidera as a first line treatment in the US. In the Netherlands I took Tecfidera and plegridy. In Spain I took tecfidera, tysabri, and now ocrevus. I will also add that I had a one week hospital stay in Spain due to a relapse for which I paid NOTHING at the point of care. I think Spain has the better system of the three but honestly any of these systems are better than what Americans are currently suffering though. I consider myself extremely lucky to have been able to get out of it.

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

Randomly arrived here. Oh goodness! Yes, stay where you are. I was just watching Michael Moore's documentary movie Sicko. That movie released in 2007. Just mind-blowing! It features a bit of UK and France healthcare vs. USA.

[@waterliliesbymonet7827]

I wish you well and thank you for sharing your story!

[@rose_roots]

I live in Greece. I've taken Rebif (stopped due to depression) then Copaxone (stopped because I got new, enlarged and active lesions in single a MRI) and now I am on subcutaneous Tysabri. Have not payed anything so far for my medications. The only problem is that they are available at specific pharmacies and it is a real hassle if you do not live in a city that has one. The reason my neurologist gave me for giving me Rebif was due to Covid and the uncertainty around it, not anything cost related. I believe Tysabri (or other high efficacy drug such as Ocrevus) can be subscribed as a first line drug if deemed necessary by the doctor and patient.

[@stonz42]

Thanks for sharing your info on this topic. I have Aetna through my wife and had no problems getting tysabri right away and making the switch to Ocrevus. It baffles me that the out of pocket cost of the old lower efficacy drugs are more than Ocrevus, yet they’re the first covered by insurance. Kesimta being tier 2 is also surprising as it costs twice as much as Ocrevus. Genentech is great, they offer co pay assistance so the meds are no cost to me, but I do have a copay for the infusion center. I don’t know the answer to improving the US healthcare system, but no one should have to fight insurance companies over the advice of their doctors.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

The list price is not necessarily what UHC pays. They may have negotiated a better price for kesimpta for themselves in exchange for making it the preferred b-cell depleter. Who knows what is going on behind the scenes.

[@tonyhardy8097]

the first lesson in Medical School is "A patient cured is a customer lost"

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

This statement makes no sense from the perspective of a doctor or insurance company. Obviously, an insurance company would prefer someone be quickly cured so they don't have to pay for ongoing treatment expenses and can continue to collect premiums. For pharmaceutical companies, a long-term drug for a chronic condition could be more lucrative than a one-time cure.

[@carlamontgomery4205]

My health provider doesn’t believe in treating MS with a DMT in older adults. I was given a DMT for less than five years and then they took me off. Since then I’ve had several relapses and have lost the feeling in one of my hands. I don’t trust them with my treatment for MS but I do in other areas.

[@suzanneknepp849]

Regarding your advice to become well-versed in your healthcare medication options is fantastic. But to be physically, mentally, and emotionally able to phone, write, and make in-person visits to your healthcare provider can be daunting, especially if you’re not in a position to do battle. When I was first diagnosed I remember times where my needs vs. capabilities did not align and it was impossible for me to think clearly enough to advocate for myself. Battling for myself was a huge challenge when I was essentially in survival mode. There is a strong need for advocacy for those with MS.

[@kingpetra6886]

Spicy. Been there, done that. It is good that you discussed this. Merry Christmas.

[@Adia_Nutrition]

Great video as always Dr B. Adia is the ONLY clinic in the US Performing AHSCT for MS outside of Trials. I would love to do a podcast with you to discuss AHSCT for MS and Umbilical cord Stem Cell Treatments.

[@bmiller949]

I had UHG as my insurance years ago. My Tysabri Rx was shot down. Profits over people.

[@mikicrespo4812]

I had no problems with United as my company insurance. I got diagnosed this year in January at 52, was prescribed Tysabri as my first DMT and it was approved right away. Perhaps because my 2nd mri showed new lesions? I ran into no roadblocks. Biogen is absorbing the uncovered portion, all I have is my monthly office visit copay. Thank goodness, I’ve seen a bill, the cost would be beyond my ability without coverage. It’s so relieving having no complications with my treatment plan thus far. Prior to MS, I had no declines for any type of treatment or care. My company was in the process of switching to another provider starting January 1, presumably cheaper? I’m hoping that it has the same coverage as I’ve been getting.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Thanks for sharing. I would be curious to know if there are specific elements which caused UHC to approve tysabri for you.

[@mikicrespo4812]

@ I’ll ask my Neurologist and my infusion center if they have any insight as to why.

[@MichaelMerritt]

I understand much of a persons experience with large insurance providers like UHC comes down to what the employer negotiates and approves with the insurance provider. The employer just pays the insurance for their network to process the claim. So you could’ve had a generous employer that cares for their employees health.

[@thigmotrope]

These videos are a gift to this community, community and other communities. I would say as many of the issues Ms patients face expand to other conditions. I've had Crohn's for 30 years and now Ms and I've been lucky that everything gets paid for at a pretty high level. I don't know if that's just because of who administers these plans or if it's it's the company, but I've had BCBS pretty much my whole career. And I've had no issues with getting tysabri, or kesimpta (The latter should have never been prescribed due to my comorbidity). Possibly because of my comorbidity it puts me in a different category for them. I've never asked. But even though I'm a software engineer and make a decent salary, I still get copay assistance as well. It hurts my heart to think that other people cannot get these medications, and have to mess around with step therapies which could take ages to resolve.

[@GenghisBird]

I found that writing my own letters and then getting **every** specialist in my team, including primary care, urologist, dermatologist, etc....and then OVERWHELMING the insurance appeals department, has worked. (Sending them duplicate follow-up copies with the same incredible frequency and speed that they like sending bills!) And yes- I am ALL about highlighting the **continuation of care!**

[@lesliex7894]

So glad I'm in Australia. On Ocrevus. My issues were 1- had to travel 1 hour for infusion until my little local hospital was able to do them; 2- my local neurologist retired and the others within 2 hours were not taking new patients. Now I spend a day twice a year going to see a neuro in Melbourne (there's government support for travel) and I try to combine with shopping, a show, seeing friends. Fortunately MRI and infusion is local.

[@smmcb647]

I live in Sydney, so grateful for our healthcare system. I started on Tysabri and moved on to Ocrevus 3 years ago. However, I am still experiencing progression of symptoms. MS is tough. Just gotta keep moving, keep trying, keep doing my best.

[@nickiel5215]

OMG!! United Health Care is the worst. My sister had to take out a mortgage on their house to get the bladder cancer treatment the U of M & Mayo Clinic recommend. United wanted to REMOVE her bladder-- she is in her 40's with 4 young children-- rather than pay for the treatment. It is unbelievable.

[@doreentucker8815]

Would love for you to make a video on how to pick an insurance plan that covers MS meds.

[@bemoniri]

Thanks for the informative video. I have Aetna through my employer, and they have approved my Ocrevus. Before that, I was on DMF, and I had one minor relapse, which prompted the switch. I’m not entirely sure if the Ocrevus approval was due to “failing” DMF or if they would have approved it regardless. My main issue with Aetna is that they won’t allow me to have my infusions at the hospital where my doctor’s office is located and I have to go to some crappy infusion center -even though, ironically, that hospital is owned and operated by my own employer.

[@flw9633]

Thanks for adding your experience and voice to this important conversation. New subscriber.

[@kerileech9471]

Thank you for posting this video. I had UHC for years and had no issues with my care. During that time I had failed multiple drugs and landed on Mayzent in 2022. I was forced to "medically retire" that year due to disease progression. As a result my insurance changed to BCBS. They covered Mayzent for one year and then decided it was a plan exclusion. I am being forced to switch to the generic version of Gileyna. This whole process has been very frustrating.

[@Gearbox626]

I had UHC for yrs. They approved Tysabri, Ocrevus & Kesimpta with no issue. With Ocrevus though, they required the infusions to be done at home. Cigna on the other hand has been giving me a lot of issues.

[@1970Anitademede]

Good mornin Dr. Beaber. I love your content . I have a question regarding patients with MS on Ocrevus and severe osteoporosis. I I would like to hear your opinion and also which medication is the best to treat osteoporosis in this cases . thank you so much.

[@happysheher]

I need help with MS, this is a nightmare.

[@lindaharsh6729]

I had United Healthcare two years ago. I didn't have any problem being pre approved for Avonex with an HSA plan. With Avonex, the copay assistance program pays for my deductible by opening a debit card in my name. I order a refill at the beginning of the year, let my copay assistance cover my annual out of pocket costs, and don't have any medical bills all year. Of course, copay assistance programs change every year depending on your insurance and the pharma company's assistance program. But, I haven't paid any medical bills in almost a decade. In the United States.

[@kyleburgess8439]

I'm a veteran (28m) with PPMS and I have had denial after denial for my immunosuppressant. My neurologist had put me on KESIMPTA and was giving me emergency treatments while the VA process went along, as I went untreated for 6 years with disability progression. The VA canceled the referral over him treating me. Now I don't have a neurologist. Or medication

[@andrewreisinger6860]

Were you medically retired from the military because of the MS. I am, and have never had a problem getting whatever DMT my VA MS Neurologist wanted me to take as far as heDMTs.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Crazy. I am shocked to you hear you have such a different experience than Andrew within the same system.

[@Alan01]

I've been on Avonex for 15 years. Kaiser wanted me to switch to rebif or gilenya. I am a complete responder but have low platelets. I didn't want to switch to a higher dose of interferon or to a drug that might not work. My doctor went through 2 appeals and the outside evaluator approved the Avonex and Kaiser has to supply.

[@SourcingProsInc]

As to commercial ins I understand that it is your employers choice of which plans they select when it comes to how easy or hard it will be.

[@LuckyKat89TV]

I've had 8$ meds denied by them. They preferred the 280$ less effective rx.

[@GenghisBird]

Your video has made me want to work in healthcare administration. As patients, a lot of us have learned the hard way and DO want to help others. 20 years of MS has shaken my self esteem from time to time - and kept me from going "all in" on a career vs jobs. (Accomodations aren't always very accomodating) But then again, seeing who's getting elected for important government positions poised to dictate our healthcare? Cures my imposter syndrome immediately!!

[@hackett1181]

Thank you for this! Very understanding . I feel like so many people have this issue and nothing can be worse than being sick and vulnerable and be denied medication that can help you. That and the hours of wasted time trying to navigate phone trees to find help and sitting on hold for an hour. It’s a huge conflict of interest having a middle man like insurance companies. Of course they don’t want to give any of their money. Their profits are staggering. Now let’s mention the hedge fund companies that are buying hospitals, practices etc… All Shameful

[@timm8860]

When I was first diagnosed I had anthem and a Medicaid policy. Anthem approved Kesimpta out of hand, but denied ocrevus. The Medicaid policy did the opposite. My anthem plan has a somewhat higher cost share for specialties than what a uhc plan looks like it’d have.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Individual insurance companies often negotiate a specific price with the pharmaceutical company, so they have different preferred agents.

[@gusvrontos2346]

I live in Europe, Greece to be specific, I was on Plegridy then switched to Mavenclad, we do not pay anything in Greece, it is covered by the state regardless if you are employed or unemployed. It is simple and easy. You don’t need to have a permanent disability to escalate, the neurologist can prescribe any DMT available.

[@lauracrabtree1040]

I take Tizanidine still on mine to release the spasms that's all I've taken for my Ms so far

[@mballer]

When there are two options the financially logical thing would be to only allow payments for the cheaper medication, competition then could lower the price of the more expensive drug.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

But in some cases this will cause only an inferior drug to be available.

[@ernietollar407]

Question about Rituximab vs Ocrevus specifically for PPMS: Are both similar in efficacy and tolerability? Rituximab is off patent so Pharma has talked Insurance in USA and govt. in Canada out of approving it for PPMS?????

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

I have a video on this topic here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZXRZ3abqL6EpKc

[@desiredecove5815]

Very educational and informative, thank you for explaining this to us… i have had to juke and jive over the years with insurance companies/ assistance programs/ copayment assistance programs/ good RX is a blessing- I’m not on UNited healthcare. But really it all is the same just different meds. Ty again for touching on this. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year

[@lorifoster8637]

I have been on ocrevus for 4 years . The past 2years UHC covered ocrevus no problem. This year ocrevus isn’t even on the pharmacy list. My neurologist was all the sudden not in network either. I changed to Aetna this year, as it was on then pharmaceutical list, as well as my neurologist. I hope to stay on this drug, as I haven’t had any new Lesions in 5 years.

[@jamesroos8125]

I’m suspicious of the effect copay reimbursements play.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

What do you mean by this?

[@jamesroos8125]

It skews preferences, and insurers’ costs. When you are granted a $1,500 per month reimbursable copay and alternatives do not, making the move is extremely unlikely. Yet the cost to the insurance company and in many cases an employer’s self insurance pool are significant. I am happy to discuss by phone, but not in open forum. Thank you for the good work you’re doing.

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

How about the Generic Tecfidera ? Ah that’s what I have used for years , Gilenya was a fail, Avonex was not great cause I don’t like giving me injections. Tysabri made me pretty down all the time .

[@hououinkyouma5539]

Keep quiet no longer We'll sing through the day Of the lives that we've lost And the lives we've reclaimed!

[@YouLoveMrFriendly]

I like how you expressed your condolences to the family of the victim of the @ss@ssination. Very classy. He did have young children that are now without a father on Christmas

[@LuckyKat89TV]

He's a murderer. I've seen his handiwork with my own eyes. I literally don't care. He didn't care about the victims families or kids

[@CodeStatus200]

Thank you Dr. Bieber. This is so depressing but needs to be talked about more often. I do not have UHC, but I'm uncomfortable talking about who I have. I was able to get Tysabri. I have no idea the struggle my neurologist had to go through, and I'm terrified thinking I might all of a sudden lose coverage. I really don't want to be any more disabled. These upcoming four years I'm going to be worried a lot...

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Did you have to fail other medications in order to get tysabri?

[@CodeStatus200]

No. I did have a large amount of lesions in my brain on my first MRI separated in both time and space. Maybe because there were so many it was easier to argue? I did have to escalate for my fatigue. First vitamin B12, then injecting myself with vitamin B12, finally got me to modafinil. Those were awful months where I almost failed my classes in college because I couldn't keep up. I pray I can stay on Tysabri and won't be kicked off if I lose my insurance that I have now. It really is terrifying and the biggest stress in my life at the moment.

[@CodeStatus200]

@@DrBrandonBeaber I should come out and say I was on Medicaid when I was first diagnosed and put on Tysabri. Luckily my new employers insurance didn't try to kick it back down. I hope it stays that way.

[@Jessica-rz7hs]

When I was diagnosed in 2020 I was only able to step up in dmt efficacy once a drug "failed", all the while accumulating more lesions. Jokes on the insurance company... I am more expensive today than would have been had they just gave me the highly effective drug in the first place. It's criminal to only give Copaxone to someone with >20 lesions, some enhancing.

[@fortablet2933]

bcbs giving me a rough time keeping my kesimpta

[@deecook7437]

What if you believe you have MS. And as a matter of fact now your niece is now getting seen to see if she has it. But you've had symptoms for years and the Dr say the "abnormal white spots" on your brain scan are not serious?

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

I can't comment on your situation, but you may appreciate this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX_Rk5Rrfbupmrs

[@E-D-U]

I m so excited and can't wait to see you Dr. It's about two months already waiting and don't when but I hope to be able to see you ASAP.. I m sink for long time between different Dr and insurances try to survive

[@E-D-U]

Brave Dr. ✌️

[@alvildasophiaalegria800]

Healthcare Insurance. Add insurance please. They are not about healthcare.

[@Inphinityproductions]

I hit my max pay. Unh. Put all my prescription in pre authorization to delay so they don't have to pay.

[@sdev23]

Damn... This video just shows how drugged up America is. Big pharma raking in the cash.

[@johnw4748]

US insurance and hospital are very expensive. But the quality is so so. Thus the lifespans in US is below the average among all the developed countries.

[@ggjr61]

For us Kaiser Permanente the worst followed by Cigna. BCBS has been the best so until now. As far as UK healthcare is concerned they take years to get medications available in the US. I know of two major medications that took 8-10 years for them to get over there and they are rationed.

[@aptorres01]

Excellent work educating us. Thank you.

[@michaelriddick7116]

Have had UHC on and off for over a decade. Diagnosed in 07. Never a problem. Ymmv.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Thanks for sharing. I have seen many positive experiences reported by people with MS with UHC on reddit as well. Everyone's experience is different. You may have taken many MS DMTs in the past, so you have the "documentation" to get anything approved. I am more concerned about a high efficacy agent being readily available to someone recently diagnosed.

[@lauracrabtree1040]

One thing not always are the formulations identical just because they make a generic brand my husband took takes Tegretol extended release and when they made a generic of Tegretol extended release nowhere near the same heat caused him to have more seizures he had to have the name brand until they came up with a better generic that was identical in chemicals then he can take the generic otherwise they had to keep paying for the expensive brand

[@lauracrabtree1040]

Now what he's talking about with the generics and how people have had reactions by switching to generic from regular this is exactly what I talk about with my husband and generic and regular they say they're identical but they are not always identical if they were you wouldn't have more problems with them saying they're identical and them being identical or totally different just because they say they're identical doesn't mean they are

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

@@lauracrabtree1040 Yes, though for tegretol it is possible to check carbamazepine metabolites to ensure it is producing adequate levels.

[@lauracrabtree1040]

I've also heard people in the UK and other places that have Universal Health Care say to get some of the medications they need for certain things they have they also had to pay their own health care out of pocket plus pay for Universal Health Care to actually get medications they need now I don't call that good health care if you got to pay for privatized Healthcare Plus pay for universal healthcare and pay for your own medications on top of it that's absolutely absurd

[@flybyadebiwood5789]

I have UHC as my supplement to Medicare. I’m on Tysabri with no issues. However my wonderful Dr Regina Berkovich knows how to get things approved.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Glad to hear it. She was one of my mentors at USC.

[@flybyadebiwood5789]

@ I’m in good hands!

[@Thomas34d]

I FOUND THE PR

[@lauracrabtree1040]

I also believe that depends on the state you're in because my medications are covered in Kansas and I don't have a problem whatsoever nor have I had a problem with United Healthcare for my medications the only problem I've had is some of the medications you need prior authorization and it's not that the Healthcare System I've had a problem with it's the pharmacy don't always turn it in on time therefore I don't get my medications when I should because the pharmacy doesn't turn it into the doctor so that it can be turned in the proper way so I can get my prescription when I should so then I go without it that's not the Healthcare Systems fault for not turning something in that they didn't get that is the the pharmacy who didn't turn that medication request into my doctor who didn't turn it into the insurance in time for me to get it before I ran out of medication that's all their fault not the pharmacy and although some people say I am taking up for this Pharmacy I am not doing that I'm saying you can't totally blame a pharmacy when it wasn't their job to call your doctor for a renewal of your medication that is your Pharmacy job to do so if they don't call in and have your doctor fill out that paper knowing you need a fryer off and give enough time for your doctor to do that that is on your Pharmacy and your doctor not on your insurance company because they're not at fault whatsoever so people do need to understand that don't blame your insurance company for your your doctor and your Pharmacy not getting your medication turned in quick enough because they dropped the ball that's not your medication plans problem that is your doctor and Pharmacy not your insurance

[@eden_aumakua]

Thank the Heavens, I don't take Meds for MS

[@07broly]

Aetna 💯

[@jeffc9870]

Would you treat a Trump supporter? Just curious

[@Mitch-lb4pc]

Do they actually work Come on

[@lauracrabtree1040]

On my diabetic medication yes I've had to do step therapy but that is something that most people do have to do but depending on what you have United Healthcare and what state you live in as to how they are with you and Kansas is really good with United Healthcare I found but when I had it in Missouri they are horrible they deny you for everything I don't care what you need they deny you I had cancer and they didn't want to give me surgery because they told me I was too young to have cancer in my female organs

[@YouLoveMrFriendly]

Hm, still waiting for you to say, "it's not morally or legally acceptable to @ss@ssinate" anyone for any reason. But you kinda sorta came close to saying it at the end. I guess you did take an oath...

[@YouLoveMrFriendly]

I'll post this video on Twitter and get a consensus.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

I think I was very clear at the end of the video. Also, if Brian Thompson created a policy to approve every prescription/procedure recommended by doctors, they would go bankrupt quickly and wouldn't be able to provide health insurance to anyone.

[@CodeStatus200]

@@DrBrandonBeaber you were very clear at the end. This thing is just such a mess.

[@Joseph-br1fk]

The fact that you’re expected to say “murder is wrong” when discussing the horrid state of healthcare now is just insane. Insurance companies are committing murder and that’s WHY people are angry lmao

[@YouLoveMrFriendly]

@Joseph-br1fk oh I don't expect you to say that at all. I just expected a physician who has taken an oath to say it. But you? I know exactly what you want.

[@ChristianOscategui]

The conclusion was terrible. Dislike 👎🏼

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Which conclusion?

[@ichabod13]

I switched from Copaxone to Ocrevus under UHC and they did not fight it. What was surprising to me at the time was how similar the costs were according to the EOB they would show me. My yearly cost of Copaxone was almost identical to that of Ocrevus. I just do not see what they are saving by controlling the agenda of what medications a doctor says are best. I had multiple relapses while on Copaxone causing 1 hospital weekly visit for steroids and the other 4 times were gobbling down handfuls of steroids at home. I had multiple MRIs done between normal scheduled ones, added cost there. I had a fall related to a relapse causing hospital visits for xrays and stitches, added cost there. I had multiple times the shipping of Copaxone was broken or damaged causing overheated or frozen shots needing replaced, added cost. Since starting Ocrevus I have had new lesions, but no noticeable relapses. I have not had extra MRIs taken, no steroids taken and no extra doctor visits or injuries from relapses. The cost is nearly identical for what they cover, makes no sense to punish patients for a few pennies.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

It's concerning that you have need to have multiple relapses on copaxone. I presume a newly diagnosed person with low disability would have great difficulty getting ocrevus approved.

[@Chinadoll4214]

The nonsense with United Healthcare and denying my Ocrevus (though I had been using it for years) was INSANLY FRUSTRATING!! I would get letters that it wasn't medically necessary..or to go on Tysabri. Gee morons if I was able to be on be on another DMT I would be. But I was not eligible to switch because I tested positive for the JC Virus. I'm on the most appropriate medication per my Neurologist Having to go through the appeal process was a nightmare, but was eventually approved with the help of my Neurologist. Thank goodness I got away from United Healthcare. Having this rotten disease is stressful and tiring enough as is, literally have no energy to fight.