Other Tips on Paying for Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs can be expensive. The Medicare Prescription Drug Plan - Part D is available to help older adults cover these costs. However, there may be times that Part D will not pay for needed medications. For those times, it is helpful to know ways to cut costs.

The Graedon's People's Pharmacy offers information called "Saving Money on Medicine". Send $1.00 along with a long, stamped, self-addressed envelope to:

Graedon's People's Pharmacy

Comparison shop. Pharmacies differ on their charges for prescriptions.

Ask your doctor about generic drugs.

A Consumer Guide to Generic Drugs

Prescriptions can also be ordered through online pharmacies. Some sites have you fill out a medical questionnaire and then they write you a prescription based on your answers. Some require a valid prescription from your own Doctor. Be sure to thoroughly investigate how the site works. And be aware that in some states, North Carolina being one, it is illegal for the online site to prescribe for you. Use your search engine to find online pharmacy sites.

Some mail order and/or online companies offer substantial savings. Be sure to factor in shipping and handling. Also, be sure to check into the company you buy from.

• How are the drugs stored?
• How long before they ship?
• How do they ship?
• Will your drugs get too hot or cold?
• Where do the drugs come from?

Be an alert consumer and you can save on price without sacrificing quality.

You may consider ordering your prescriptions from outside of the United States. Due to trade laws and lower manufacturing costs, prices for drugs can be significantly less expensive. Again, buyer beware. Carefully check into the company and how they handle business (especially storage and shelf-life of the drugs). What is your recourse if something goes wrong? Non-U.S. pharmacies may re-label drugs, sell expired pills, or sell counterfeit pills. Always use a reputable pharmacy if you choose to purchase outside the U.S. Remember, drugs sold in the U.S. are FDA approved. Drugs sold from another country are not (though they may be the same drug).

The FDA does not recommend importing drugs from outside the U.S. Here is an excerpt from their guidelines.

"For example, a person may decide that his or her FDA approved heart medication is cheaper in Mexico, and attempt to import the unapproved version of the drug from Mexico. FDA cannot assure that such products have been properly manufactured and are effective; therefore, given that such products are available in the U.S., their use would present an unreasonable risk and the guidance would not apply (unless the person seeking their importation could establish that the drugs were needed to refill a prescription while traveling or were otherwise needed while traveling).

Likewise, a drug such as Valium is available in the U.S. and, as such, a foreign-made version of the U.S. approved drug would not generally be considered a candidate to be permitted entry under the guidance. "

And...

"We appreciate that there is a significant cost differential between drugs available here and those in other countries. However, many drugs sold in foreign countries as "foreign versions" of approved prescription drugs sold in the United States are often of unknown quality with inadequate directions for use and may pose a risk to the patient's health. FDA approves a drug on the basis of scientific data proving it to be safe and effective. FDA approved labeling provides information on how and when the drug can be used to maximize effectiveness and minimize any harmful side effects. The manufacturing facilities and procedures for approved products are also carefully regulated by FDA to ensure product integrity. Since FDA cannot assure the consumer that the drug purchased in the foreign country would be the same product his or her physician's prescription is written for, we recommend the product covered by the prescription be acquired in the United States. "

Therefore, it is highly recommended that you access the websites below and read the information thoroughly before making a drug purchase outside the U.S. You will then know the laws, your rights, and possible dangers before making a choice.

Another interesting development related to this issue is that UnitedHealth Group Inc., the health insurer for AARP's purchased drug benefit, has decided that they will reimburse participants for prescriptions filled abroad. Insurance policies usually cover drugs bought abroad if a person is traveling there and has forgotten medicine or becomes ill while traveling. However, many insurers do not reimburse for prescriptions purchased abroad if not traveling.

FDA on Medication Safety Outside the U.S.
FDA Rules for Agents on Importing Medications
FDA on Importing Medications
Customs on Importing Medications

The FDA appends to and changes rulings from time to time. There is a lot of discussion about purchasing medications out of the country. Check with the FDA before purchasing to see what the latest rules and regulations are regarding the legality of making such a purchase.

Consider insurance with a supplemental drug policy.

Find My Senior's Health Insurance Information Program
Find My Senior's Health Insurance Information Program for NC

The Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program can provide information about Medicare supplement policies. Again, buyer beware. Consult with a trained SHIIP volunteer and research the company and supplemental drug policies in general to determine if this is right for you. Supplement programs now tend to cover drugs not covered within the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan's "donut hole".

Medicare Donut Hole

Check your medical insurance policy to see what is covered. If you have an HMO plan, your medication may be covered. You may have a maximum out-of-pocket expense. Know what is covered.

Ask your pharmacy if they offer a Senior Citizen's Discount or a Discount Pharmacy Card .

Find Out About Discount Pharmacy Cards

Check with your local aging agency (find them through your Area Agency on Aging) about their "Brown Bag Program". In this program, a local pharmacist volunteers to check all your prescriptions for interactions. They may alert you to drugs that you may not need and should revisit with your doctor. You may be purchasing drugs you no longer need or that are inappropriate to be taking together with other medications.