How much does the MP cost?
Regaining your health with the Marshall Protocol is priceless but some folks with limited financial resources wonder if they can afford it. Many members found that they have spent far less on the MP than their previous healthcare costs. You won't be buying supplements, undergoing many diagnostic tests or taking IV medication.
The Marshall Protocol expenses involve:
-clinic visits
-lab tests
-medication
-sunglasses
Some of these costs are covered by insurance. You can check your coverage before you agree to a visit, test or medication so that you are aware of the potential cost. In the USA, insurance coverage varies widely. Members usually obtain full insurance coverage for the protocol.
Clinic visits
This cost is dependent on the amount the clinic charges and how often your doctor wishes to see you. You could ask if you can cut costs by minimizing clinic visits. Many doctors will allow you to keep in touch via email. You may need to travel some distance to find a supportive doctor but these doctors will often keep followup visits to a minimum.
Lab tests
Usually, the D-Metabolites tests are covered by insurance without question when using the codes listed.
You can forgo the 1,25-D test (which is the more expensive of the two) if your doctor does not require it. At some point you will need to test 25-D and then will need to measure it annually.
Other routine lab tests or chest x-rays may be needed as determined by your doctor to monitor your progress and should be covered by insurance. See What tests do I need to monitor my progress on the MP?
Some doctors order an expensive panel of tests routinely on new patients. This is not part of the Marshall Protocol and you should carefully question the need for any test before you agree to it. Seek advice on the forum before you make any decision if the expense concerns you. Please see Which diagnostic tests do I need?
Medication
Benicar 40mg every six to eight hours is the backbone of the MP and will be continued throughout the protocol which is expected to last 18 months to several years. If you have a medication benefit to your insurance policy, including Medicare and Medicaid, you may have to file an appeal to obtain full coverage of the recommended dose of Benicar. If any problems are encountered, patients usually win on appeal of their claims. There are some helpful hints to navigate through insurance under How to obtain your insurance benefit
If you must pay for Benicar out-of-pocket, this will probably be your largest expense. BENICAR: Where to purchase Benicar for self-pay members includes information about countries where Benicar is sold and the "Open Care" Program for low income patients.
Minocycline at low doses will be taken throughout most of the MP. This antibiotic is inexpensive. Other low dose antibiotics are added in phase 2 and 3. Their cost is not extravagant with the exception of one antibiotic which is optional.
Sunglasses
Appropriate sunglasses are essential. A basic purchase would be 2 pairs of NoIR sunglassses (10% and 2%) which retail for around $40 each. See Protecting Your Eyes (optional extra pair 40%)
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-I don't know how expensive Benicar is in Finland but here in Melbourne one daily dose (ie 4 40mg tablets) of Benicar is about the cost of one cup of coffee which is what my husband pointed out to me when I was worried about spending the money on it when I first started. And in my experience it has ended up saving us money because I no longer take any other supplements or medications outside of the MP. Have a look at what you are currently spending money on. Would be very surprised if you couldn't find something that you could do without for the time being? ~IngeD
Last edited on Wed Mar 12th, 2008 07:29 by Foundation Staff
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