Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 384458

Shown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Reduced RX prices, anyone??

Posted by prodgirl on August 30, 2004, at 23:56:12

I am self employed, tried to get insurance, but every provider I have applied with give me an outrageous figure $450+/mo and denies any psychological expenses.

I just spent $525 on my meds for this month.

Do you know of a way to subsidize my rx costs? I make too much money to get state aid, don't make enough to afford insurance, can't work FT year round because I can't get better.

Help?

 

Re: Reduced RX prices, anyone??

Posted by King Vultan on August 31, 2004, at 7:54:14

In reply to Reduced RX prices, anyone??, posted by prodgirl on August 30, 2004, at 23:56:12

I think that many of the drug companies have programs to subsidize meds for people who can't afford them, the idea being to forestall legislation to rein in their outrageous prices. I always keep the cost of a particular med in mind when evaluating whether or not to take it (and I have insurance), as there are often lower cost meds available that will get the job done, though, sometimes with more side effects. However, if you're taking something unique and relatively expensive, as I know some of the atypical antipsychotics are, I realize you may not have a lot of choice.

Todd

 

Re: Reduced RX prices, anyone??

Posted by dazedandconfused on August 31, 2004, at 10:00:28

In reply to Re: Reduced RX prices, anyone??, posted by King Vultan on August 31, 2004, at 7:54:14

Perhaps you could ask your PDOC for samples?

dazed

 

Re: Reduced RX prices, anyone??

Posted by Sebastian on August 31, 2004, at 11:46:19

In reply to Re: Reduced RX prices, anyone??, posted by dazedandconfused on August 31, 2004, at 10:00:28

Buy a larger dose and cut them, find a cheaper pharmacy, get a drug cost reducing card.

 

Re: Reduced RX prices, anyone??

Posted by Racer on August 31, 2004, at 11:48:17

In reply to Reduced RX prices, anyone??, posted by prodgirl on August 30, 2004, at 23:56:12

Most of the drug companies have compassionate need programs of some sort or another. http://www.needymeds.com is one source of information -- I think that's the right URL.

They don't seem to publicize their guidelines, but since they also don't publicize these programs, I've always kinda figured it was a case of, "if you don't have insurance, and you don't make such a honking pile of greenbacks that it would be totally ridiculous to call you 'needy', and you can find the program, they'll cover you." That's probably an exaggeration, but I've never had a problem getting coverage.

These programs are not exactly 'user-friendly', but they are wonderful. It takes about 4 to 6 weeks to get the prescriptions, so you'll have to plan ahead for each refill. They require you and your doctor to fill out forms with your income information and your doctor's note about the prescription. If the application is approved, they will send a three month supply of the medication to your doctor, where you can pick it up. One of the drawbacks is that you have to go through the entire process every time you need more. If you're skirting the remission boundary, keeping that part together can be pretty tough. But overall? While I hate that there's a need for this sort of program, because I hate that there's such a problem with our system, these programs are great for those who need them and can find them.

(What's surprised me most, by the way, is that so few doctors know about them! I've had to get the forms myself and explain it to the doctors -- even in low cost clinics, where most of the patients probably need something like this.)

Good luck

 

Re: Reduced RX prices, anyone??

Posted by bert99 on September 1, 2004, at 0:35:09

In reply to Reduced RX prices, anyone??, posted by prodgirl on August 30, 2004, at 23:56:12

Maybe try buying them from the online pharmacies in Canada?

 

Re: Reduced RX prices, anyone?? » prodgirl

Posted by rg51 on September 1, 2004, at 23:12:49

In reply to Reduced RX prices, anyone??, posted by prodgirl on August 30, 2004, at 23:56:12

When I was self-employed, I found high deductible, "catastrophic" health insurance that was affordable. The GP visit & Rx copays were similar to other policies. I just ran the risk of higher out-of-pocket expenses if I required hospitalization, surgery, etc.. In fact, it cost me nearly $10K when my ex broke her femur and required emergency surgery, 3 days in the hospital and followup care. But the bills were over $30K and I saved literally thousands in premiums during the 3 years prior to her accident. Overall, I think this type of insurance is a good deal.


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