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January 28, 2015Prescription Drug Benefits differ greatly! With the changes in healthcare and Medicare, it is important to understand your coverage fully. Below are some facts to consider about your prescription drug plan.
Facts to consider—–Ask your pharmacist to help and explain.
- Formulary
Make sure you understand which drugs are covered and which drugs are not. There are different costs (deductibles) for different drugs. There are different costs for generic versus brand name drugs.
- Mail order
Mail order drugs and pharmacy drugs often vary greatly in cost. Often the co-payments for mail order drugs are much lower.
Mail order is also very convenient. You can refill your prescriptions online, by mail, or phone anytime day or night. Often you can speak directly with a pharmacist.
There is a higher risk safety wise with mail order versus pharmacy prescriptions. And mail time is another factor to consider when talking to your physician and pharmacist.
- Supply limits
Supply limits, or the largest amount of medication you can get per co-payment, may vary greatly as well. Often, instead of a 30 day supply, you can get a 3 month supply if you order through a mail order pharmacy.
- Brand Medically Necessary
If you need a brand medication, your doctor MUST indicate that on your prescription.
- Talk to your physician after you talk to pharmacist.
Make sure you are not wasting money. Insurance companies make the rules when it comes to prescription drug coverage. Your job, with assistance of professionals is to make sure you get the most benefit at the lowest cost.
