In 2008, Ria Pantsis was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, an autoimmune disorder that changed her life. She suffered through many symptoms including extreme pain, general illness and loss of blood. Through multiple hospital stays, blood transfusions, and trips to see the specialist, Ria tried many medications but none seemed to help. She was unable to work, to travel and eventually almost had to avoid leaving the house at all.
Finally after some time, Ria was prescribed Humira. The changes in her health were felt almost immediately. She was able to return to work and is back to volunteering with her local hockey team and enjoying life like she used to. The down side - The Cost. Ria's dosage costs between $3,000-$4,000 each and every month and she'll likley need this medication for the rest of her life.
Fortunately, this particular medication falls within the specialty drug guidelines, so there is some financial relief from Sask Health, but not enough. That’s where MERIT stepped in.
Ria’s spouse is a MERIT member, so after doing some paperwork for pre-qualification, she was elated to find out her treatments would be covered under the MERIT plan. Ria continues to enjoy life to it's fullest, secure in the knowledge that her medication will continue to keep her well.
