Is Your Psoriasis Treatment Covered?

Even though the condition is medically incurable, psoriasis treatment helps relieve symptoms drastically in even the most severe cases. Getting the treatment you need is not just a comfort – it’s a necessity, regardless of the costs involved.

However, since many methods of psoriasis treatment can be expensive, you may begin to cut corners, trying to prolong the time between purchases in order to save money. This is dangerous for your physical and mental well-being. Find out what types of psoriasis treatment are covered under your current health care plan and what changes you need to make to improve your quality of life while living with this condition.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that has many different variations, but is most commonly characterized by the rapid development of skin cells. Since the cells in the affected area multiply so quickly, they build up and die, leaving raised plaque on the skin’s surface.

The plaque is often extremely itchy and can also crack and bleed. The patches usually appear on either the knees or the elbows, but they can also form on the scalp underneath your hair. The plaque may come and go in cycles and flare-ups can range from mild to severe, with the plaque formations joining and becoming larger when left untreated.

Do You Have Psoriatic Arthritis?

It is estimated that up to 30 percent of those who suffer from psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis, a condition affecting the joints underneath the plaque formations. This condition is characterized by joint swelling, pain and stiffness and sometimes appears before the surface psoriasis develops. It is vital to receive psoriasis treatment to prevent joint pain, which can range from mild to debilitating.

Types of Treatments

The first method of treatment usually prescribed for psoriasis is a topical ointment. It may contain salicylic acid or steroids. Salicylic acid prompts the skin to shed the built-up scales and can decrease inflammatory appearance while relieving symptoms. Steroid cream helps calm inflammation and slow or stop the over-production of the skin cells, the problem at the root of the disorder.

These medications are applied to the affected surface in the form of an ointment, but there are psoriasis treatments that can also be administered as a shampoo for those suffering from the condition on their scalp.

There are also light therapy treatments, oral drugs and various natural remedies that have all been reported to have some success with relieving symptoms, but none completely take away the discomfort and inconvenience of living with psoriasis.

What Does Medicare Cover?

According to a study by the University of California’s dermatology department, patients spend an average of over $2,500 per year in costs related to psoriasis care.

If you have Medicare Part D, you receive coverage for many drug-related costs up until a certain threshold, when you reach the “donut hole,” or the coverage gap that occurs once you reach a certain spending limit. Then, you are responsible for costs after you reach this time. If you need psoriasis treatment plus you pay for other regular medications, you could easily find yourself paying out-of-pocket costs your budget cannot handle.

If you want the answer to how to pay for psoriasis treatment through supplemental insurance plans or by applying for Extra Help, the team at My Senior Health Plan can guide you through the process, assisting you in putting your healthcare as the main priority and cutting costs as you go.

Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/the-cost-of-psoriasis-treatments.aspx