Prescription Medication

[cheriede]

I am hoping that someone can perhaps think of another way to save on medication. I am currently taking about 6 different medications and nearly every one of them is generic. However, I do have one medication that isn't available in generic form. Matter of fact, it's the only drug on the market to treat what I have, so I'm kind of stuck. I was getting the prescription filled at CVS for about 80 a month, but I've switched over to mail order and I'm now able to get it for about 60. I always have money sitting in our flexible spending account for reimbursement of the prescription with pre-tax dollars.

I know the cost of this drug per month won't break my bank acount, but I would like to know if I'm missing something. Is there anything else to do beyond flexible spending and mail order prescription or do I just need to put on my big girl panties and deal with it ?

[Thrifty Mom]

It doesn't sound like you are low income, so this may not be a help to you, but others may benefit from this: Almost all the pharmacutical companies offer aid to those in need. Read the bottle & see who produces your drug, then look them up on the internet. (In the old days we called information for the 800 number to contact the companies.) Most will offer an application which may need documentation from your prescribing physician. I know of people who got their drugs for free, or at a very minimal price.
Also, on the topic of healthcare- the hospitals in the state of Ohio are required to offer free care to patients at or below the poverty level. Most hospitals go further & offer aid to patients up to 400% of poverty level. These programs are based on income, not assets, so it doesn't matter what you own, it's based on your income.

[brainyblonde]

Check the prices on drugstore.com. If you are paying outright, you can save money by buying a larger quantity. Many physicians will authorize a fill of the entire prescription for maintenance medications that are well tolerated.

[Lady_V]

Walmart has a $4 program. It won't lower your brand name prescription, but it may lower the price on the others so it comes out to what you are paying now.

[PrairieRose]

Can you get it from Canada? It might be a good deal cheaper that way.

[cab54]

Cherie, I personally think that the major drugstore chains run high on meds. Unless you have a personal hatred for Walmart, call over there and see what they would charge you for the same med. I'll bet it's way cheaper.

DH has a plethora of medical ills, and we used to spend about $360 a month (our co-pay!!) We went to WM, and it was (for the very same generic and name brand drugs) $127 per month. And he is on two new meds, and doc put me on my first ever med= 3 more meds than before!

Call them.

[cheriede]

Thanks so much for the replies. I really appreciate eveyone that responded. The $80 that I pay for my medication is my copay. If I had to pay for this out of pocket, it would be about $200 a month. Thank goodness we have pretty good insurance. I did just received notice that Medco shipped my medication and the cost for a 3 month supply came out to 177.XX, which isn't too, too bad. I'm saving $20 a month for just the switch to mail order. As far as my other medications, I usally end up paying less than $4 for a 30 day supply. They all seem to be in the $1-2 dollar range. I already have my daughter's asthma and allergy medications with Medco, but my look at Walmart for my husband's stuff. Thanks again--

[Buckeye5]

We pay a bit in meds too, I will look into the Wal-mart thing or ask my Dr. to find a similar drug to use on the $4 chart of drugs.