5 Ways to Lower Prescription Drug Costs
Many older adults take multiple prescription medications.
In fact, the average senior takes between 14 and 18 different medicines. Even with insurance or Medicare Part D, the costs can add up. Sometimes the high costs leave older adults having to make decisions between paying for their medicine or for other necessities, like food or the heating bill. In some cases, family caregivers may find themselves paying for some of the senior’s expenses, so they can afford their medicine. If your aging relative struggles with paying for their prescription drugs, here are 5 ways to lower their costs.
Caregiver in Ardmore PA: Lower Prescription Drug Costs
#1: Ask for the Generic Form
Brand name drugs cost an average of 85 percent more than generic drugs. The FDA regulates generic drugs in much the same way they do brand name ones. They must perform the same and at the same level as the brand name version. However, there can be some small differences, so caregivers should talk to the older adult’s doctor before making the change.
#2: Find Out if the Cash Price is Lower
Sometimes using insurance to pay for medications costs more than if you just pay cash. This can happen when the copay is higher than the price of the drug. So, before handing over your aging relative’s Medicare or insurance card, ask the pharmacist what the cash price is and what you’ll pay using insurance.
#3: Use Mail Order
Find out if your aging relative’s insurance has a mail-order pharmacy plan. Most mail order programs allow users to receive a three-month supply instead of just one, which often results in the senior paying less. It also means that caregivers spend less time running back and forth to the pharmacy.
#4: Look for Manufacturer Assistance
Many drug manufacturers have assistance programs for people who qualify. You can find out about assistance programs by searching the name of the drug and “patient assistance.” Before using a coupon, though, make sure you understand how it affects the way insurance covers the drug.
#5: Choose Another Medicare Drug Plan
There are different kinds of Medicare drug plans, so there may be one out there that will lower your aging relatives out of pocket costs. For example, some Medicare drug plans place drugs into different tiers. With this kind of plan, how much the senior pays will depend on which tiers their medications fall under. To learn about plan options, caregivers can use the Medicare Plan Finder found on the medicare.gov website. Or, you can contact a counselor at the State Health Insurance and Assistance Programs office in the older adult’s state.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Ardmore, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. Call today: (484) 206-4544
Sources
Dailycaring.com
Forbes.com
Medicare.gov/drug
Medicare.gov/find
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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