Paper Prescriptions, Please

It's been four years since I posted about prescription medications, so it seems time to do it again.

Despite federal and state legislative actions, by and large pharmaceutical costs have continued to soar leaving many Americans struggling to afford needed prescription medication.

Familiesusa.org reports that almost a third of people across the U.S. have not filled prescription or followed a prescription regimen specifically due to cost. 20% of seniors report that they ration or skip taking their medications.

Due to cost, 1 in 5 seniors takes less than the prescribed dosage trying to make several months of a prescription last an entire year. Some seniors take their meds faithfully until they hit the donut hole (the phase when Medicare Part D requires the patient begin paying 25% of the cost for the medications), then they don’t take their medications again until the following year when Medicare Part D begins paying again.

Knowledge is power. And while I don’t have a perfect solution, the information below will make some medications affordable for some people.

When the doctor’s office asks which pharmacy you use, these five words could save you a small fortune: “I’d like paper prescriptions, please.”

While electronic prescriptions are convenient, not shopping for your prescription medications can be a VERY costly. The price of prescription medication differs drastically between pharmacies.

In my own neighborhood with no insurance savings, the out-of-pocket cost for Atorvastatin, the generic version of Lipitor (a common cholesterol medication), is $55 at one pharmacy and $13 at another pharmacy within walking distance. Evista (a drug used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women) is $183 at one pharmacy and only $39 at another pharmacy just 2 miles away! Differences like these are not uncommon.

Paper prescriptions allow you the opportunity to search online or make a few phone calls to determine where you can purchase non-emergency prescription medications for the lowest price. Before you settle for high prescription prices, check these resources to help find the BEST deals available to you:

Retail Discount Programs

For several years, discount plans disappeared from most retail pharmacies. A few chain pharmacies have brought them back, though consumers are often not aware.

• Sam’s Club members get exclusive access to a 30-day supply of several medications for $4. Sam’s Plus Members receive some medications for free.

• Wal-Mart Prescription Program provides a 30-day supply for $4 and a 90-day supply for $10, of commonly prescribed dosages of some generic medications.

• Costco Pharmacy prices are very competitive, and you don’t have to be a member to use a Costco pharmacy. For members, the Costco Member Prescription Program Discount Card or CMPPDC provides an additional savings of between 2% and 40%. If you are already a Costco member, there is no additional cost to join.

Pro tip: The medications that are included on the various Discount Drug Programs change. Be sure to check your medications against these programs at least bi-annually if not every quarter!

Apps that Help You Compare Prescription Drug Prices

• Blink Health & BlinkRx allows you to compare prices between more than 35,000 pharmacies while offering discounts to over 15,000 medicines. BlinkRx is an online pharmacy that will take your prescription directly from your doctor and send you a text message about the best price they can offer. Prescriptions are delivered to your doorstep.

• Clever Rx allows you compare prices between more than 80,000 pharmacies nationwide, then download vouchers or present screen shot at local pharmacies. Offers discounts of up to 80%. Reports to delivers prices 60%-70% lower than competitors 70% of the time. Greatest discounts are usually achieved at Walmart, Kroger’s, CVS, and Walgreens.

• Good Rx allows you to compare prices and even offer coupons for additional savings.

• Inside Rx allows you to compare prices, download savings cards, and according to their website, achieve discounts of up to 80%.

• PharmacyChecker help you find the lowest prices on your medicines from the U.S. and abroad. They've been operating since 2003.

• RxSaver helps you save on medicines by providing coupons from popular pharmacies. They include both online and physical pharmacies to help you find the best pricing. For those refilling several medications each month, or filling very expensive prescriptions, not only does RxSaver help with discounts, but for a $50 monthly membership fee, they will advocate on your behalf and negotiate discounted pricing.

• Single Care allows you to compare prices and offer coupons for additional savings. They partner with a large number of major pharmacies.

• WeRx is a straightforward comparison tool to help you find the best price for prescription medications in your area.

Local Pharmacies

Don’t forget to check your local neighborhood pharmacies! Small local pharmacies are often able to offer prices that are significantly less than the prices offered by larger chain pharmacies – especially on generic medications. I've referred clients to a small pharmacy near my home for years and have found that people will drive 20 or 30 minutes across town because the savings and service are exemplary.

It's important to understand that when using pharmacy discount programs, the price of your medication will not apply to your insurance deductible or annual out-of-pocket cost.

One last note: If your insurance carrier stops covering your prescription or if the copay for a prescription suddenly increases to a higher tier, there’s a good chance your particular medication has lost its patent and a generic version is likely available. Follow up with your doctor and ask if switching to a generic is an option for you.