Rhondito
Pearl Clutcher
MississipPea
Posts: 4,799
Jun 25, 2014 19:33:19 GMT
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Post by Rhondito on Aug 5, 2014 16:43:15 GMT
I just want to echo the praises of the GoodRx app - it's wonderful! Instead of paying $44 PER PILL for one of my migraine prescriptions, I pay $22 for 9 tablets. They also have a website of the same name.
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Peamac
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea # 418
Posts: 4,229
Jun 26, 2014 0:09:18 GMT
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Post by Peamac on Aug 5, 2014 16:48:03 GMT
To answer the question in the title, "How do people afford their prescriptions?" well, many can't. DH works with senior citizens and often they have to choose between buying groceries or buying medicine. Yes, seniors on medicare and social security still do not have the resources they need. Not everyone has adult children that can help them either.
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Post by theboydbunch on Aug 5, 2014 16:57:46 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. Thanks for sharing!!
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humblegal
Shy Member
Posts: 20
Jul 8, 2014 20:47:29 GMT
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Post by humblegal on Aug 5, 2014 17:06:52 GMT
This is the best message thread I have read in a while. Thanks so much for all the info folks. I found a coupon for one of my meds and going to spend time trying the app for the phone. Wonderful!
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caro
Drama Llama
Refupea 1130
Posts: 5,222
Jun 26, 2014 14:10:36 GMT
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Post by caro on Aug 5, 2014 17:20:41 GMT
You can call the maker of the drug and see if they have an assistance program. You can ask your pharmacy if they have a low cost drug card you can use. You can talk to the social worker/nurse in your Dr office and see what can be done.
My DH receives help for his drug used to treat his blood disorder. Without this help he would be looking at $1200 a month for the drug.
Hope this helps.
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Post by roxley on Aug 5, 2014 17:22:19 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 the app! If this is right I can get my $40 a pill migraine med for under $10 a pill. It starts to add up when my migraines last for days.
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Post by ~Zoey~ on Aug 5, 2014 18:56:57 GMT
I found the generic for my expensive medication and with using the info found on the app, I can now refill all of my meds for around $50 a month!!
I called my doctor's office and there is no problem switching to the generic. I cannot thank you enough for all the tips and suggestions!
Peas Rock!
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Post by gailoh on Aug 5, 2014 19:21:18 GMT
It scares me to think what it will be like if and when my hubby retires...
Hugs to you
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Post by kluski on Aug 5, 2014 19:27:57 GMT
Speaking for my parents, they go heavily into debt then must claim bankruptcy. Yes, that is their reward for working their whole lives. They get to swallow their pride and claim bankruptcy in their 70's. Awesome.
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,024
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Aug 5, 2014 19:34:38 GMT
I found the generic for my expensive medication and with using the info found on the app, I can now refill all of my meds for around $50 a month!!
I called my doctor's office and there is no problem switching to the generic. I cannot thank you enough for all the tips and suggestions!
Peas Rock!
That is so wonderful. It must be a weight off your mind. Be well.
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Post by ~Zoey~ on Aug 5, 2014 19:44:50 GMT
Speaking for my parents, they go heavily into debt then must claim bankruptcy. Yes, that is their reward for working their whole lives. They get to swallow their pride and claim bankruptcy in their 70's. Awesome. I'm so sorry that your parents have to deal with this when they should be enjoying that part of their life.
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Post by Scarlet Ohana on Aug 5, 2014 19:51:18 GMT
I'm so glad the Refupeas helped you find a solution to your problem!! One the other hand this thread makes me so sad that there are so many people that do not have access to affordable drugs when they really need it in this country. I hope everyone who needs it, knows that there are some helpful options. Good to know for future reference.
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duopenotti
Junior Member
Posts: 70
Location: The Netherlands..the real Orange Country
Jun 30, 2014 15:02:10 GMT
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Post by duopenotti on Aug 5, 2014 19:57:35 GMT
I'm so glad the Refupeas helped you find a solution to your problem!! One the other hand this thread makes me so sad that there are so many people that do not have access to affordable drugs when they really need it in this country. I hope everyone who needs it, knows that there are some helpful options. Good to know for future reference.
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Post by mrst on Aug 5, 2014 20:27:23 GMT
This makes me feel so sad. I know there are many opinions on the "free" European systems, but I get all my drugs for a few euros or free when I'm 65. My taxes to pay for them aren't excessive..I can have check us, blood tests, operations etc all for "free" and to a very high standard. I'm so glad I don't have to worry about these things as I get older, it must be so difficult to have to pay such huge sums for drugs and services.
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Post by birukitty on Aug 5, 2014 20:46:59 GMT
It is crazy and ridiculous. OP I'm so happy the Peas were able to help you and you were able to find a solution. It's so important to not go without your medication (it balances your brain chemistry) and right now is when you need it the most. I too suffer from depression and take anti-depressants. I've used the www.goodrx.com site several times myself and it's a great site! DH was out of work for 8 months, got a great job but we were only given one health insurance option. At least it's Cigna but it's got a $5,000 deductible! My meds are very expensive per month (about $1,000). It sucks that deductible! It's the first time we've ever had one and it's high. I'm thinking once Obama care opens up we'll look into that for next year (but I'm not holding my breath it's any better) and see if we can find anything better-at least without this super high deductible. I don't know how people afford their prescriptions or their health insurance (we're paying $1,000) a month for this. It just seems to be getting worse and worse instead of better. I'm 54 and DH is 49 so we've got awhile before retirement, but I do worry about the future. Debbie in MD.
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Post by itschance on Aug 6, 2014 0:10:50 GMT
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Post by mirabelleswalker on Aug 7, 2014 1:48:11 GMT
Thanks to those who recommended Good RX. I have been paying $157 a month for two prescriptions at a local pharmacy. Out of curiosity, I loaded the app and entered them in. Target has them for a total of $19.10--one is $4 and the other is $15.10. I can't believe it. You just saved me a ton of money!
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Post by smokeynspike on Aug 7, 2014 3:28:34 GMT
I don't take any medications but I want to be able to find this later just in case! What an awesome thread!
OP, I'm glad you figured it out!
Melissa
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Post by megop on Aug 7, 2014 4:51:52 GMT
You might also just give a call to a local hospital or search for a Federally Qualified Community Health Center in your area for pharmacy support through 340B.
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,402
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Aug 7, 2014 6:53:46 GMT
This makes me feel so sad. I know there are many opinions on the "free" European systems, but I get all my drugs for a few euros or free when I'm 65. My taxes to pay for them aren't excessive..I can have check us, blood tests, operations etc all for "free" and to a very high standard. I'm so glad I don't have to worry about these things as I get older, it must be so difficult to have to pay such huge sums for drugs and services. Yep. I am entitled to certain food items on prescription. I tend not to bother as I am not a lover of gluten free bread. There is a minimal cost. For those who are struggling financially, this makes all the difference, and children and the over 65 and certain other categories pay nothing.
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Post by Judie in Oz on Aug 7, 2014 10:53:19 GMT
Thanks to those who recommended Good RX. I have been paying $157 a month for two prescriptions at a local pharmacy. Out of curiosity, I loaded the app and entered them in. Target has them for a total of $19.10--one is $4 and the other is $15.10. I can't believe it. You just saved me a ton of money! Wow. That's a huge difference! I actually went to the website and looked up some of the meds my DH and I take. I can't believe how expensive they were. Thank goodness we have universal health care, and only pay a set amount for a script (we actually pay less due to low income). I could not afford to live in the US.
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oblibby
Full Member
Posts: 211
Location: Bonnie Scotland
Jul 10, 2014 10:30:12 GMT
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Post by oblibby on Aug 7, 2014 11:08:51 GMT
The thought of not being able to pay for meds would truly terrify me. The last thing a person needs when they are below par mentally or physically is to have that added stress.
I'm lucky enough to live in a country where prescriptions are free; we do pay national insurance contributions but these are based on how much you earn and are deducted at source - no great hardship really.
Universal health care is a huge privilege and I definitely appreciate every time I need it.
As a side note, Tommy Douglas, the Scot who introduced the Canadian healthcare system was born in my town and was voted the 'greatest Canadian' on one of those TV shows. We're pretty proud of him here.
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BarbaraUK
Drama Llama
Surrounded by my yarn stash on the NE coast of England...............!! Refupea 1702
Posts: 5,961
Location: England UK
Jun 27, 2014 12:47:11 GMT
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Post by BarbaraUK on Aug 7, 2014 12:12:59 GMT
Speaking for my parents, they go heavily into debt then must claim bankruptcy. Yes, that is their reward for working their whole lives. They get to swallow their pride and claim bankruptcy in their 70's. Awesome. That is heartbreaking and it must have been very difficult for your parents to swallow their pride. If I thought I would be facing that situation at that stage in life because of paying for meds and healthcare, the worry would keep me awake at nights! For that reason alone, if nothing else, I am extremely grateful that I live in a country with the healthcare system we have. Our healthcare is only free at the point of delivery but paying National Health Insurance contributions throughout our working lives, and taxes anytime, does mean that we don't have to face this sort of distressing situation at that age.
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Post by mikklynn on Aug 7, 2014 13:06:47 GMT
Zooey, I am so glad it worked out for you.
The Peas are a wonderful resource!
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Post by lovetodigi on Aug 7, 2014 18:06:25 GMT
If you have an iPhone, there are three apps that I have discovered, LowestMed, WeRx, and GoodRx. You can plug in the name of the medication and it will give you the prices at all of the pharmacies around you. You can also find coupons and discounts. Yesterday my dog needed some medication. The vet charge would have been over $50 even with my discount. I plugged it into the apps, found it at several places for a better price. Ended up getting it at Rite Aid. Their price was $35.00, but with the coupon supplied with the app, I got it for $16.64. You can't beat that. The apps are well worth having and I believe that they are free. I heard about them on our local news. Hope this helps some of you that are paying for meds and don't have insurance. I was really surprised at the savings from within the app and the difference in prices from store to store.
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