Controlling prescription costs

Ways to control medication costs

• Talk openly to your health care providers about costs and options for expensive medications. Find out whether you need all the medications you take. Bring an accurate list of medications to every medical visit. The list can be printed from MyChart.
• With guidance from your provider, use generic substitutions for brand name medications.
• Talk to your pharmacist about medication costs and patient assistance programs.
• Shop for better prices. Use reputable online pharmacies, especially if supported by your insurance company. You may also refer to patient assistance programs.
• Be cautious about free trials or coupons. Make sure you will be able to afford a drug later.

Patient resources

NeedyMeds provides information about a large number of pharmaceutical patient assistance programs.

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying individuals obtain medication.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides information at "Getting help paying for medications."

Internet Drug Coupons helps patients find drug discounts, vouchers and drug prices.

GoodRx compares prices on prescription drugs available at registered pharmacies.

Medicare

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides assistance with health insurance issues, including Medicare.

Prescription drug coverage is provided under Medicare Part D. Medicare Advantage plans also offer Medicare prescription drug coverage.

The Medicare website provides information about:

• Medicare prescription drug coverage and costs
• How Part D works with other insurance
• Comparing health plans, drug plans and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)

The Social Security Extra Help program allows qualifying Medicare beneficiaries to receive up to $4,900 a year to help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs.

Waukesha County resources

The Waukesha County Aging & Disability Resource Center helps seniors and those with disabilities access patient assistance programs.

The ProHealth Care Hispanic Health Resource Center is a wellness and advocacy resource center that offers bilingual assistance on health and wellness issues.