FAQ: How Can I Find The Best Price On A Prescription Medication?

It is common knowledge that certain prescription medications are very expensive.  This is especially true if it is a newer medication or if it doesn't have a generic form.  This doesn't mean that generics are always easy on the pocket book.  Generics can run high as well.  So, how can you find good prices on medications?  What are your options?

1. Tell your doctor that you need financial help.  Doctors often have samples.  With all of the new anticoagulants on the market, you may be lucky.
2. Ask your doctor about manufacturer low income programs.  Most manufacturers have some type of financial aid available for those without insurance.
3. Ask about generics.  Generic warfarin is VERY inexpensive.
4. Try good old fashioned warfarin rather than newer medications.
5. While buying from other countries is illegal, the U.S. typically overlooks individuals who purchase abroad.  Make sure that your pharmacy has some accreditation and that they have a real pharmacist that requires a prescription from your doctor.
6. If you are in the hospital, a social worker may be able to help get that Lovenox prescription filled. When I was being discharged, a social worker came and got my insurance info to confer with my insurance about how I was to get Lovenox.  I didn't have to do a thing.
7. Write an appeal to the insurance company.
8. This is my favorite!  Use one of the new, Internet price comparison sites.  I use www.goodrx.com for migraine medication when I have hit my insurance company's maximum for the month.  I have seen the price go from over $200.00 to around $35.00!  They show the prices in your area and provide discount coupons if needed to get the price.

Here are some other interesting thoughts on prescriptions for pulmonary embolism treatment for you. Some people will find certain brands of a generic medication to work better for them.  If this is the case, your doctor can specify on your prescription to ONLY give you a certain brand or to give you any generic BUT a certain brand.  I do that with my Wellbutrin generic.  It was much easier ad cheaper than fighting to use name brand Wellbutrin.  The brands are listed on your prescription bottle or you can often look up a pill online using a search engine and the pill's label, number, color, or markings.

If you need brand name Coumadin or you need another medication like one of the newer anticoagulants and your insurance won't pay, first have your doctor's insurance representative call to ask for an override based on medical need.  If that doesn't work, ask your insurer for the address of the appeals department and write the letter.  Your doctor can help you to make sure you have a solid, well informed letter.