I find it reprehensible that the insurance companies have any authority to practice medicine without a license. Making mid-year decisions to stop covering certain medications is exactly that. When done to save money rather than for the good of the patient, it is heinous. It is also breaking faith in their coverage contract with the subscriber. Anyone with chronic conditions has already been through the “first fail” before finally finding a medication regime that helps control their symptoms and illness. The idea of Step Therapy affects many patients, not just those using pain medication, but also those who need hormone therapy, antidepressants, and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS and Steroids) to name a few. A change in that medication can lead to a condition getting worse fast and that is ground that cannot be gained back. It adds an ill-afforded cost to the patient in terms of pain, suffering, and finances. Please support this and leave the practice of medicine to the physicians!
