Paying for your Medications
1) Tell your doctor whether paying for prescription drugs is a problem.
Patients should feel free to ask about whether a generic can be used instead of a brand-name drug or whether there is a similar drug that is less expensive. But some doctors don’t know the price of drugs, so patients might have to do their own research. In some cases, it helps to ask if there may be over-the-counter (OTC) medicine that is less expensive than the prescription alternatives.
2) Ask your doctor about generics, another brand of the drug that may cost less, and nonprescription options. Click here to read more.
3) Find out whether Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage can benefit you and your family members.
4) Check to see whether you are eligible for drug assistance programs in your state.
- PACE and PACENET - PACE and PACENET offer comprehensive prescription coverage to older Pennsylvanians.
5) Find out whether you qualify for assistance programs.
- NeedyMeds - NeedyMeds.org has information on medicine and healthcare assistance programs.
- HealthWell Foundation - The HealthWell Foundation helps individuals afford prescription medications they are taking for specific illnesses.
- RxAssist - Comprehensive database of pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs.
- RxHope - RxHope provides a helping hand to people in need in obtaining critical medications.
- Partnership for Prescription Assistance - PPARx brings together America’s pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private programs.
- Patient Assistance Programs - NORDPrograms to assist uninsured or under-insured individuals in securing life-saving or life-sustaining medications.
6) Shop around your neighborhood or legitimate online pharmacies for the best prices on prescription drugs. You can also compare prices online with the PA Rx Price Finder.
- FamilyWize.com - Use the FamilyWize card to start saving money on your prescription drugs at over 53,000 participating pharmacies.
7) The FDA recommends making sure that pharmacists are aware of all products being taken to help avoid drug interactions. These products include prescription and nonprescription drugs, drug samples, herbals, vitamins, and other dietary supplements. Whether you shop at local pharmacies or online, the FDA recommends purchasing only from state-licensed pharmacies that are located in the United States.
Websites
Saving Money on Prescription Drugs - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has great tips on everything from talking to your doctor to generics to help from pharmaceutical companies.
Rx for Lower Drug Costs - Consumer Reports - Cost-cutting strategies that can help you save on medications without cutting corners on quality or your health.
Best medicines for less - Consumer Reports - Consumer Reports has evaluated drugs for 35 conditions, including attention deficit disorder, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insomnia, menopause, migraine, and overactive bladder.
Articles
Free Lipitor, Viagra, other drugs for jobless - Associated Press
Be Wary of Internet Pharmacies - NBC10
