Recently, as part of their Unapproved Drugs Initiative, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed untested versions of colchicine from the market.  At the time of the FDA’s action, most Part-D plans offered the unapproved version of colchicine as a tier I or tier II drug.  As a result, the vast majority of seniors had access to this treatment for their painful condition.  Today, with the unapproved version all but removed from the marketplace, we find that a certain number of seniors are unable to gain access to the only FDA approved version of colchicine-based gout medicine “Colcrys” because it has been placed on tier III with a co-pay that is too high for many to afford.

While many Part-D plans have acted in the best interests of the seniors they serve, some plans have failed to provide affordable colchicine and thereby have effectively prevented seniors from gaining access to a treatment they desperately need.

In light of the FDA’s removal of unapproved colchicine from the market, these Part-D plans must follow the lead of other Part-D insurers around the country and reclassify COLCRYS as a tier-1 or 2 drug to ensure seniors have access to their vital gout medications. It is unjust to force patients to suffer through often excruciatingly-painful acute gout flare-ups despite the fact that they were promised affordable coverage for their medications when they signed up for your plan.

Are you a gout sufferer?

Are you on any of these plans?
- WellCare of Florida
- VISTA Health Plans (Coventry)
- UnitedHealth Group, Inc./AARP
- Anthem Blue Cross of California
- UnitedHealth Group, Inc./ AARP
- Cigna Health Care
- Coventry Health Care

Call 888-853-3922 and learn what you can do to make your prescriptions more affordable.