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Insurance: Health Insurance Action Center

The Health Insurance Action Center was developed to help people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis access the care they need. Each page in the directory compiles available information such as the Web site of the health plan, formulary (for prescription drugs), and medical policies. Completeness of information varies by company, because not all plans provide full information online.

Individuals appealing an insurance decision or investigating what treatments are covered can search the directory index for a link to their plan. The link then takes you to a page directing you to specific policies, including requirements patients may need to meet before treatments can be approved ("pre-authorization” requirements), as well as contact information for the plan. In some cases, companies may only allow members of the plan or health care providers who have a login and password to access their Web pages.

Be sure to see the “next steps" listed on each page, linking to guidelines developed by the Psoriasis Foundation to assist patients and medical professionals in getting access to needed health care.

Once you check your plan’s policy, the next steps are simple:

1. Read tips for appealing
2. Get your medical provider involved
3. Customize our template letters and send

Use the Access Action Guide, developed specifically for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, to learn more about accessing the treatment you need.

If the treatment is a covered benefit, but you are having trouble affording the copayments, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

Check to see if your plan is listed and let us know if it is not. Send us health plan information to add to the directory, and copies of medical policies on treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.