Affording Prescription Drugs

My patients often tell me that they did not maintain their prescribed medication regime because they “do not have insurance anymore”.  The cost of drugs continues to increase, but having insurance is not always a panacea for affording them.  I would like to offer some creative ways to reduce your costs.  I encourage people with insurance to use the appropriate cost savers as well.  It will ultimately help keep costs down for all.

1. Inform your health care provider of your desire to keep drug costs low.  Ask if there is an equivalent drug which may be cheaper.  If you know you cannot afford the drug, let the provider know this!  The provider might be able to help you access resources.  If they cannot, see below.  You may be able to assist the provider in that endeavor.
    
2. Many pharmacies now have mail order prescription plans, or reduced costs when you obtain 3 months of your drug at one time.  Pharmacist time costs a lot of money.  For routine prescriptions, it is much cheaper to dispense three months of the medication.  If you have insurance, very often you will only pay one month of co-pay if you use this method.  You will need to inform your provider that the prescription needs to be written for 90 days, not 30.
   
   
3. Look for coupons.  Check with your provider and pharmacist to see if they have any coupons or rebate offers for the prescriptions that you take. Still no luck? Visit the manufacturer's website to request coupons by mail.
   
   
4. Shop around.   Before you have any prescription filled, call around to several pharmacies to find out who has the best price on your medication. This is especially beneficial if you don't have prescription drug coverage. The base price can vary extensively from pharmacy to pharmacy.  Many pharmacies have long lists of commonly prescribed generic drugs for $4/month or $10/3 months.  These pharmacies include, but are not limited to:  Target, Costco (you do not need to be a member to use the pharmacy), Shopko, Fred Meyer, Bi-Mart, Rite Aid, and Wal-Mart.  Other pharmacies have special discount programs as well.  Contact them before you fill your prescription.
   
   
5. If you are taking a tablet that comes in more than one strength (say 15mg and 30mg), you may be able to cut your medication costs by having the higher strength tablets cut in half. Talk to your provider and pharmacist to see if this is a viable option for you. This is not an option with some drugs. Most pharmacies will happily split the pills for you, but you can purchase an inexpensive pill splitter if you need to do it yourself.
   
   
6. Sign up for the Oregon Prescription Drug Program. It helps to cut costs easily.  Log on to: www.Oregon.gov/ohppr/opdp/.
   
   
7. Seek out other prescription discount plans.  Example:  If you are a AAA member, you can receive up to 20% off prescriptions for your household, including pets.  Go to www.aaa.com. to download the card to take to the pharmacy.  United Way has resources for those who qualify.  Go to www.unitedwaylane.org. to sign up for the FamilyWize card.
   
   
8. Log on to www.needymeds.org. This user friendly site has links to many resources, including pharmaceutical company web sites for prescription drugs.  Find your drug, print and complete the forms, and make an appointment at your provider’s office to have the prescriber complete and send to the drug company. Be prepared to have income documentation, or it will slow the process.  Students typically do not need to count loans as income, but grants are considered income.  Depending on the company, if you qualify, you will be sent to a pharmacy, the drugs will be mailed to you, or they will be mailed to your provider to be given to you.
    
9. If you need any assistance, or if none of these ideas help, make an appointment at the LCC Health Clinic.  We know of many resources.
   
   

   Best Wishes for a Healthy 2010
   Nadine Wilkes, RN