This is what we don’t want to hear from a patient:
"I lost my insurance so I stopped my medications 3 months ago, and now I feel so depressed..anxious...can't sleep...etc. "
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need health insurance in order to get your medications, but you do need a prescription from a qualified health care professional.
primary tips: the only thing you need is a prescription from a qualified professional.
There are many medications that are relatively cheap, and the cost of the meds can be checked out a number of ways,
1). You can call the pharmacy and ask what the cost of the meds are.
2). You can go to GOODRX.com and type in the name of your medication], and find out the cost.
Oftentimes, even if you have insurance, it can be cheaper for you to pay out of pocket versus having the prescription ran through your insurance. It is important that you ask THE magic question, "Would this be cheaper for me if I paid out of pocket? then they can assist you with this.
If you lose your insurance, it is possible that your meds are quite inexpensive. check out prices by going to GoodRX.com, even ask your pharmacist. Remember the goal: Mental Health is primary.
Ask the pharmacist: Would this be cheaper by paying out of pocket vs. insurance?
Back to the story: She elected to stop two and kept the one.
I do not want to see anyone ‘stop’ medications for any reason, make sure that you understand the decision to use a medication is based on actual ‘need’.
At this point, I want to share some points that may help:
Please note; not all pharmacies are alike. They may sell the same products, however, www.Goodrx.com, it shows you where the lowest price within your area.
Another thing to know: Not all physicians do their homework to decide what is best for their patients by failing to consider the cost of the medications before prescribing. Many are there to fill prescriptions first, be vigilant, ask questions.
What is the Partnership for Prescription Assistance???
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need through the program that is right for them. Many will get their medications free or nearly free.
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance will help you find the program that’s right for you, free of charge. Remember, you will never be asked for money by a PPA Call Center representative, or on this Web site.
Visit www.PParx.org
The Last word: Education
Education / discussion with physicians regarding what the patient can afford and what they cannot.
Clients need to educate their physicians.
Are there alternatives? Asking questions, being aware is the best way to reach your desired outcome, participate in your health.
If you have difficulties, it would be wise to, go to the pharmaceutical websites and seek out the prescription, look at the patient assistance programs, see if you qualify, print them out and bring them with you.