| Literature DB >> 35301856 |
Hongya Chen1, Pranav Chandrashekar1, Katherine Fischer1, Dayna Carlson1, Urja Narayan1, Jack Chen1, Ahmad Masri1.
Abstract
Advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy has made great strides in recent years. Novel therapeutics for transthyretin amyloidosis such as tafamidis, patisiran, and inotersen have shown significant benefits in a not-so-rare disease but come with high listing price tags ranging from a quarter to more than a half million dollars per year. These costs create significant financial barriers for the majority of patients, especially those with existing Medicare insurance plans. Of 72 patients reviewed, 67% were Medicare beneficiaries. Financial assistance was explored for the majority, and 37 (51%) patients with Medicare Part D received financial assistance that reduced their copayments to $0. Only one-third of our patients were able to afford these medications without any forms of financial assistance. Of these patients, 4 (6%) had the highest copayments ranging from $13 000 to $15 000 per year. To navigate the complexities of prescribing and affordability in amyloidosis, a multidisciplinary team including a dedicated clinical pharmacist is crucial in guaranteeing patients' success to secure these novel therapeutics. In this article, we discuss our experiences with prescribing, acquiring insurance authorizations, and financing these life-saving medications based on patient-specific insurance plans and socioeconomic status.Entities:
Keywords: amyloidosis; inotersen; insurance benefits; patisiran; prealbumin; tafamidis; transthyretine
Mesh:
Substances:
Year: 2022 PMID: 35301856 PMCID: PMC9075432 DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.121.023895
Source DB: PubMed Journal: J Am Heart Assoc ISSN: 2047-9980 Impact factor: 5.501
Cost of Transthyretin‐Specific Treatments
| Medication | Tafamidis | Inotersen | Patisiran |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average wholesale price | $270 000/y | $370 000/y | $581 000/y |
| Copayment (commercial) | Fixed, highest tier | Fixed, highest tier | Fixed, highest tier |
| Copayment (Medicare) | Variable, highest tier (Part D) | Variable, highest tier (Part D) | 20% of infusion service (drug covered by Part B) |
Obtained from Lexicomp as reference only.
This is calculated based on maximum recommended dose of 0.3 mg/kg every 3 weeks (30 mg for a patient weighing ≥100 kg requiring a total of ≈17 infusions per year). This cost does not include infusion‐related costs.
Figure 1An example of Medicare Part D coverage on the first 30‐day prescription of tafamidis in 2021.
True out‐of‐pocket: total of all the amounts in boxes highlighted in green; retail cost of tafamidis may vary (ranging anywhere from $18 000 to $20 000); $19 000 is used here as an example.
Available Foundation Grants to Patients With Amyloidosis , ,
| Eligibility criteria | PAN foundation | Healthwell | The Assistance Fund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disease oriented | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medication required covered by insurance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medicare only | Yes | No | No |
| Income falls at or below FPL | 500% | 400%–500% | 700% |
| US citizen or permanent resident | No | N/A | Yes |
| Must receive treatment in the United States | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Assistance amount (total) | $7800 per y | $8000 per y | No cap for the y |
| Approved period | 1 y | 1 y | 1 y |
FPL indicates federal poverty level; and PAN, Patient Access Network.
FPL percentages are based on 2021 data.
The 2021 Federal Poverty Guidelines That Guide Eligibility for Foundation Grants
| Percentages above 2021 poverty guidelines | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family size | 100% | 400% | 500% | 700% |
| 1 | $12 880 | $51 520 | $64 400 | $90 160 |
| 2 | $17 420 | $69 680 | $87 100 | $121 940 |
| 3 | $21 960 | $87 840 | $109 800 | $153 720 |
| 4 | $26 500 | $106 000 | $132 500 | $185 500 |
| 5 | $31 040 | $124 160 | $155 200 | $217 280 |
| 6 | $35 580 | $142 320 | $177 900 | $249 060 |
| 7 | $40 120 | $160 480 | $200 600 | $280 840 |
| 8 | $44 660 | $178 640 | $223 300 | $312 620 |
| For each additional family member | $4540 | $18 160 | $22 700 | $31 780 |
Percentages for the 48 contiguous states only.
Figure 2Flowchart representing stepwise processes from diagnosis to treatment.
ATTR indicates transthyretin amyloidosis; and PA, prior authorization.
Figure 3Flowchart representing a simple approach to financial assistance.
FPL indicates federal poverty level.