Going back to school and paying for Rx

Mark O. on September 22, 2015

Career Change

I’d like to quit my job for a year or more, take out loans, and go to nursing school to become an RN or get a teaching credential. I looked into a school in the Bay Area where I could get a teaching credential. When I asked what kind of insurance coverage they have, I was told that they may be able to cover 80% of Rx costs. With Gleevec retailing at about $24,000/month, I’m looking at paying $4800/month for my meds. Multiply that by 12 months, and it’s almost $60,000 for my meds alone, not to mention taking out loans for tuition and living costs. Is there any possible way for me to go to school and get my Rx for Gleevec covered? 


1 Comment

Image of Sarah Goodell

Sarah Goodell

Sep 23, 2015

Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:

Hi Mark,

Thanks for writing to us. It's great that you've determined a new career path that you want to follow, I'm sorry that the prescription cost is so difficult. There are a number of resources that help cover prescription costs. I would recommend checking out the following:

- List of financial resources on our site: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/Legal-and-Financial/Financial-Assistance-for-Those-in-Need
- Needymeds (helps with the cost of medicine): http://www.needymeds.org/
- Cancer Financial Assistance Organization: http://www.cancerfac.org/
- Patient Access Network Foundation: https://www.panfoundation.org/
- Partnership for Prescription Assistance: https://www.pparx.org/

I hope that this is helpful and please let us know if you have any other questions.

Best of luck,

Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

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