5. Ask For Free Samples
Many Physicians are given free samples in abundance. This solution is best used for short term drug needs, like antibiotics, and only a temporary solutions for those who will need medicine for chronic conditions.
6. Ask For Longer Prescriptions Intervals
If you anticipate future financial hardship, or termination of insurance, sometimes your physician will be able to give you a 60-90 day supply, dependent on the drug class. This too can save you money if you buy your drug through a pharmacy that offers bulk discounts.
7. Look Into Pill Splitting
Sometimes, it is more affordable to purchase the same drug at a higher dose. You could split your pills depending on the dosage needed. Also, the reverse can apply. For instance, 20 tabletss of 300 mg Clindamycin (an antibiotic) is more expensive than 40 tablets of 150 mg Clindamycin. In this case, you would just take two tablets at every dose. Most importantly though, you must discuss this with your physician. They are the only ones who can approve this.
8. Consider Applying for Medicaid.
Medicaid is a health insurance program working in the federal and state level for those with low incomes and resources. It is important to check before hand if Medicaid covers your particular prescriptions. You can contact the Medicaid agency in your area to apply or ask questions.
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
9. Talk to Your Physician
Unless you talk to your physician about your current financial position, they most likely, and should, prescribe the best medication for your disease. Sometimes they can offer alternatives, or have other ways to help. The worst thing to do is not say anything, and then later decide to not buy your medication because of finances.
Sources:
http://medfriendly.com/medications
www.aarp.com
www.FDA.org
www.needymeds.com
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I have heard that drug companies give handouts and bribes to Doctors to push their medications. In turn wouldn't this make it more likely for the doctor to insist the more expensive medication is the only one for you? Not too mention having to pay more for the medication to cover the cost of the handouts. -James W.
ReplyDeleteJames, I do not have significant research to base my following assumption, but I do not believe that drug represenatives "bribe" doctors. They do give out free samples as an incintive to try these new drugs, that often do come at a higher price. I would like to hope that most physcians in the world are working for our best interest, and reguardless of the cost, would reccomend the best treatment. That is also why it is so imperative to discuss with your primary care provider about your financial situation. I would prefer my doctor to prescribe to me the best medicine for my ailment possibly, but sometimes that is not always feasible. Again, I do hope that when a physcian is given a choice between a patient not being able to afford the drug of choice, or a more affordable options, they would chose what is best for your health.
ReplyDeleteFrom my experience working in the medical field, there are practitioners (Drs, NPs, PA..etc) that do sign for Drug Reps to receive samples to have a samples supply available for patients, especially if cost or fiancial income is an issue. Sample drugs are usually only Name Brand drugs, which cost more than generic brand. I do know practitioners that do not sign for drug samples because of their ethnic, moral and political beliefs. And, there are other practitioners that do sign for samples but refuse any type of gifts, dinner offerings or special treats. In the beginning of the year, a new law pass where drug companies can not offer any gifts or treatment, and they can not even distribute notepads, pens or anything with their logo.
ReplyDeleteHK
Medical offices have many types of samples available for patients. Samples from birth control, lower lipid medications, hyper or hypo thyroidism, estrogen/progesterone for hormone therapy to treat for menopausal symptoms, inhalers for asthma, insulin, and even some OTC.. and more.
ReplyDeleteThank you HK. I was not aware of the new law that prohibits the marketing reps to give offices items for use of their drug. As stated in your comment, some doctors, NP's, PA's choose drugs for their office based on the wrong reasons. Hopefully, this law will change that.
ReplyDeleteLen, thank you. It is important for a patient to be proactive. Doctors offices do have samples to share. The patients needs to ask the provider for samples if they are in need.
ReplyDeleteI really like your point about asking for free samples. Its so true that doctors are handed those all the time! Great blog, i really enjoyed reading it!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoyed our blog CoukoulisCM. I hope you found some uselful information that you can share with family or friends that may need it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this information, this is great to share with people who cannot afford it. Whether they pay out-of-pocket, or have to meet a copay on their insurance its good to know.
ReplyDeleteOur pleasure Shawna, finding out what medications will help people is difficult enough, but when we are unable to comply with the medications, it can complicate many things. Have you ever gone without your medication, or asked for an alternative based on the cost? If so, what did you do?
ReplyDelete