Dabdoub Law Firm proudly represents people across the nation who have become disabled due to multiple sclerosis (MS) and need help filing a disability claim or lawsuit. We have recently seen a number of MS disability insurance claims that had pitted our clients against major insurers who did not want to provide them with adequate coverage. Furthermore, an inexplicable rise in MS treatment costs had put more pressure than ever on our clients. We have fought hard to ensure they get the disability benefits and care they need.
MS Medicine Costs Tens of Thousands of Dollars Annually
Shereese Hickson suffers from multiple sclerosis, a disease that attacks the central nervous system. Although she was diagnosed with the condition six years ago, and some of her early symptoms like slurred speech and vision issues resolved with treatment, she still experienced other symptoms that could cause disabling medical conditions. In particular, Hickson would sometimes feel exhausted and fall over.
Last summer, Hickson's doctor began prescribing her Ocrevus. The drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 after clinical trials showed it delayed progression of multiple sclerosis better than older medicines that were available on the market. Ocrevus is made by Genentech, a subsidiary of Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche. The drug is administered to patients intravenously in a hospital or clinic. In recent years, though, the drug has become incredibly expensive, costing more than $80,000 a year. Hospitals also profit off the drug by charging an additional premium and adding extra fees for the infusion clinic.
MS left Shereese Hickson unable to work as a health aide and medical coder. She was insured through Medicare and also had Medicaid as a backup. Two Ocrevus infusions cost $123,019. Hickson's Medicare paid a discounted rate of $28,960. After her insurance reimbursement, the hospital sent Hickson a bill for $3,620.
Hickson was shocked by the bill because her government disability insurance usually covered her MS medicine. Speaking about the bill for her MS treatment, Hickson said, “I've seen people's testimonies about how great it is. But I don't think they really go into what it's like receiving the bill. I have a 9-year-old son and my income is $770 a month. How am I supposed to support him and then you guys are asking me for $3,000?”
Steady & Unexplained Rise of MS Medicine Costs
Over two decades, MS medicines have risen five to seven times higher than other prescription drugs. According to Daniel Hartung, a researcher at Oregon Health & Science University, “There was no competition on price that was occurring. It appeared to be the opposite. As newer drugs were brought to market, it promoted increased escalation in drug prices.”
Hickson had to apply for financial assistance to pay for her Ocrevus bill, which required her to provide proof of her disability. Thankfully for Hickson, she was able to qualify for assistance and have the $3,620 balance waived. Though Hickson was “grateful” she was approved, she said that “not everybody's situation is like hers.” Many people need to depend on the assistance of a disability insurance benefits lawyer to get the financial benefits required.
Hiring an Experienced Disability Insurance Lawyer is Important
Dabdoub Law Firm has always focused only on disability insurance law and nothing else. As a result, we have significant experience fighting all major disability insurance companies and have won several major disability lawsuits. Our wins have even created new law that protects disabled workers.
Call Dabdoub Law Firm to get experienced disability lawyers on your side.
We can help you with:
- Submitting a disability insurance claim.
- Appealing a long-term disability denial.
- Negotiating a lump-sum settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company.
Our firm represents clients nationwide with disability claims governed by federal law, even if we are not located in your state.
Call (800) 969-0488 to speak with an experienced long term disability attorney.
