Rabies vaccine

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice because I’m out of ideas.

Recently, while in Thailand, I was attacked by monkeys. As a resident, I knew the importance of getting rabies vaccinations immediately. I received the first 3 of the 5 required doses abroad, following the WHO schedule.

Upon returning to the US, I needed to get the remaining 2 doses. Unfortunately, the County Department of Health and the City Department of Health were unable to help. Neither the family medicine nor the infectious disease clinics at my hospital had the rabies vaccine available. After checking every pharmacy in town (including CVS, Walmart, Costco, Rite Aid, etc.), I found that only Walgreens had it.

I was able to obtain prior authorization approval for the vaccines through my PCP. However, on the day of the vaccination, I was informed that Walgreens is out-of-network for my insurance and that I could only get it at CVS (which didn't offer it). Given the critical timing, I paid for the vaccine out-of-pocket (~$500).

Over the next month, I contacted my insurance company to figure out what to do before my 5th (and final) dose. Multiple representatives advised me to get the 5th dose and then apply for a "network deficiency" claim. So, I paid another $500 for the final dose.

I have since submitted both pharmacy and medical claims to Aetna, as well as two appeals. All were denied because Walgreens is out-of-network.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do next?

submitted by /u/papayaya47
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