I'm an expert at fighting with my Health Insurance providers over medication coverage, because, unfortunately I must take several medications, and every fews years my Insurance decides, apparently, that my life isn't worth their money. I have had to get several letters that serve as "over-rides" in order to continue two of the medications prescribed to me by my doctor; both of which I've taken for over 20 years. I do not use any meds that are "off-label", so, fortunately, so far I've managed to be covered for what I need.

Yesterday I had my first ever "dermatology" appoint. My family doctor practices internal medicine, as well as basic (not specialist)dermatology. At 45, my skin is in excellent condition in all the places I've washed with Zest and on which I've neglected sunscreen for over 40 years. My face, however, which I've always taken care of to the best of my financial abilities, has melasma, discoloration, and obvious "photoaging" issues. In order to help with these troubles, and act as a possible preventative, my doctor suggested Tri-Luma, and after some discussion, wrote me a prescription for Renova 0.02%.

My insurance won't cover a cent of it. After CVS told me the little tube would cost $199.99, I walked out and called different pharmacies. I can purchase it at Target for $186.99, and that's the cheapest possible. Now I feel silly for thinking Nia24 is a guilty splurge at $85.00 a tube.

I'm wondering if this is the "norm" when it comes to all tretinoin treatments (which are unlikely to be necessary for life sustenance.). Even though a doctor has prescribed a medication for a condition for which it has FDA approval to treat, do insurance companies usually refuse to pay without even suggesting an alternative from their formulary?

Hopefully, in the future insurance will cover "well-being" preparations, but above all else - SUNSCREEN for everyone!