Steve Bingham, Co-Owner of the Internet Hepatitis B Information and Support List (www.HBList.org)

The HB-List, the only online support group for hepatitis B, received an email from group member Ling who wrote, “I have friends who can’t afford health insurance. I am lucky because my job does provide the expensive insurance that allows me to use the latest hep B medication. But there is always worry back in my mind.... what happens if I change my job or my employer finds out I have hep B or I get too sick to work?”

All of the hepatitis B patients I know are really happy that effective drugs are being discovered and becoming readily available. The hard reality, however, is that many of our friends don't have access to these wonderful medications because 1) the drugs aren’t approved in the country they live in, or 2) they just plain can’t afford them.

Talking about the cost of drugs in the USA, it’s my humble opinion that they are just TOO expensive! I’m surprised that our government hasn’t done more to solve this problem. For many, treatment can become a matter of life or death. Having said that, let me pass on some ideas that might help Ling’s friends and others lower their drug costs:

1. Learn about “Patient Assistance Programs” (PAPs). The majority of pharmaceutical companies have these programs and in 2004, they gave away more than $4 billion worth of drugs. Contact PAP information clearinghouses, such as NeedyMeds (www.needymeds.com) and the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (www.pparx.org or 888-477-2669).

2. Enroll in a clinical trial. The first step in finding a HBV clinical trial is to visit the Hepatitis B Foundation’s website at www.hepb.org.

3. Check the Veteran Administration’s drug prescription program if you are a veteran.

4. Ask your pharmacy for ideas to help reduce your drug costs. My pharmacist hands me a rebate form for one of my medications (Prevacid) that allows me to apply for a $25 refund.

5. Consider lifestyle changes to help reduce your drug expenses. Weight loss, smoking cessation, exercise, relaxation, etc., are important, inexpensive ways you can make a big difference in protecting your liver and increasing your energy.

6. Tell your doctor if you are having trouble paying for your medications. Doctors want their patients to have the medicine they need and can help in a number of ways. For example, they can refer you to “compassionate use” programs that some pharmaceutical companies offer for those who may not be able to afford the necessary treatment. Or, they can prescribe generic meds that can save you up to 90% when compared to brand-name drugs.