PRESCRIPTION
DRUGS - the hot button
issue of the day - skyrocketing prescription drug prices and
health insurance in crisis means that we're paying a lot more
out of pocket for a lot less benefit. But comparison shopping
for pharmaceutical as well as over the counter drugs can yield
REAL savings. Pharmacies often charge wildly different prices
for the same drug, simply because they tack on their own profits.
First, get your yellow pages out and call around and compare
prices. Then, hit the web. Online pharmacies can charge as much
as 25% less than storefronts do. Pillbot.com
and DestinationRx.com search for deals from a variety of online
pharmacies. Find generic equivalents at Blue Cross Blue Shield
of Michigan's Theunadvertisedbrand.com. (Check with your doctor.)
For seniors - Seek out state aid. More than 30 states have discount
or pharmacy assistance programs; not all impose income limits.
Visit Benefitscheckup.org and click on BenefitsCheckupRx to
see if you qualify. Get carded. Many drug companies offer discounts
on their own products--although income limits are common. The
Together RX card (togetherrx.com) can save you as much as 40%
on more than 170 medications from seven drug companies. The
Pfizer for Living Share Card offers 30 days of Pfizer drugs
for $15. Go to pfizersharecard.com.
Buying
Generic Medications..did you know that millions
of Americans
now take the generic
equivalent of their brand
name medication! AARP encourages
its millions of members
to substitute generic
drugs for brand whenever
possible. You may be
surprised to see how much
you can save by just saying
"No" to brand name drugs!
There is absolutely NO DIFFERENCE
between a brand
name drug and its generic
counterpart! Remember,
the FDA supports the
use of generic drugs! Ask your
physician to prescribe generic
drugs whenever
possible!
