Pharmaceutical Services

Medicines for your loved one can be a large part of their budget, so you really need to explore the options. 

The Pharmacy You Choose

Pharmacies do have different prices, but do not always assume the big chains offer the best for you. Your neighborhood pharmacy may offer you better service, such as home delivery which even if the price is a little higher, may be more worthwhile to you.

You’ll most likely be surprised that most assisted living facilities recommend you use the service they work with. There are pros and cons here as well. Here, you will have little to do except write a check for deductibles and co-pays. The facility may make it difficult for you to work with a different pharmacy as well. It is understandable that they wouldn’t allow loved ones to just drop off unsealed medications because who knows what really is in that bottle!

Drug Plans 

Medicare covers some drugs, but you need to specifically get drug coverage. It is offered to everyone, but you really need to get it when you first enroll or be subject to possible penalties for late enrollment. Medicare has a very clear explanation of how it works on their website at https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/how-to-get-prescription-drug-coverage.

Usually Part D will cover prescriptions, but some items are covered by Part A or Part B. For example, Part A covers the drugs you need during a Medicare-covered stay in a hospital or skilled nursing facility while Part B covers most drugs administered by your provider or at a dialysis facility.

I think the best way to go about this is to get a good old-fashioned insurance agent who specializes in Medicare plans and health insurance.

Discount Pharmacy Plans

These plans have been burgeoning in recent years. Goodrx, Singlecare Amazon Prime RX, Optum Perks, Blink Health are just some examples and there are many others are out there. Some are free to join, and they offer all sorts of benefits from discount cards to telling you the most inexpensive place to purchase your prescription in your area and more.

Drug Manufacturer Websites

A hidden benefit that many people do not know about is simply checking the drug manufacturer’s website and seeing if they have any coupons or programs that can be applied. Best if you seek these out before starting a prescription, the benefits can be outstanding! I went to a certain asthma medication website and signed up for a program that offered a coupon that said the medication would be free for many months. Later, I was at a pharmacy and was told that it would cost $700 a month after application of my own insurance and the coupon. That wasn’t what the coupon said so I told the person at the pharmacy to check again. I was then told it would be $400 a month. Again, I pressed on that the coupon stated it would be free and was then told indeed that it would cost me nothing.

As my story shows, whatever insurance and discounts you are using, make sure you are getting the best price. If you thought a price would be lower than what you are being told at the pharmacy counter, press the individual to double check or ask for a manager. Feel free to check different pharmacies.  I do not think that the people are trying to rip you off, but more that it has gotten so complicated that some staff members do not know how to input the information to get you the best price.  You truly should press on until you feel confident you are getting the best price.