Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTreatment OptionsCostsDoes Insurance Cover It?Coverage ObstaclesFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Treatment Options
Costs
Does Insurance Cover It?
Coverage Obstacles
Frequently Asked Questions
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease thatcausessymptomslike pain, joint stiffness, and skin lesions calledplaques. There are many ways totreat psoriatic arthritis. Cost of treatment depends on several factors like severity ofsymptoms, what treatments are used, and insurance coverage.
This article covers psoriatic arthritis treatment with private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and other methods.
courtneyk / Getty Images
Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Options
Psoriatic arthritis treatment options can include:
When Psoriatic Arthritis Isn’t TreatedUntreated psoriatic arthritis can lead to a wearing down of the body’s joints, which can eventually require surgery. As a result of inflammation, psoriatic arthritis can also increase the chances of other disorders, including:AnemiaFatigueMood changesHigh blood pressureHigh cholesterolDiabetes
When Psoriatic Arthritis Isn’t Treated
Untreated psoriatic arthritis can lead to a wearing down of the body’s joints, which can eventually require surgery. As a result of inflammation, psoriatic arthritis can also increase the chances of other disorders, including:AnemiaFatigueMood changesHigh blood pressureHigh cholesterolDiabetes
Untreated psoriatic arthritis can lead to a wearing down of the body’s joints, which can eventually require surgery. As a result of inflammation, psoriatic arthritis can also increase the chances of other disorders, including:
Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Costs
Psoriatic treatments can range from low cost to expensive, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. One study on patients newly diagnosed found that after a year:
Other costs associated with psoriatic arthritis might include OTC medication and mobility devices, which may include things like canes, walkers, bed assists, and wheelchairs. Prices can range from about $30 for a cane to $100 for a walker. Wheelchair prices can range from about $100 to $1,000 and more, depending on style. Insurance does cover some mobility devices.
Does Insurance Cover Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was signed into law in 2010, states that people cannot be denied insurance or be charged higher premiums because of arthritis. However, the degree of coverage for psoriatic arthritis can depend on individual circumstance and insurance company rules.
Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people over age 65, some people with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease.
Medicare does cover treatments and medications for psoriatic arthritis.To help with costs, it might help to speak to your healthcare provider about:
Medicare also covers mobility aids like canes, walkers, and lifts at a cost of 20% after yearly deductibles for Medicare part B are paid.You can also supplement Medicare coverage with Medigap, which is supplemental insurance purchased through private insurers.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal- and state-funded healthcare program for low-income adults and children. A person can be eligible for Medicaid and Medicare at the same time. Eligibility can depend on state, and it considers factors like income, age, and family size. Medicaid enrollment can include:
Applying for Medicaid can be done through the healthcare marketplace or a state’s specific Medicaid application site.
Private Insurance
Private insurance companies are required to cover arthritis treatment. When insurance doesn’t cut it, there are programs that can supplement care, such as:
When Insurance Isn’t EnoughThere are several ways to add to coverage if insurance doesn’t cover enough costs, including:Medicare Extra HelpNonprofitsCopay cardsPAPsFederally qualified health centers:
When Insurance Isn’t Enough
There are several ways to add to coverage if insurance doesn’t cover enough costs, including:Medicare Extra HelpNonprofitsCopay cardsPAPsFederally qualified health centers:
There are several ways to add to coverage if insurance doesn’t cover enough costs, including:
Insurance Coverage Obstacles
Insurance coverage obstacles that people with psoriatic arthritis face can include:
Even milder cases of psoriatic arthritis may also see treatment barriers. Researchers have found mild cases of psoriatic arthritis need better treatment to prevent the worsening of symptoms of the disease.
Summary
Insurance programs are required to cover arthritis treatment, however, psoriatic arthritis treatment can be costly. Much of this can depend on whether a patient is using oral or topical medications vs. biologic injections. Insurance companies might also reject patient requests for biologic treatments until other drugs are tried beforehand.
Other difficulties insured psoriatic arthritis patients face include high co-pays and out-of-pocket costs, lapses in care when switching insurance plans, long-term care that can be difficult to maintain, and treatment barriers for mild psoriatic arthritis that can progress into a more severe form.
A Word From Verywell
Psoriatic arthritis can be a painful condition, and paying for treatment can seem overwhelming. While insurance is required to cover arthritis treatments, the condition can still be costly, especially when prescriptions are required. No matter how mild your psoriatic arthritis might seem, you deserve complete care considering the disease could progress into something more difficult over time.
Learn MorePsoriatic Arthritis
If left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can lead to a wearing down of the joints. This can cause pain, mobility issues, and a need for surgery. The inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis can also increase the chances of other disorders, like heart disease, diabetes, mood changes, and anemia.Learn MoreSymptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis
If left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can lead to a wearing down of the joints. This can cause pain, mobility issues, and a need for surgery. The inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis can also increase the chances of other disorders, like heart disease, diabetes, mood changes, and anemia.
Learn MoreSymptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Arthritis Foundation.Topical NSAIDs offer joint pain relief.MedlinePlus.Psoriatic arthritis.Coates LC, Merola JF, Grieb SM, Mease PJ, Callis Duffin K.Methotrexate in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.J Rheumatol. 2020;96:31-35. doi:10.3899/jrheum.200124Arthritis Foundation.Corticosteroids.Arthritis Foundation.Biologics.Ervant J. Maksabedian Hernandez P, Joseph Tkacz MS, Lorena Lopez-Gonzalez P, Kate Higgins MPH, Alexis Ogdie MD, Bradley S. Stolshek P.Psoriatic arthritis treatment patterns and costs among pharmacologic treatment–naïve patients.The American Journal of Managed Care. 2020;26(08). doi:10.37765/ajmc.2020.44075American College of Rheumatology.Psoriatic arthritis.Anderson CH.21 of the best-selling assistive devices you can buy on Amazon. CreakyJoints.Arthritis Foundation.The Affordable Care Act: Key provisions for people with arthritis.National Psoriasis Foundation.What is Medicare?National Psoriasis Foundation.When affordability isn’t a possibility.Department of Health and Human Services.Medicare coverage of durable medical equipment & other devices.USA.gov.How to apply for Medicaid and CHIP.Medicaid.gov.Cost sharing.National Psoriasis Foundation.Financial assistance.National Psoriasis Foundation.Getting the care you need and deserve.Abdelnabi M, Patel A, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A.Insurance coverage of biologics for moderate-to-severe psoriasis: a retrospective, observational 5-year chart review.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016;17(4):421-424. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0194-4Strober BE, van der Walt JM, Armstrong AW, et al.Clinical goals and barriers to effective psoriasis care.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019;9(1):5-18. doi:10.1007/s13555-018-0279-5
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Arthritis Foundation.Topical NSAIDs offer joint pain relief.MedlinePlus.Psoriatic arthritis.Coates LC, Merola JF, Grieb SM, Mease PJ, Callis Duffin K.Methotrexate in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.J Rheumatol. 2020;96:31-35. doi:10.3899/jrheum.200124Arthritis Foundation.Corticosteroids.Arthritis Foundation.Biologics.Ervant J. Maksabedian Hernandez P, Joseph Tkacz MS, Lorena Lopez-Gonzalez P, Kate Higgins MPH, Alexis Ogdie MD, Bradley S. Stolshek P.Psoriatic arthritis treatment patterns and costs among pharmacologic treatment–naïve patients.The American Journal of Managed Care. 2020;26(08). doi:10.37765/ajmc.2020.44075American College of Rheumatology.Psoriatic arthritis.Anderson CH.21 of the best-selling assistive devices you can buy on Amazon. CreakyJoints.Arthritis Foundation.The Affordable Care Act: Key provisions for people with arthritis.National Psoriasis Foundation.What is Medicare?National Psoriasis Foundation.When affordability isn’t a possibility.Department of Health and Human Services.Medicare coverage of durable medical equipment & other devices.USA.gov.How to apply for Medicaid and CHIP.Medicaid.gov.Cost sharing.National Psoriasis Foundation.Financial assistance.National Psoriasis Foundation.Getting the care you need and deserve.Abdelnabi M, Patel A, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A.Insurance coverage of biologics for moderate-to-severe psoriasis: a retrospective, observational 5-year chart review.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016;17(4):421-424. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0194-4Strober BE, van der Walt JM, Armstrong AW, et al.Clinical goals and barriers to effective psoriasis care.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019;9(1):5-18. doi:10.1007/s13555-018-0279-5
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Arthritis Foundation.Topical NSAIDs offer joint pain relief.MedlinePlus.Psoriatic arthritis.Coates LC, Merola JF, Grieb SM, Mease PJ, Callis Duffin K.Methotrexate in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.J Rheumatol. 2020;96:31-35. doi:10.3899/jrheum.200124Arthritis Foundation.Corticosteroids.Arthritis Foundation.Biologics.Ervant J. Maksabedian Hernandez P, Joseph Tkacz MS, Lorena Lopez-Gonzalez P, Kate Higgins MPH, Alexis Ogdie MD, Bradley S. Stolshek P.Psoriatic arthritis treatment patterns and costs among pharmacologic treatment–naïve patients.The American Journal of Managed Care. 2020;26(08). doi:10.37765/ajmc.2020.44075American College of Rheumatology.Psoriatic arthritis.Anderson CH.21 of the best-selling assistive devices you can buy on Amazon. CreakyJoints.Arthritis Foundation.The Affordable Care Act: Key provisions for people with arthritis.National Psoriasis Foundation.What is Medicare?National Psoriasis Foundation.When affordability isn’t a possibility.Department of Health and Human Services.Medicare coverage of durable medical equipment & other devices.USA.gov.How to apply for Medicaid and CHIP.Medicaid.gov.Cost sharing.National Psoriasis Foundation.Financial assistance.National Psoriasis Foundation.Getting the care you need and deserve.Abdelnabi M, Patel A, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A.Insurance coverage of biologics for moderate-to-severe psoriasis: a retrospective, observational 5-year chart review.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016;17(4):421-424. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0194-4Strober BE, van der Walt JM, Armstrong AW, et al.Clinical goals and barriers to effective psoriasis care.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019;9(1):5-18. doi:10.1007/s13555-018-0279-5
Arthritis Foundation.Topical NSAIDs offer joint pain relief.
MedlinePlus.Psoriatic arthritis.
Coates LC, Merola JF, Grieb SM, Mease PJ, Callis Duffin K.Methotrexate in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.J Rheumatol. 2020;96:31-35. doi:10.3899/jrheum.200124
Arthritis Foundation.Corticosteroids.
Arthritis Foundation.Biologics.
Ervant J. Maksabedian Hernandez P, Joseph Tkacz MS, Lorena Lopez-Gonzalez P, Kate Higgins MPH, Alexis Ogdie MD, Bradley S. Stolshek P.Psoriatic arthritis treatment patterns and costs among pharmacologic treatment–naïve patients.The American Journal of Managed Care. 2020;26(08). doi:10.37765/ajmc.2020.44075
American College of Rheumatology.Psoriatic arthritis.
Anderson CH.21 of the best-selling assistive devices you can buy on Amazon. CreakyJoints.
Arthritis Foundation.The Affordable Care Act: Key provisions for people with arthritis.
National Psoriasis Foundation.What is Medicare?
National Psoriasis Foundation.When affordability isn’t a possibility.
Department of Health and Human Services.Medicare coverage of durable medical equipment & other devices.
USA.gov.How to apply for Medicaid and CHIP.
Medicaid.gov.Cost sharing.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Financial assistance.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Getting the care you need and deserve.
Abdelnabi M, Patel A, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A.Insurance coverage of biologics for moderate-to-severe psoriasis: a retrospective, observational 5-year chart review.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016;17(4):421-424. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0194-4
Strober BE, van der Walt JM, Armstrong AW, et al.Clinical goals and barriers to effective psoriasis care.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019;9(1):5-18. doi:10.1007/s13555-018-0279-5
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