Election day is just around the corner. Over the next few months we will be bombarded by political messages from candidates who are desperate for our votes. The high cost of prescription drugs is once again a key issue in this year’s campaigns.
If this seems just like déjà vu all over again, you’re not wrong. During the last election, politicians cried the same crocodile tears for senior citizens who don’t have any prescription drug coverage under Medicare. Promises were made, but clearly none were kept. No legislation was passed to help older Americans with their medication expenses.
Now they’re at it again. Just don’t hold your breath waiting for relief from Congress. With budget deficits soaring, politicians will be hard pressed to meet existing obligations, let alone fulfill promises for the future.
So what can you do to save money on medicine now? For many people, these are life-and-death issues: “I had breast cancer last year and have to take tamoxifen for five years to prevent a recurrence. It costs me $110 a month at my local pharmacy.
“My income is only $1000 a month, so by the time I pay rent and utilities there’s not much left. I had to stop taking Lipitor because I couldn’t afford two expensive drugs.”
This patient’s doctor may be able to get her free tamoxifen. Drug companies don’t always advertise their “patient assistance programs,” but for those in dire straits, most companies provide free medicine. Information is available online (www.phrma.org) and doctors can get a directory to company programs by calling (800) PMA-INFO.
Seven drug companies have banded together to offer discount cards to low-income seniors. The “Together Rx Card” is available to seniors who earn less than $28,000 per year and is supposed to provide discounts of 20 to 40 percent on selected prescription drugs.
For those who may not qualify for this card or for those taking medications not covered by this program, there are lots of other options, but they can be confusing.
Discount cards are offered by other manufacturers, insurance companies, nonprofit organizations and chain drug stores. Some carry an annual fee and others levy a transaction charge whenever the card is used. There are others, such as Vision Rx (877-296-7055), which has a one-time card charge of $8.95.
The discounts available vary significantly, so finding the best price for several prescription drugs could become very time-consuming. Shopping online can provide quick access to comparative prices and reasonable savings. Even greater cost cutting can be achieved by purchasing from a Canadian pharmacy. Using the search engine www.google.com can provide access to a selection of drugstores in Canada that will ship to the U.S.
Even before going online, enlist your doctor’s help. Ask about non-drug approaches to disease management, free samples, patient assistance programs and generic or over-the-counter medications instead of brand name prescriptions.
Despite the current campaign rhetoric, don’t count on the candidates to deliver relief in the drugstore any time soon.
