I hate my insurance

[Todd25]

I am having problems getting androgel approved by my insurance. Is there any alternative that you think my insurance cover. They said my test levels are to migh for there approval but I have all the symptons of low test levels. They said they would approve halotestin but that is highly toxic from what I have read.
thanks

[Spyke]

3 months worth test cyp is only 90 bucks. Get a script from the doc and pay for it yourself if all else fails.

[zaggahamma]

Androgel is expensive...I'm surprised any insurance pays for it. My insurance covers cyp so with insurance it only cost $20 for 90 days. What were levels that they said were too high?

[Ufa]

If all you need are low testosterone levels - well - there are ways to achieve this. Just cycle enough to shut down your system, wait 18 days and do blood test. your welcome!

[Todd25]

my levels were about 295 I think. As far as doing a cycle to lower my levels I I getting ready to do that I guess, I need to do something. I have been dragging for months.

[Todd25]

by the way I am only 27 which really sucks that my levels are that low

[zaggahamma]

well i know it's not the same...but i'm 37...and had the same levels...don't know how/why....never had em checked as early as you...might a been that low then too....good thing for you is you know and your treating your symptoms...wish you the best....you're among good ppl here and there are excellent products availabe one way or the other...and don't be afraid to ask your insurance WHAT and HOW MUCH they pay for certain meds...some companies have websites and you can find out this info without talking to anyone...i type in test and click search and goodies pop up and tells me how much copay is, etc....sometimes it's getting the right doc willing to TREAT you properly and write the script to begin with....take care...keep us posted

[spywizard]

easy answer, do a 3 month cycle, and at week 3 of your pct, go get your blood work done again.. you'll have low test for sure...

[Todd25]

thanks for the info. I guess I will be forced to do a cycle

[Mobligator]

Todd, I took Halotestin years ago when I first started HRT. It was pretty good stuff for giving you that extra punch while working out if you stacked it with test cyp and I made some good gains in strength while doing both. However Halotestin alone doesn't do much for your libido like tst cyp does. Anyway all that is irrevelant because they have stopped making Halotestin. I tried to get some a couple months ago and the pharmacist said it was discontinued. They still have another oral form called Testred, (methyltestosterone ) but it isn't worth your time to fool with it. Your best bet is to do that 3 mo. cycle of test cyp and then get tested but I think I'd wait at least 3-4 weeks after going off to make sure your body has cleared out completely. The half life ot test cyp is 8 days so after 24 days you'll still have approximately 1/8 of your dose left. Also you might want to cut that last month down to 100mg a week. This is how I did it and my reading was 246 after 30 days. The range was; low limit of 300 and high 1000. The endo diagnosed me as having Hypogonadism, after doing tests on my LH, FSH, Prolactin, and total testosterone . They didn't do an Estrogen test on me or a SHBG back in those days, circa 1988, but it would be a good idea to ask about having them done.
P.S. Are you a veteran? The VA will give you test e vial 5 ml, 100mg for 8 bucks if you have a script and diagnosis from another MD.

[ItalianMuscle27]

My insurance has covered everything from test, to hcg , to hgh..

[UpstateNY]

ItalianMuscle27,
If you don't mind, who's your carrier? A change for better coverage is well worth the work and expense in my humble opinion. We don't get much for our money these days so you need to shop and listen to others! Thanks in advance.

[ItalianMuscle27]

ItalianMuscle27,
If you don't mind, who's your carrier? A change for better coverage is well worth the work and expense in my humble opinion. We don't get much for our money these days so you need to shop and listen to others! Thanks in advance.

Its just a PPOM through my union.. nothing fancy. I know for a fact bluecross/blueshield covers everything! But very expensive..

[zaggahamma]

My insurance has covered everything from test, to hcg , to hgh..

Was there any criteria to meet to be able to get HGH....like was your natty levels low or did you have to do a survey, etc.? How much do they pay for it? Sorry all the ?'s but it's a rarety from what we here for insurance to pay for HGH.
Thanks

[UpstateNY]

Very true. I have a version of BCBS and there are many versions or plans or whatever they cal it now. My formulary(list of drugs covered) doesn't specificly state any HGH but it doesn't deny coverage either. A gray area? I'll find out. I'm not even sure if they'd cover testing. As far as androgens, it costs next to nothing, but it only covers Testosterone . It will cover Androgel but it is much more and it is a Step and level 2, meaning, it costs more and you have to have used an injectable test. and/or have a Dr. explain why he wants to use transdermal vs injections. While the particular option or "plan" may be different for the same parent company, it still helps to know who does cover things in case you want to shop for coverage. Thanks and best of luck.

[ItalianMuscle27]

Was there any criteria to meet to be able to get HGH....like was your natty levels low or did you have to do a survey, etc.? How much do they pay for it? Sorry all the ?'s but it's a rarety from what we here for insurance to pay for HGH.
Thanks

I cant speak for anyone else, but no real big criteria.. If you have low testosterone or hormone defeciency, there is no reason why they shouldnt cover it.. Some people have their doctors call and see if these meds are covered. From my experience and my girlfriend, this is a no no. Just submit it. You start asking questions, and now they do.. I levels were pretty normal, nothing out of the ordinary. But some things were high and some were low. The doc, said he could get me back to where I should be.. Only thing I have to pay for is his fee for watching my blood levels. This wasnt covered by my insurance.. That is how he makes money.

[zaggahamma]

that's what I'll do...next time I'm at the doc's...I'll say just write me a script for GH, mon...then I'll just send it in to my prescription carrier and wait for either the product or the denial letter....i'm surprised i didn't think of that.

[Ufa]

Last time I asked my Endo lady for a script of GH she walked out of the office.
I told her I was going to fax it to Canada.

[zaggahamma]

they really need to be more understanding

[Ufa]

They are practicing understanding; same as medicine. Well, when you get
threw practicing I'd like to make an appointmen.

[UpstateNY]

Hell, I'd like to meet one that's actually practicing near me!! Here they "already know everything". Read that as tonge in cheek or pure sarcaism. I've been turned down by insurance carriers in the past due to policy that states something along the line of, if it's not in print, your Dr needs to tell us why you need it and then we will pay. His job is to diagnose, and prescribe. They(claims people & Ins. Co) don't know EVERY reason Docs do the things they do. Ins co go by what the National avg. is for the most part. So, that leaves us, trying to educate dr's AND Ins. co.s!