Paying for Meds

[Jack H]

I am on medicare. Brain tumor survivor,then epilepsy. My co pays are $240 a month til I hit the donut hole. I can only take brand names,the generics don't work. Any ideas?

[Lrjg]

My first thought is to get ahold of the generic company and ask them why they are not working for you if what they are generic for are working.

[Jack H]

Gereric meds sometimes don't have to have the full amount of meds. It could be as little as 80% of the brand. I take 3 meds and a goos amount of each.

Lrjg said:

My first thought is to get ahold of the generic company and ask them why they are not working for you if what they are generic for are working.

[LaurensStory]

It depends on the medication you are taking. GlaxoSmithKline (maker of Lamictal) has a couple different prescription assistance programs, one of which will work if you just have Medicare. Some other manufacturers have prescription assistance programs or discount cards, but most don't work with Medicare.

Here's about that program. http://www.gskforyou.com/14_programs.htm

If Lamictal is an option, and you are eligible for the GSK Access program, you can get it for free.

[Julie Herbers]

Type in "patient assistance programs" along with your med.  Insurance also pays different amounts for different medications.  My doc gave me a courtesy card for Vimpat which wasn't much, but the pharmacist looked at the fine print and it was only for patients who had no insurance at all.  Even with insurance that's a pricey one.  Be careful if you think about generics, though.  They just aren't as reliable as the real thing.

[Jack H]

I don't take generics. My co-pays for 4meds is $240. A lot when you a lot when you on ssd.  Just found Prescription for Hope. They contact your doctors and the med companies. they do all the leg work. You get  charged $18 per med.and have it mailed to you. Just sign up for it so will see how it goes.

[Phylis Feiner Johnson]

Epilepsy Help! No-cost or low-cost drugs and patient assistance programs

Some companies have expanded their programs or even offer new ones. Others have cut their funds, and sadly others have ceased to exist.

Here’s a new and comprehensive list

http://epilepsytalk.com/2012/01/04/epilepsy-help-no-cost-or-low-cos...

Phylis Feiner Johnson

www.epilepsytalk.com

[Phylis Feiner Johnson]

 

FREE Prescription Drugs

 

With drugs costs and insurance costs rising every day, it’s often difficult to get the meds you need.  Below is a guide to no-cost or low-cost prescription programs.  Pass the word along…

 

http://epilepsytalk.com/2010/10/08/free-prescription-drugs/

 

Phylis Feiner Johnson
www.epilepsytalk.com

[CrazyDiamond - Dave - Apparition]

 

Check here: BenefitsCheckup dot org

 

look at Medicare Rx extra help

 

Also, you may qualify for a Medciare Savings Program (QMB for example) if your income isnt too high.  It helps with doctor copays.

[Jack H]

Thanks for the help.