Copying the group on my reply, in case someone else finds the info helpful.

I'm not on Medicare but went thru something similar with my insurance 
provider.  I ended up on Nature-throid, which is a prescription natural 
dessicated thyroid -- like Armour.  A couple of years ago, Armour 
changed the fillers they were using and I found (as did a few others) 
that the effectiveness of the medicine was reduced.  At the same time, 
my insurance company moved Armour to the Tier 4, which meant they paid 
nothing and I got a little discount for 90 days supply over 30.  There 
were also natural dessicated thyroid shortages and, so I switched to 
Nature-throid, which my doctor had on hand.  When production resumed, I 
just stayed on Nature-throid.  Have been on it ever since, and turns out 
it was the "generic" for Armour on my health care insurance's formulary 
anyway, so my co-pay went from about $60/3 months to $10/3 months.  Yay.

You could find out if your insurance has a generic natural dessicated 
thyroid on the formulary and ask your doctor to write for generic.  Of 
course, you and your doctor may need to watch for any changes in your 
thyroid status as the result of any change.

If you are unsuccessful with getting the insurance to cover the generic 
form, you could try getting your prescription from a local pharmacy and 
ask about their *cash* price, which is normally much better than 
regular.  Most natural dessicated thyroid meds aren't terribly expensive 
on their own, so you might find that a reasonable option.  Of course, as 
always, your mileage may vary.

Best of luck in getting what you need from your insurance.

- Kevran, Hashi's Hypo

PS.  I originally responded by using your email address.  Since this 
list is moderated, there can be a delay in responses to the list.






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