Blevins Insurance Blog (BIB)
What is Special Authorization?
The intent of drug coverage is to provide coverage for essential prescription to ensure health and well-being. In almost all cases, a physician’s prescription is required.
Some drugs, however, have an extremely high price tag. For example drugs for certain cancer drugs can be in excess of $80,000 per year or drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis can be $30,000 to $40,000 per year.
The challenge is people need the drugs and we want to be able to provide the coverage, while containing costs.
Special Authorization criteria has been established by insurance carriers for some drugs where:
- The drug is intended only for the treatment of specific diseases or medical conditions
- Where standard drug therapy has failed, or has proven ineffective
- Where the patient has been unable to tolerate standard drug therapy
The intention is to provide the right person with the right drug when needed, and the plan doesn’t pay for the experimental use of drugs.
By implementing Special Authorization, the insurance carrier makes sure the prescribed drugs are safe and effective and are being used for conditions the government and the manufacturer have approved
Moving Along…
A topic we all like to avoid is the one about keeping our bowels moving along regularly. Being regular is important. Irregularity puts a burden on your intestinal tract and internal bacteria balance.
We need our bowels working well to ensure proper absorption of the vitamins and minerals in the food we eat.
Does your diet have too many refined (processed) foods and not enough fibre? Do you eat a lot of meat?
It is important to get your fiber, every day; and get it thru whole foods like whole grains, dark-green vegetables, fruits, raw nuts, sprouts and seeds.
Another very important habit to keep things regular is water; drink plenty of water. Tip; herbal teas are good too. Cultured products like yogurt and kefir contain friendly bacteria which will also assist with intestinal transit time.
Here is an idea: Try 1 tsp flaxseed oil on hot cereal or ground flaxseed in yogurt, in salad or just on a spoon. Add extra virgin olive oil in salad dressing or on food, or use with balsamic vinegar for dunking your bread.
