Summer 2021 Volume 14, Number 2 | |||||
Take Control of Prescription Costs Prescription drug costs have become so expensive many patients are having to decide between filling a prescription or not taking it all.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that almost half of Americans take at least one prescription medicine and one in six are taking three or more medications. Of those taking medications, nearly one in four Americans find it difficult to pay for their prescriptions, according to 2019 KKF Tracking Poll researchers. Insurance
First, check your insurance company’s formulary — a list of drugs your insurance company will cover on your plan. If the drug is not covered and you cannot afford the cost, call the insurance company and ask if there is a similar medication that your plan covers. Split Pills Ask your doctor if a higher dosage pill can be split. Some insurance companies charge based upon the quantity of medications — not the strength. Doubling the strength of a medication and cutting it in half means you only will be charged for half the tablets. However, coated pills and time-release drugs usually should be taken whole. Generic Drugs
Ask your doctor to write a prescription for the generic version of the medication if the brand name is expensive. Many generic medications have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, but usually at a much lower cost. You also can ask your pharmacist about generic alternatives. Some pharmacists will automatically fill the prescription with a generic if it's available. Larger Supply When you know you'll need to take a medication for at least three months, ask if your doctor will write you a prescription for a 90-day supply. You usually can save money by purchasing the medication in larger quantities. Some retailers offer a 90-day supply of generics for as little as $10. Compare Prices Not all pharmacies charge the same amount for a medication, so call various pharmacies, big box retailers and grocery stores to find the best price. Discount Savings Programs You can often find discount coupons online. Just type in the name of the prescription, set your location, and search nearby pharmacies and see if they have a free discount prescription card. Coupons Often manufacturers of brand-name drugs will offer rebates. To determine whether there’s a rebate program for a medication you take, go to the medication’s website or do a web search for the name of medication and manufacturer's rebate. Financial Assistance You may qualify for state or local government prescription drug assistance. Some stores and pharmacies offer their own free prescription drug programs and you may be eligible to receive free antibiotics or free medications for high blood pressure and diabetes. Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan Those who are enrolled in either Medicare Part A or Part B (or both) can purchase a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan as a stand-alone policy to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. Mail Order Pharmacy
Check with your insurance company to see if they have a partnership with a mail order pharmacy. These services often have less overhead compared to a local pharmacy and therefore can afford to sell medications at a cheaper price. They also can be convenient because they can deliver your prescriptions to your front door. Samples Did you know that drug sales representatives often leave samples with doctors to give to their patients. If your doctor doesn’t offer samples, ask! Free Prescriptions Some retailers offer free antibiotics with a prescription as a way to entice shoppers. Since you’re not required to purchase anything besides the drug, you end up getting two for one. Expanded Access or Compassionate Use To help people with serious or life-threatening conditions gain access to experimental medications, the Food & Drug Administration has an Expanded Access (Compassionate Use) program. The applicant must meet various criteria, including having a serious disease or condition or whose life is immediately threatened by their disease or condition. There also must be no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy to diagnose, monitor or treat the disease or condition. [return to top]
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