Chronic Meds Approval
I have had Myasthenia Gravis for the past 10 years, and been with Bonitas for the last 5 years. Disease has worsened to the point of my not being able to see, walk, or function (it is a muscular disease). All known treatments have been tried over the years, and my weakness has fluctuated with different doses, circumstances and stages. After consultation with an MG specialist in Cape Town, 24th Jan, she prescribed Cyclosporin, to be started immediately, and was very concerned about the state I was in, especially my breathing. Bonitas has, since the 27th of January, been passing this case from advisor to advisor, from process to process. Upon calling today (my doctor and I call almost every day, and CAN'T get further than a consultant), they told me that it is being reviewed for ex-gratia and that their turn-around for feedback on this is 30 days. Another 30! I have had to have 2 plasmapheresis treatments in the past 3 months, each costing them about R80 000. These treatments DON'T get me to the desired level of strength, and only last a few weeks, and a long-term solution needs to be found, which we hold our hope in Cyclosporin. Surely it is in their best interest to approve this???