Allergy Immunotherapy: Exploring Wallet-Friendly Options
Allergy Immunotherapy: Exploring Wallet-Friendly Options
Allergy immunotherapy can be an outstanding option for those dealing with persistent allergies. It helps alleviate the allergy itself, providing long-term relief from irritating symptoms. But, like many medical treatments and procedures, the cost can be a concern for many people.
While the cost of allergy immunotherapy can be steep, there are ways to keep costs to a minimum and your results to the maximum. From taking advantage of your health insurance to considering budget-friendly options, there are a couple of options to keep costs in check.
What is Allergy Immunotherapy?
Allergy immunotherapy (AIT) is a treatment that desensitizes the body to a particular allergen, such as bee venom, pollen, or pet dander. Simply put, an allergy is your immune system’s reaction to an allergen. Your body produces antibodies that flag the allergen as harmful (even though it isn’t), so when you’re exposed to it, a reaction occurs.
Those antibodies communicate with specific cells that release chemicals, triggering the immune response you recognize as an allergic reaction. So, to combat this reaction and help your body become less sensitive, allergy immunotherapy repeatedly exposes you to the allergen.
It does this by administering a small, incrementally increasing dose of the allergen to your body, which helps reduce the production of the “blocking” antibodies that cause the reaction. Over time, this exposure helps desensitize your body, allowing your immune system to build an allergen-specific tolerance.
For most folks, this process takes several years. The initial results may appear within the first year, but the best results usually appear in years two and three.
Types of AIT
There are two types of allergy immunotherapy: sublingual and subcutaneous. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) involves tablets or drops administered under the tongue. This option is popular among kids and needle-shy individuals, as it doesn’t involve any injections.
The second type is subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), which is administered under the skin via an injection. Since this option involves needles, it’s most commonly used for adults.
How Much Does Allergy Immunotherapy Cost?
Every allergy immunotherapy plan is unique and tailored to the individual. Some folks might only need one dose a week, while others may need multiple per week. The dosage might vary from one person to the next, further contributing to fluctuating allergy shot costs.
On average, allergy immunotherapy costs anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 per year per person. These costs are steep, especially if you have multiple people in your family who need treatment or are working with a tight budget. However, there are a handful of options that can help you manage costs.
Managing AIT Costs: Budget-Friendly Solutions
One of the best ways to manage your allergy immunotherapy costs is to take advantage of your health insurance provider’s coverage. Most health insurance providers cover allergy immunotherapy as long as it’s deemed medically necessary.
With help from your health insurance providers, costs will likely drop dramatically. While you’ll still probably need to pay for your deductible and copay, this amount can be considerably more doable than the out-of-pocket costs.
If you don’t have health insurance, consider looking for a more budget-friendly option. Multiple providers offer allergy drops and tablets, which can be a more cost-effective alternative to shots, which require frequent doctor visits.
Closing Thoughts – Allergy Immunotherapy
While allergy immunotherapy can be an excellent solution to mitigate persistent allergies, it can be incredibly expensive. Paying several thousand dollars per year per person isn’t feasible for many families, creating a barrier to entry.
Luckily, there are ways to keep costs in check. Whether you opt for a more affordable treatment program or take advantage of your health insurance coverage, you have several options to minimize costs and make your treatment a bit more wallet-friendly.
Of course, if you’re considering allergy immunotherapy for your allergies, remember to talk to your healthcare provider. They can offer insight based on your unique needs and help you select a treatment program that fits your needs.
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