How to Cut Your Drug Costs

The cost of prescription medications in the U.S. is outrageous--almost twice as much as other industrialized countries. We were pleased to see that this article mentioned the relief that Americans can find with PharmacyChecker.com and through Rx drug importation from Canadian and other international pharmacies. But it's important to note that access to safe and affordable medicine is on jeopardy. RxRights is a national coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting and protecting American consumer access to sources of safe, affordable prescription drugs. We are encouraging consumers to take action now by sending letters to Congress and President Obama urging them to protect our right to safe, affordable medications. For more information or to voice your concern, visit www.RxRights.org.

Lee Graczyk of MN 12:44AM August 01, 2011

These are excellent tips for reducing drug costs, Philip. But seniors should also realize there are several prescription assistance programs out there to help those who struggle to pay their medication costs. The Medicare Part D Extra Help program, a federal benefits program, helps those with low incomes pay for prescriptions by eliminating or reducing their Part D deductible and co-payments. Likewise, numerous drug manufacturers have patient assistance programs to help seniors cover the cost of their medications, and some state also run their own similar State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs.

Seniors can contact their State Health Insurance Assistance Programs to get objective, free assistance on their insurance and drug coverage options (go to www.shiptalk.org to find this for your state). They can also use online portals such as BenefitsCheckUp (www.benefitscheckup.org) from the National Council on Aging to do a free, confidential self-screening to see if they may qualify for these prescription assistance programs.

Brandy Bauer of DC 1:43PM July 29, 2011