Sniff Sniff Wheeze Wheeze

March 30, 2008 6:57 PM

Is there any way to get allergy shots for cheaper?

I get allergy shots. My stingy (Chickering grad. student insurance from Northwestern) insurance won't pay anything for them. It's costing me a lot of money (about $700 every ten weeks). I can't afford to keep doing it, but I think they're helping.

Does anybody know a way to get the serum made for cheaper? I'm in Chicago.

Thanks!

posted by rbs to health & fitness (4 comments total)

Allergy medication and treatments are one of the most commonly excluded items in health insurance coverage.

Have you spoken with your doctor? He/she might be aware of any low-income programs that might be available in the area. Hell, once your allergist becomes aware that they might lose your business, they might lower the costs to you themselves. Many doctors have sliding-scales based on ability to pay.
posted by Thorzdad at 6:17 AM on March 31, 2008

Yeah, allergy shots are on the luxury end of health insurance. See if there's a way to get your need for allergy shots classified differently so they are more medically necessary. (I have no idea if this is possible, just shotgunning ideas.) If the doc can't do that or reduce their prices, generic Claritin is awfully inexpensive. (Don't use the "D" version on a regular basis, the pseudoephedrine isn't good on a regular basis)
posted by gjc at 6:43 AM on March 31, 2008

Thanks folks. I've been able to manage a small reduction in price from the doctor in the past (about $100), but that's about it.

Claritin and the like don't do much for me anymore. My allergies to some things are severe: being around cats (or in the cars of people who own cats) could put me in the hospital. I do my best to avoid these situations of course, but the shots are helping.
posted by rbs at 7:36 AM on March 31, 2008

Shop around for a different allergist. I've had weekly allergy shots in the past (also for a cat allergy), and it didn't cost me anywhere near as much as you are paying. $70 a week blows my mind.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 7:57 AM on March 31, 2008