COVID-19 treatments to enter the market with a hefty price tag

[Ms. Toad]

6. I wonder if the copay assistance will follow the norm and exclude

Those on Medicare from getting the assistance.

I have a friend with pancreatic cancer who had to return to work-based insurance because her medications put her in the donut hole, and her meds cost thousands of dollars each month. Copay assistance was available from the manufacturer for those with insurance, but expressly excluded anyone whose insurance was through Medicare. After helping her search for any way to avoid the need to return to work-based insurance (especially at a time when her ability to work was not clear), I spent some time checking other copay assistance programs. They all exclude those on Medicare.

If this drug follows the norm, those who need the assistance most may be unable to access it after the period during which it is free to those on Medicare.