# Won't cover IVIG **URL:** \ **Category:** General CIDP Discussion\ **Created:** [March 12, 2012, 12:23pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/wont-cover-ivig/91 "2012-03-12T12:23:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cage](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/cage/32/99_2.png) [@Cage](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/Cage)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2012, 12:23pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/wont-cover-ivig/91/1 "2012-03-12T12:23:52Z")
I read about everyone receiving IVIg treatments. I have been turned down twice by my insurance co. What is the secret to get insurance coverage? ---
**Author:** ![ruthie4bearz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/ruthie4bearz/32/42_2.png) [@ruthie4bearz](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/ruthie4bearz)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 12:42am UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/wont-cover-ivig/91/2 "2012-03-13T00:42:03Z")
I haven't had any of the IVIG treatments yet myself. I ask my doctors about it...and they don't answer me and act like I must be on the moon asking?? I lost my medicade last month....so I had to go out and buy insurance. It will take 1/2 of my income from disability to pay for it...the other half will go to rent....I don't know what will happen now? when searching for the insurance, I ask that question, no one could answer me if the insurance will cover it or not? I find it weird. But I was told before I sign the papers that "if medicare will pay for those treatments then this insruance will have to pay for it too"! I don't know if that helps with your question. I hope you are doing ok...........have you had more treatments yet? I wonder what they put into those treatments? what drugs? Thank you for your questions. Ruthie H. ---
**Author:** ![clb75](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/clb75/32/142_2.png) [@clb75](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/clb75)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 10:54pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/wont-cover-ivig/91/3 "2012-03-13T22:54:46Z")
Each insurance co. Has a policy for what they deem medical necessity. IVig is only approved for a handful of disorders, CIDP being one of them. It May help to get a copy of their policy on when they cover IVig, and You can always appeal their decision, (you may have already)…Also insurance likes to know why you will benefit so if your doctor can speak to the fact it’s first line treatment For CIDP, and certain symptoms will likely improve, or if you have tried others treatments that have not worked etc. I hope this was helpful, keep trying! ---
**Author:** ![goldengirl55](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/goldengirl55/32/86_2.png) [@goldengirl55](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/goldengirl55)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 11:57pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/wont-cover-ivig/91/4 "2012-03-13T23:57:22Z")
My neurologist and rhuematologist dicussed this option for me because no other ttreatments helped me both doctors agreed then i had to pass immune bloodwork testing. Based on the bloodwork whether I was eligle for the infussions. It has taken me this entire month to get everything done. It was only after all This that the insurance is going to cover this procedure. Hope this helps perhaps have your doctor write to the insurance company on you behalf might help. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![Click](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/click/32/140_2.png) [@Click](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/Click)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 5:26am UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/wont-cover-ivig/91/5 "2012-03-14T05:26:20Z")
I know this won't help with your problem. But this is my experience after they ound out I had CIDP, the Dr didn't start my IVIG unlt he knew that the insurance would cover the treatments. I wish I had a magic fix for you problem. Best of luck Click ---
**Author:** ![Joe\_D](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/joe_d/32/119_2.png) [@Joe\_D](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/Joe_D)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 10:36pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/wont-cover-ivig/91/6 "2012-03-14T22:36:11Z")
My IVIG request hit the insurance company Jan 23rd. It was denied on Feb 23 and appealed on Feb 23rd. Today, over 8 weeks later, and additional faxes by the Dr back to the insurance company, IVIG was approved. Well, they saved some money. I go in on Monday for my first 5 day infusion. Infusion, LOL, sounds like we're making tea or adding garlic to olive oil! ---
**Author:** ![Cage](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/cage/32/99_2.png) [@Cage](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/Cage)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2012, 3:22pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/wont-cover-ivig/91/7 "2012-03-17T15:22:41Z")
Thanks for your response... I hope a better solution presents its self to you..I am ready to receive treatment but Im not ready to pay for it my self...all we can do is hang in there. ruthie4bearz said: > I haven't had any of the IVIG treatments yet myself. I ask my doctors about it...and they don't answer me and act like I must be on the moon asking?? > > I lost my medicade last month....so I had to go out and buy insurance. It will take 1/2 of my income from disability to pay for it...the other half will go to rent....I don't know what will happen now? > > when searching for the insurance, I ask that question, no one could answer me if the insurance will cover it or not? I find it weird. But I was told before I sign the papers that "if medicare will pay for those treatments then this insruance will have to pay for it too"! I don't know if that helps with your question. > > I hope you are doing ok...........have you had more treatments yet? I wonder what they put into those treatments? what drugs? > > Thank you for your questions. > > Ruthie H. ---
**Author:** ![Cage](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/cage/32/99_2.png) [@Cage](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/Cage)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2012, 3:26pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/wont-cover-ivig/91/8 "2012-03-17T15:26:33Z")
thanks for the info Joe I hate insurance companies ...They want the cheapest treatment not the best treatment for you Joe D said: > My IVIG request hit the insurance company Jan 23rd. It was denied on Feb 23 and appealed on Feb 23rd. Today, over 8 weeks later, and additional faxes by the Dr back to the insurance company, IVIG was approved. Well, they saved some money. I go in on Monday for my first 5 day infusion. Infusion, LOL, sounds like we're making tea or adding garlic to olive oil! ---
**Author:** ![Cage](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/cage/32/99_2.png) [@Cage](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/Cage)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2012, 4:07pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/wont-cover-ivig/91/9 "2012-03-17T16:07:38Z")
thanks for info...I hate insurance.. Click said: > I know this won't help with your problem. But this is my experience after they ound out I had CIDP, the Dr didn't start my IVIG unlt he knew that the insurance would cover the treatments. I wish I had a magic fix for you problem. > > Best of luck > > Click ---
**Author:** ![Cage](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/cage/32/99_2.png) [@Cage](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/Cage)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2012, 4:11pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/wont-cover-ivig/91/10 "2012-03-17T16:11:52Z")
Thanks for the info I think my doctor has been in contact with them but so far it hasn't made any difference. goldengirl55 said: > My neurologist and rhuematologist dicussed this option for me because no other ttreatments helped me > both doctors agreed then i had to pass immune bloodwork testing. Based on the bloodwork whether > I was eligle for the infussions. It has taken me this entire month to get everything done. It was only after all > This that the insurance is going to cover this procedure. Hope this helps perhaps have your doctor > write to the insurance company on you behalf might help. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![Cage](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/cage/32/99_2.png) [@Cage](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/Cage)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2012, 4:20pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/wont-cover-ivig/91/11 "2012-03-17T16:20:09Z")
Thanks for info I think 5 minutes of research on CIDP shows that IVIG is the preferred treatment(not the cheapest..Insurance is interested in the cheapest not the best) The problems with steroid drugs are well documented clb75 said: > Each insurance co. Has a policy for what they deem medical necessity. > IVig is only approved for a handful of disorders, CIDP being one of them. It > May help to get a copy of their policy on when they cover IVig, and > You can always appeal their decision, (you may have > already)...Also insurance likes to know why you will benefit > so if your doctor can speak to the fact it's first line treatment > For CIDP, and certain symptoms will likely improve, or if you > have tried others treatments that have not worked etc. > I hope this was helpful, keep trying! ---
**Author:** ![newtocidp](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/newtocidp/32/48_2.png) [@newtocidp](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/newtocidp)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2012, 5:44pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/wont-cover-ivig/91/12 "2012-03-18T17:44:57Z")
Hi Cage, IVIg is an FDA approved treatment for CIDP - so ideally your insurance should cover it. I was at a meeting of the GBS/CIDP foundation yesterday and they have some people who can help you deal with this kind of stuff and talk to the insurance companies on your behalf if needed. You can find more information on their website: [http://www.gbs-cidp.org/](http://www.gbs-cidp.org/) ---
**Author:** ![Cage](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/cage/32/99_2.png) [@Cage](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/Cage)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2012, 12:32am UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/wont-cover-ivig/91/13 "2012-03-19T00:32:19Z")
thank you I will check out their site newtocidp said: > Hi Cage, > > IVIg is an FDA approved treatment for CIDP - so ideally your insurance should cover it. I was at a meeting of the GBS/CIDP foundation yesterday and they have some people who can help you deal with this kind of stuff and talk to the insurance companies on your behalf if needed. You can find more information on their website: [http://www.gbs-cidp.org/](http://www.gbs-cidp.org/)