This Is Pathetic, But I Really Need Some Encouragement

[Seela 1,187]

So one week after surgery my husband lost his job along with our ins. I lost the ability to pay for my depression and ADD meds. I've been on them for over 10 years! Over the last few weeks I've been weening myself off slowly. I haven't taken any since Saturday. I can't stop crying and I feel like crap and totally hopeless right now. My husband got a new job but there is a 6 month waiting period for ins. So there's nothing I can do about it. To top it all off I got really sick yesterday for the first time and haven't felt good since. I'm really scared.. I don't know if I can do this without my meds. I feel like such a weepy loser right now. Sorry for rambling

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Ouch. Sorry to hear that. Can't he get continued coverage through cobra? It's been a long time since I've been in that situation but isn't that still a thing?

[winning*at*losing 7]

Hi, Sorry to hear about that. I am pre surgery, but can relate to the stress you must be experiencing. Have you tried to see if your doc will prescribe a generic med? Wal-mart can fill generics for 4 dollars. I don't know about the ADD meds, but there are many generic antidepressants. They may not be what works best for you, but may ease your issues until the insurance kicks in. in. You could also try a relaxation audio/download/mp3, one that helps with breathing exercises, which sounds like a placebo, but often we don't take time to "breathe" and it will force you to relax...good luck and congratulations on your surgery!

[woo woo 872]

Agree about Cobra.. or if not I would just bite the bullet and pay full cash price for the meds. Yes I know they are expensive but if you need them it's not really an optional expense... The ADD stuff maybe you can go without, but at least the depression meds.

[Beach Lover 1,084]

He should be able to use Cobra. It is expensive but it should be an option. What about just paying the cost of the meds without insurance? That might be cheaper than the Cobra if you can't get the insurance. You might also talk to your doctor and see if he has samples in his office. Drug reps usually give them samples. I can't help but think there is a way to fix this problem. Best of luck to you!

[SuzyB 182]

Call your dr. Sometimes they get samples. Or maybe try a generic.

[Noor1969 150]

Bipolar person chiming in here...I can't think of how hellacious my life would be without meds. I'm really sorry you're in this situation. I agree that you should ask your doctor for samples. I was able to save over $200 thanks to my doctor who had samples of the very expensive (but necessary) psych med that I take.

Hubby & I just finished up 3 months of COBRA which cost us over $1K/month, so I can see how that might not be feasible for you right now. I agree that you should think about just paying for the meds out of pocket if you can. Hopefully they have a generic version which will of course be cheaper.

My final suggestion is to see if you have a sliding-scale mental health clinic in your area. There's often a waiting list, but you will be able to get the care that you need at little or no cost to you. I have used the services of two clinics in the past and for the most part got good care. They probably won't spend as much "quality time" with you as a private doc would but if all you need is medication management that probably won't be an issue anyway. I wish you all the best, and BTW, you are NOT a loser!

[Seela 1,187]

Ouch. Sorry to hear that. Can't he get continued coverage through cobra? It's been a long time since I've been in that situation but isn't that still a thing?

Yeah.. for $2200 a month. Ha!

[Seela 1,187]

Agree about Cobra.. or if not I would just bite the bullet and pay full cash price for the meds. Yes I know they are expensive but if you need them it's not really an optional expense... The ADD stuff maybe you can go without, but at least the depression meds.

Its not about just paying for them.. unfortunately they cost a couple hundred bucks and after years of trying different ones I finally hit on one that works. It's not as easy as just trying a different one and the money just isn't there rig ht now. Thanks though, I sincerely appreciate your thoughts

[Beach Lover 1,084]

Ouch. Sorry to hear that. Can't he get continued coverage through cobra? It's been a long time since I've been in that situation but isn't that still a thing?

Yeah.. for $2200 a month. Ha!

Whoa!!!!!!! That is crazy expensive!! You have some really great responses to your med needs. I would suggest you start with the drug samples from the doctor and then move on to some of the other suggestions. I feel confident that something can be done to help you out though. The good news is your husband does have another job! Just trying to look on the bright side.

[Fluffnomore 1,235]

My husband's psych will occasionally find us coupons or samples when things are tight. He's on 5 meds so it gets crazy expensive. We have great insurance and still pay about $250 a month for his medication. It's ridiculous.

Good luck…We're pulling for you!

[Indigo1991 1,612]

I am not in the US so can't offer the kind of help everyone has been giving you re your meds.

But you are not a loser (ok, you might be weepy but that's understandable!), from your other posts you're a strong woman who's now caught between a rock and a hard place. Hope you can resolve this, we are there with you x

[gamergirl 4,609]

Seela, so sorry to hear that. Being without meds for depression sucks. I don't have any other advice than what others offered about generics, which while they may not be perfect will at least do something more than nothing. But I just wanted to say I was thinking of you and hoping things got better. ((hugs))

[Coachdk 72]

At the risk of sounding crazy..,have you checked out rates on either your state or the national affordable care act website? The insurance would start in January, and perhaps would be more affordable than COBRA. That is assuming you can even get in the site.

[PdxMan 4,292]

Is a trip south of the border an option? You are in Chico, right? Grab a cheap flight down to San Diego, rent a car and head south into Tijuana for a 6 month supply. Probably be the cheapest route overall.

Also, many drug companies have programs for financially challenged folks. Also take a look at other government programs available for you. Do a search in the GoogleVerse for Prescription Assistance Program in California.