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A New Year’s Resolution for Better Vision

A New Year’s Resolution for Better VisionPhoto from Unsplash

Originally Posted On: https://iluvien.com/articles/a-new-years-resolution-for-better-vision/

 

A New Year’s Resolution for Better Vision

Don’t spend the new year worrying about doctor’s appointments and medical costs. This time is meant to be spent with friends and family. It is a time to focus on a new chapter in life. For many people with diabetic macular edema, this new season is full of appointments and medical bills.

However, there’s a treatment solution for appropriate DME patients that may require fewer treatments. Read on as we discuss ILUVIEN and to find out if it may be an appropriate treatment for you.

 

ILUVIEN Can Give You More Time

If you have diabetes and DME, you probably spend a lot of your time at doctor appointments and receiving treatment. This time spent treating your DME takes away from other, more enjoyable parts of life. However, ILUVIEN can reduce the number treatments required to manage your DME, giving you more opportunities to do the things you love with the people you love.

 

How does ILUVIEN treat DME?

ILUVIEN is a micro-implant that releases low doses of fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) into the back of the eye. Fac is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation associated with DME. In DME, inflammation in the retina leads to fluid build-up in the macula which causes problems with vision and can lead to vision loss. The ILUVIEN micro-implant targets inflammation to reduce swelling which can improve vision.

ILUVIEN is the most durable FDA-approved medication for treating DME. One injection can last for up to 36 months.

 

Ask your doctor if ILUVIEN might be right for you if:

  • You have diabetes and experience double vision, vision loss, blurry vision, or floaters.
  • You haven’t been treated for glaucoma in the past.
  • You’re tired of having to go to doctor’s appointments frequently to get injections for treatment for DME.

 

If you want an option to manage DME that requires fewer treatments, ask your doctor about ILUVIEN. This DME therapy could help you see less frequent doctor’s visits and see more of life outside of your doctor’s office.

 

Cost Worries? ILUVIEN Assistance Programs Can Help

Once you’ve found the right DME treatment option, you shouldn’t have to worry about how to pay for the costs of the procedure. With the ILUVIEN AccessPlus Program, qualifying patients can find a payment plan that works with you and your financial situation. See website for details.

 

ILUVIEN CoPay Program

The ILUVIEN CoPay Program provides co-pay assistance for eligible patients with commercial or private health insurance. This program provides copay assistance for costs that exceed $25.

 

Are You Eligible for the CoPay Program?

  • You are a resident of the United States or Puerto Rico.
  • You have been prescribed ILUVIEN per FDA labeling.
  • You don’t have government-sponsored insurance coverage.

 

How Do You Apply for the ILUVIEN CoPay Program?

  • You or your doctor can call the AccessPlus Program at 1-844-445-8843 and choose option 3.
  • AccessPlus will then call your insurer to help you understand what your insurance coverage looks like for ILUVIEN.
  • To determine if you are eligible for the program, you will be asked some questions including, but not limited to, “Have you been told that your insurance covers ILUVIEN but requires you to pay for a part of the cost? What is your household income and how many are in your household?”
  • Once you have been approved, you will receive a welcome letter, and you might need to provide proof of income (W2, 1099, pay stubs).
  • At your next ILUVIEN appointment, you will have to pay your portion of the co-pay – up to $25.

 

CoPay Assistance Foundations

If you have health insurance such as Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or another insurance program, you may be able to receive financial help from an independent co-pay foundation. AccessPlus will help you find an independent co-pay foundation which may be able to help. However, these foundations provide their own set of criteria and eligibility, so there is no guarantee that you will qualify for these programs.

AccessPlus can help you find foundations that fit your needs, help you apply for different programs, and keep your physician updated on your application status. If you have additional questions about copay assistance foundations, consult with your doctor to see if it’s the right fit for you.

 

ILUVIEN Patient Assistance Program 

The Patient Assistance Program can provide free DME treatment for uninsured or rendered uninsured patients.

 

You might be eligible for the Patient Assistance Program if:

  • You don’t have insurance, or your insurance said they would not cover ILUVIEN.
  • You’re a resident of the United States or Puerto Rico.
  • Your household income is less than 500% of the applicable Federal Poverty Limit.

 

If you believe you are eligible, complete the Patient Assistance Program application. If you meet the requirements, you and your physician will receive a letter confirming that you qualify for assistance.

If you have additional questions on the Patient Assistance Program, consult with your doctor.

 

Hear About Jessica’s ILUVIEN Journey

Jessica Salazar was diagnosed with Type-2 Diabetes at the age of 18. She began to lose her vision at 28 years-old, and after visiting with her eye doctor, she learned she had diabetic retinopathy.

This diagnosis took its toll on Jessica and affected multiple aspects of her life. Now she was dependent on others to drive her around, and she couldn’t move as freely as she had before this diagnosis.

Prior to ILUVIEN, Jessica saw between 3 to 4 different doctors a week and received dialysis treatment for her kidneys. She was also on an antibiotic treatment that she had to take daily. Once Jessica was treated with ILUVIEN, her eye doctor visits greatly reduced.

Jessica regained most of her vision after receiving ILUVIEN and is able to do many of the things she loved before she lost her vision.

“Yes, I deal with diabetes, and I deal with dialysis and all my complications,” said Jessica. “But I can say I enjoy life because I do at least have my vision.” Jessica’s story if her own unique experience. Not all patients treated with ILUVIEN experience the same results.

 

Find Out if ILUVIEN is Right for You

If you suffer from DME, ask your doctor if ILUVIEN is the right treatment option for you. Your doctor can help guide you through the treatment process, and you can also contact us with any questions or concerns you might have about ILUVIEN.

 

Alimera Sciences
6310 Town Square, Suite 400,
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(678) 990-5740
https://alimerasciences.com/

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