prescription drug assistance

By the price of the medication, I'm assuming it is something that only comes in brand. If this is true, many brand name medications have manufacture coupons. Just do a google search for it. Be sure to only pay attention to results from the manufacture. The discount cards rarely save you much money. If you don't mind to disclose the name of the medication, I'll do the search for you. I work in a pharmacy and do it all day for people.

Also, many manufacture's will have assistance programs, but these require you to demonstrate need through an application process.

aadam101 said:   What state are you in? What is the drug?

PM'ed you.

rarmortn said:   jahwarrior28 said:   By the price of the medication, I'm assuming it is something that only comes in brand. If this is true, many brand name medications have manufacture coupons. Just do a google search for it. Be sure to only pay attention to results from the manufacture. The discount cards rarely save you much money. If you don't mind to disclose the name of the medication, I'll do the search for you. I work in a pharmacy and do it all day for people.

Also, many manufacture's will have assistance programs, but these require you to demonstrate need through an application process.

Also, I see these numerous web sites when I search for coupons for the prescription. Here is one ex: http://www.medsavercard.com/ Says free to print! Do they really offer any advantage over the retail prices?

Here's a thought, call and ask what the price is.

BTW, don't go to Vegas, we don't need a thread about losing on a gamble and then whining and wanting others to do your homework for you.

/sarcasm off

If it's a drug for rare disease or a newer drug, most large pharmaceutical companies have patient assistance programs. You'll typically need to submit financial information.

Also, many charitable societies (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, etc.) have patient assistance grants.

Also consider that there may be a other, less expensive drugs in the same therapeutic class as the one prescribed. For example, the cholesterol drug Crestor will cost in the hundreds of dollars per month whereas other generic "statin" drugs are $4/month at WalMart. For many people the clinical differences of different drugs in the same therapeutic class is indistinguishable, or like splitting hairs. Have a discussion with your Dr. or pharmacist and ask about alternatives that may save $$. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)establish their lists of covered drugs this way - they call it "formulary management".

Also for comparison, NY has a Rx drug cost comparison tool on their DOH website:
NYS DOH Rx price finder

EradicateSpam said:   Many pharmacies have a list of drugs (i.e. WalMart) on their site for which they have low pricing. As noted, many will match price. Costco pharmacy may be less expensive, and you don't have to join to use it. As noted, explore other meds in same family that may be cheaper.
I second the Costco suggestion. You do not have to be a Costco member to go to their pharmacy. Their website has the prices for their prescription meds listed. If the med you are looking for is not listed, it is worth it for you to call that particular store's pharmacy and ask about its availability.

In Virginia, Wal-Mart and Kroger both have a $4 formularly. When you go to the doctor, go with the list of their meds in hand and ask the Dr if they can prescribe something on the $4 formularly. Sometimes they can, sometimes they can't. Also, call and email the pharmaceutical companies. Many have prescription copay assistance programs because they want your (your insurance's) business.

Always shop around, if you get all your prescriptions for a family at one location you aren't getting the best deal. WalMart, costco, SAMs target, CVS, Walgreens etc. break your spreadsheets out . A friend showed me his for a family of 4. Allergy, heart birth control .,etc. $2500 savings a year just by going to 3 different places. Mail order ... Bah. Usually not a savings anymore. iMO

I winter in South Texas and walk over the bridge into Mexico & buy the drugs from a pharmacy there. Same exact medicine, but the package says "Hencho en Mexico" - made in Mexico. In Mexico, you do not need an Rx for anything OTHER THAN Controlled Substances. You can cross the border taking up to a 90-day supply back into the US. Have been doing this for 10+yrs now. I do not get generics, but always get the brand Rx. Everything is packaged "blister-packed". No counting out pills like here in the US. Please do not discuss the cons of traveling into Mexico here as I am only commenting on how to obtain lower cost medicines. Oh, and as long as you take your drivers license with a photo and your Official birth certificate, you do not need a Passport or the Passport Card for land travel returning from Mexico. PS - 100mg Viagra is about $3-$5 a pill. ~~VIVA MEXICO!~~