Why Won't Prescription Coverage Cover Estratest Or Eemt?

TutuTerri Says:

Tue, September 30, 2014

My doctor just renewed my prescription for eemt (originally estratest) but my insurance won't cover it and the pharmacy said it would be $407.00 for a 90 day supply. I can't afford it any longer. I have used estratest &/or eemt for many years and it was the only thing that works. My hot flashes and night sweats are miserable. The pharmacy said it was not "Obama care" that cut off our HT.

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Verwon Says:
Wed, October 29, 2014

Hello, TutuTerri! How are you?

Many insurance plans are starting to question covering HRT, due to the possible risks that can be associated with it, such as cancer and cardiac events. Especially, if you've been using it for years, most women don't need it for that long, they use it for awhile, until they are through menopause and things settle back down, then they stop taking it.

At this point, you may actually be experiencing some hormonal symptoms due to taking it. How long are you past menopause?

What else have you tried to treat your symptoms?

Low dose antidepressants, such as Prozac/Fluoxetine have been shown to help with such symptoms and they are much safer. Its side effects may include nausea, dizziness, headache, joint aches and weight loss.

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Candy Says:
Wed, October 29, 2014

I started Menopause at 46 years old. I am still going through the hot flashes and wake up in the middle of the night soaked with sweat sometimes 2-3 times. I am now 57. I never took a single medication for it. What I do is keep 3 containers with water in the refrigerator and put a face cloth in each. I squeeze the water out as much I can out of one when I have these symptoms and wipe my face, neck, and shoulders with it. It helps a bit. I wear a thin jacket all winter long. I hope this passes for you quickly. It is very disturbing and sometimes almost constant.

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Verwon Says:
Wed, October 29, 2014

Another suggestion is to buy a cooling towel and use it. You just wet them, ring them out and then wrap them around your neck. They've been proven to cool you off and reduce body temperature, no freezing necessary.

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LisaLisa Says:
Fri, August 28, 2015

After going through menopause at the age of 40, i started taking estratest 1.25/2.5. My insurance never covered it, and a 30 day supply is $110. I did a little research and with a coupon, it comes to 19.75 at walmart. Best deal around.

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TutuTerri Says:
Fri, September 18, 2015

My doctor did prescribe Fluoxitine which does help. At least the night sweats have stopped. I still get breakthrough hot flashes during the day. I went into menopause after a hysterectomy at 39 yrs. While I was going through breast cancer treatment at 64-65 yrs old in 2009/2010 I had no HRT at all and tolerated it quite well. After the double mastectomy was complete the hot flashes and night sweats came back with a vengeance so my physician prescribed Estratest/EEMT which handled them quite well. I had no idea that breast tissue contributed so much to your hormone balance. I am currently 71 yrs old and still waiting for hot flashes to go away.

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Cheryl Says:
Fri, October 23, 2015

Hi all,

I had a complete hysterectomy at age 28. I began taking Estrogen and after many years, was prescribed Estratest. I love it! Now, I am on Medicare and without insurance help, can no longer afford it. I would have to pay out of pocket. I understand all the alternative medications to help with the menopausal effects, even antidepressants, however, what about loss of libido? I enjoy a healthy intimate relationship. Do insurance companies just want us to grow old and die? What happened to "quality of life"? Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks.

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HJP Says:
Mon, November 21, 2016

Please share how this works.. we want to be able to afford it too.

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Littlec2017 Says:
Tue, January 24, 2017

Where do you get a coupon? My insurance just changed on Jan 1st. Walmart said my EEMT isn't covered any more and it's now $140. I've been taking them for 12 years. I'm scared to just stop taking them.

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Donna Says:
Sun, February 5, 2017

I just went to get pick up my prescription last week of Estratest and they wanted $280 for 3 month supply. I found out why the insurance is no longer covering it.....because it's not FDA APPROVED!! Your doctor can give you something else that your insurance will approve. I am trying estridol patch. Praying it will work for me. Just started on it today.

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Ozarklady Says:
Fri, April 21, 2017

Could you be so kind to elaborate on how you went about getting Estratest so reasonable? My insurance will not longer pay for this and I am not doing well without it. I had a complete hysterectomy in 1993 and had been on it since then. Thank you in advance. Ozarklady

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Cheryl Says:
Fri, September 29, 2017

Re: Cheryl (# 6) Expand Referenced Message

SingleCare. I have been on EEMT for years and when I retired, I learned that
Medicare Will not cover th S drug. I appealed 5 times and this drug is not approved. I paid out of pocket $96 but kept searching for a less expensive pharmacy. I also got a prescription for the full strength dose, cut the pills in half and would get two months out of my $96 cost. I just discovered SingleCare as a prescription discount and got 30 days for $53.00 at CVS. I cut them in half which results in my correct dosage...allows me to get 30 days for $26.50 out of pocket. Look up Singlecare. Good luck!

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Want my EEMT Says:
Mon, April 2, 2018

Re: Verwon (# 1) Expand Referenced Message

This is such crap, I have been on EEMT for years and my doctor said they are safe and now the insurance company won’t cover it

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Kelly Says:
Sat, March 4, 2023

Re: Cheryl (# 6) Expand Referenced Message

Wow! Finally a woman with my exact sentiment! Estratest is a lifesaver if you no longer have ovaries and have had a hysterectomy! My ins won't cover it either. I cut back on groceries to afford it. I no longer eat a very healthy diet because I can't afford it all. My sense of well being is more important.

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