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Post by ~Zoey~ on Aug 5, 2014 13:22:12 GMT
I never realized how much I took my employer-supplemented insurance for granted until I lost my job in June and I now have CareFirst. I called yesterday to check the price of one of my medications and it brought me to tears. Not only because I can't afford it but because I've had to resort to weaning myself off my depression and anxiety medications so my moods are all over the place. I can't even afford to make a doctor's appointment to see if they have any samples because I have to meet my $1,000 deductible and that's not happening either. I think I'll figure out which one is the cheapest to re-fill and start with that one.
I know this is only temporary but I've noticed that as my moods are more disrupted, it's harder to stay motivated to do things around the house. With time on my hands, I had the (not-so) bright idea that it would be a good idea to go through bins and boxes of stuff that were in my laundry room so now I have boxes all over my living room with half-filled boxes here and there as I sort through things to either keep or donate.
I know I'm whining and people have it much worse than I do. I'll get through it, I always do. I just never had to get through it without my medication before. 
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gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,092
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on Aug 5, 2014 13:26:13 GMT
Do you have a sliding scale clinic nearby? It does not sound like you can healthfully skip your meds and do well.
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Post by shevy on Aug 5, 2014 13:26:21 GMT
Call the company directly. Sometimes they have programs to discount or reduce meds.
Try your local county social services. They usually have a care line or office that will help you source mental health medications until you can afford them.
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Post by moveablefeast on Aug 5, 2014 13:27:05 GMT
I understand. One of my husband's medications is not available as a generic, is not on the $4 list anywhere, and is the only drug that does what it does, there are no alternatives. And it's $11 a pill!
That said, are there any possible alternatives for you on the $4 generic list at Walmart or CVS or wherever? Maybe it's not exactly the same drug you take, but maybe there's an option for you at a lower cost. You can ask the pharmacist for the list of inexpensive generics. You would still have to go get the prescription from your doctor, but at least you could be prepared ahead of time with the list of more-affordable drugs.
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akathy
What's For Dinner?
Still peaing from Podunk!
Posts: 4,546
Location: North Dakota
Jun 25, 2014 22:56:55 GMT
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Post by akathy on Aug 5, 2014 13:28:32 GMT
I know exactly how you feel. I was paying over $400 a months for my meds and was overjoyed when one of them finally went generic so I only pay around $225 a month now. Hope you find a solution.
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Post by Merge on Aug 5, 2014 13:29:03 GMT
I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Is there a local government-run mental health clinic that might be able to help?
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Post by hop2 on Aug 5, 2014 13:30:44 GMT
Btdt while pregnant, not fun. I hope you can sort it out. Is there a nurse line or advice line available to you? They may have advice on the best way to sort thur your issue cost effectively and in a healthy way. Also google the meds you have, sometimes the manufacturers have discounts and or coupon programs available and you can use those to renew your existing prescriptions. I know I've used them before and it was a huge help.
Also, even if you can't make it in, you might want to call your doctors office and see if they could let you pick up a less exp prescription/ generic without a visit. My dr did that when my thyroid meds became unavailable. ( though depression meds may be totally different I have no idea, just a thought. ) worst they can do is say no right?
{{{hugs}}} and positive thoughts to you while you deal with this.
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Post by lovetodigi on Aug 5, 2014 13:32:42 GMT
Call your doctor and explain your situation to them. There may be a similar medication that they can prescribe that will have the same results and cost much less. Many times there is. Don't give up. Once you find out which ones can't be replaced, contact the drug company and see if they have a program that can help. Many of the do. Sending you a (((hug))). Hope that you are able to get your meds again.
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Post by liya on Aug 5, 2014 13:35:39 GMT
So sorry. Hugs. Not very helpful but it's all I have.
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Gravity
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,233
Jun 27, 2014 0:29:55 GMT
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Post by Gravity on Aug 5, 2014 13:39:09 GMT
If you have an iPhone, download the app GoodRX. It tells you the cheapest place to fill a prescription in your area. The app also has coupons. I always check it before filling a med. My copayment for one of DD's meds is $60. I get it filled at target for under $12 using the app.
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Post by shevy on Aug 5, 2014 13:41:13 GMT
If you have an iPhone, download the app GoodRX. It tells you the cheapest place to fill a prescription in your area. The app also has coupons. I always check it before filling a med. My copayment for one of DD's meds is $60. I get it filled at target for under $12 using the app. Very cool app! |
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Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,015 
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Post by Sarah*H on Aug 5, 2014 13:44:19 GMT
You can also check online for coupons. One of my husband's meds is $650/month but there is a coupon, good for a year, that takes 50% off that price.
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gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,092
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on Aug 5, 2014 13:45:33 GMT
Not a doc but would sertraline work for you? It is older so cheaper. Not as fancy as the stuff they advertise on tv but costs far less in generic. Like under 50 dollars a month. I used to have to pay for a relative's meds.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 8, 2024 0:23:12 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2014 13:51:15 GMT
I work for a rural health clinic and I had no idea how expensive medical care was until I worked here. I have always taken medical insurance for granted and my eyes have been opened!
Clinics have sliding fee schedules so you may be able to see a prodiver for as low as $25. They also have information on what pharmacy's have the best prices on meds. For instance, Wal Mart has some meds for $4. See if you have a clinic in our area and give them a call.
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Post by ~Zoey~ on Aug 5, 2014 14:11:48 GMT
What great ideas; I knew I could count on the Peas! I didn't even think about contacting the county health department because with the new health care laws, I just figured you had to have that and there was no other assistance. That's what I get for assuming. Now I'm going to download the app and see what I can do about getting this problem sorted out.
And as I work hard to overcome my moods, I've already started attacking my boxes with a new outlook and am donating more and throwing away more instead of moving the item into yet another pile to figure out later.
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,649
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Post by basketdiva on Aug 5, 2014 14:20:26 GMT
Check out this website: www.needymeds.org/index.htmA friend of mine works for a non-profit that aids people in your situation with finding lower costs meds. She uses this site all the time. |
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Post by BeckyTech on Aug 5, 2014 14:21:29 GMT
If you have an iPhone, download the app GoodRX. It tells you the cheapest place to fill a prescription in your area. The app also has coupons. I always check it before filling a med. My copayment for one of DD's meds is $60. I get it filled at target for under $12 using the app. Wow, thanks for that tip. I'll have to check it out. OP, I hope you can find a less expensive alternative and/or checking with your doctors' office about samples is a really good idea. I don't know what you are taking, but one OTC supplement you might find helpful is Pharma GABA. It might at least help take the edge off. I'm no longer on an anti-depressant, but I find it useful to keep from slipping into the pit when I'm stressed. |
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927
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Post by freebird on Aug 5, 2014 14:23:32 GMT
I was in a similar situation years ago. I have a good doctor that you can just CALL and talk to his nurse. No bill. I'd see if they could put me on something else, find a generic or if they had some samples. Dealing with depression/withdrawal and a loss of a job at the same is not going to be good for you.
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Post by ~Zoey~ on Aug 5, 2014 14:26:04 GMT
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I just checked the GoodRX app out and found that I can get 2 of my meds for under $20! The other one is still too expensive, for now, but I'm going to work on that one next.
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Post by hop2 on Aug 5, 2014 14:39:48 GMT
Yay!! Glad you can get some of your meds!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 8, 2024 0:23:12 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2014 15:14:00 GMT
Not all prescriptions are expensive. DS takes two anti-depressants that cost us about $18 each a month.
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Post by mikklynn on Aug 5, 2014 15:14:39 GMT
OP, most, if not all, drug companies have plans to help people who can't afford meds. Also, try your clinic. Ask if they have a financial aid office.
By the grace of God, we have insurance with low co-pays for drugs. DH has one cancer med that is over $10k per month. PER MONTH! Fortunately, we pay only $100. Even that adds up with all his other meds.
Every month when he gets his meds through the specialty pharmacy, they include phone numbers for patients that can't pay.
Good luck!
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Post by ~Zoey~ on Aug 5, 2014 15:21:49 GMT
OP, most, if not all, drug companies have plans to help people who can't afford meds. Also, try your clinic. Ask if they have a financial aid office. By the grace of God, we have insurance with low co-pays for drugs. DH has one cancer med that is over $10k per month. PER MONTH! Fortunately, we pay only $100. Even that adds up with all his other meds. Every month when he gets his meds through the specialty pharmacy, they include phone numbers for patients that can't pay. Good luck! |
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,818
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Aug 5, 2014 15:25:45 GMT
I totally get it. I had a gap in coverage from switching jobs. There is no generic insulin, and I take quite a bit. Fortunately, my doctor gave me samples to cover most of what I needed. Then I contacted the pharma companies to get a discount card to help with the rest. I live in fear of the day where I may not have Rx coverage.
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Post by Goldynn on Aug 5, 2014 15:29:31 GMT
If you have an iPhone, download the app GoodRX. It tells you the cheapest place to fill a prescription in your area. The app also has coupons. I always check it before filling a med. My copayment for one of DD's meds is $60. I get it filled at target for under $12 using the app. This is good to know! |
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Post by gracieplusthree on Aug 5, 2014 15:39:39 GMT
find out who the pharmaceutical is and see if they have a low cost program you can apply for. I just mailed off papers yesterday to try to get a med for free that the doctor thinks I may benefit from. No way I can afford it since the generic comes up at just under $6 a pill.. NO WAY do I have that. hopefully you can find something to help. The clinic I go to operates on a sliding scale based on income and that helps so much especially since I have to do blood work once a month(more if it gets out of whack, Im on a blood thinner and that has to be monitored) the dr handed me the papers to try to get the med free, they keep them on hand because of how much stuff costs.. if I qualify for this then 4 months of the med will be delivered to the drs office, and I'll have to go there to pick it up.
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Post by gracieplusthree on Aug 5, 2014 15:40:21 GMT
Oh and thanks for the app!! have that installing on my ipod touch right now(no smart phone)
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Post by mztfied on Aug 5, 2014 15:48:57 GMT
Power of the peas!!!
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krbeah
Junior Member
Posts: 92
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Post by krbeah on Aug 5, 2014 16:30:44 GMT
Just wanted to say thanks to the ones sharing in this thread. My BFF is really struggling with paying for her meds right now. She is insulin defendant and has a few other outrageously expensive meds she has to take. I passed on the info on this thread and she has found some coupons/discounts/assistance programs that she can use. She is just over the moon!
I just wanted to say thanks for making a difference!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 8, 2024 0:23:12 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2014 16:31:51 GMT
Not easily. Some of the drugs I am on even with the "discounts" are over $1000. It is hard. I am so sorry op.
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