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Finding Discount Medications

by Kathleen Hairston

As you probably know, Medicare does not cover the cost of prescription medicines. For a while, Medicare supplemental policies, in particular the HMO policies, did cover prescriptions to a great or lesser extent, sometimes with a cap on how much could be spent each year, sometimes with a given amount for co-pay, and sometimes with options for using generic medications.

However, prescription costs are the most significant cause of the increase in the cost of medical care in the United States, rising twice the rate of inflation. Most insurance companies have placed limits on coverage. While Congress continues to debate different prescription coverage programs, caregivers continue to scramble to find money to pay for drugs along with the other expenses of caring for someone with a long-term illness.

Many of these seniors struggling to pay for these medications don't meet traditional low-income guidelines to qualify for Medi-Cal. Those not eligible for Medi-Cal face an even more daunting process, as one must apply to each pharmaceutical company separately, and each company has a different set of criteria to qualify for lower prices.

Help on the Web:

Many seniors are unaware that pharmacies that accept Medi-Cal are required to charge the Medi-Cal rate for prescriptions to people on Medicare. You can find the Medi-Cal rate for the top 50 drugs at dhs.ca.gov/mcs/mcpd/MBB/contracting/sb393/
The easiest way to review the kinds of programs that drug companies offer is to visit needymeds.com
The Medicine Program, themedicineprogram.com, helps people find assistance in obtaining medications, as does the Directory of Prescription Drug Assistance Programs, phrma.org.
AARP has a mail order prescription program that gives discounts on medications. See aarppharmacy.com.
Many people are talking about the "Canadian connection," whereby people can save money on medications by importing them from Canada. Canadian pharmacies include canadameds.com, realfastdrugstore.com, and thecanadiandrugstore.com.
The Kaiser Family Foundation has a summary of programs at their website kff.org.
The California HealthCare Foundation offers an online guide that provides comparison information on different prescription programs available for senior in California.
The Association of Chain Drug Stores is promoting a Pharmacy Care One Card that links the various pharmaceutical cards. Call (703) 837-4244.
Those with Kaiser coverage can call member services to apply to their program for patients in need.
Costco's pharmacy offers some of the lowest prices on medication and Costco membership is not required.
The local Area Agency on Aging, through their HICAP program (Health Insurance Counseling/Advocacy Program) will also have information on drug programs.
People who qualify for Veteran's benefits can get lower cost prescriptions through the VA. See http://www.myhealth.va.gov/.

Kathleen Hairston is the Regional Program Director for the Alzheimer's Association of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.

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Finding Discount Medications

by Kathleen Hairston

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