Good News for Prescription Prices - This happened to me today.

[MineralMan]

I'm on Medicare, but never signed up for Part D. Today, following my annual checkup, my doctor sent my prescriptions to the Walgreens I normally use. When I got there, the pharmacist told me that my atorvastatin prescription was almost $500 for a 90-day supply, and my Blue Cross supplement no longer had an agreement with them for prescription prices for non Part D subscribers. The other two meds I take were still reasonable. Walgreens offered no suggestions about this and what I might do about it. So I told them to put it back and I'd just take the other two.

I was ready to start checking prices to see if I could find a better price, since there's no way I can afford that much for a generic statin medication. Costco was cheaper, as were several other places, so I emailed my MD and asked him to write a paper prescription so I could shop around.

In the meantime I did some Googling, to see how much it would cost from a Canadian pharmacy. I noticed a link to a website called goodrx.com. I looked up the price there, and it let me print out a coupon for Walgreens that showed a price of $29.00 for the 90 day supply. I was skeptical. Prices were listed for a range of pharmacies, all about the same. I printed the coupon, which had all the numbers the pharmacy types in when figuring pricing.

What the heck? I drove down to the local Walgreens...the same one that had quoted $500. I handed over the coupon, the pharmacist entered the data from the coupon and said, "Well...the total will be $30." She further said that Walgreens had an agreement with goodrx and that they'd file the information and I'd get that discount for future refills as well. I was shocked. It worked! The site has been around for about three years, gets good reviews, and appears to work fine for people.

So, if you're struggling with prescription prices, it's worth a try. The website is easy to use and it seems to work just fine. It's a legitimate prescription discount program with no fees for people who use it, so there's nothing to lose, it seems. You just pick your medication, give your ZIP code and get a list of pharmacies in your area that accept their coupons. Then you choose and print a discount coupon and go fill your prescription.

NOTE: This is not spam. It's what happened to me today, and I'm posting it for general information. Seems to be worth a try. I think it's all about generics, not non-generic prescriptions, and can't guarantee that it will work for any particular medication or pharmacy, but there doesn't appear to be any downside and it saved me $470 today.

[spanone]

1. k&r...

[upaloopa]

2. Right Aid has a plan for most generic drugs

for $9.99. Mine use to cost $60 but now I pay only $9.99.

[MineralMan]

8. So does Walgreens, but it doesn't work if you're on Medicare.

They exclude that. This discount plan works for everyone, insured or uninsured. Weird, but great!

[blackcrow]

24. there's probably some fed regulation that prohibits that for Medicare people

I know RiteAid had to rework its general store discount program so that people on Medicare got credit for buying prescription meds.

[1monster]

39. I just looked up the price of one of my husband's scripts for which we pay

about $50 under AARP administered Medicare plan and the cheapest it was listed under goodrx.com was $495!!!

The next time open enrollment for Medicare comes around, sign up for one of the programs that administer it for Medicare (Humana and AARP, et als) and get better benefits. My husband did this after the first year on regular Medicare w/o Rx coverage and pays about $4 more a month (the penaty for not signing up for the Rx plan earlier), and gets much better coverage plus Rx coverage.

[KoKo]

129. Recommend....as we all work through our Health Systems.

[uppityperson]

3. there are apps for phone/tablet so no need to print a coupon. Thanks, mm

Hope you are staying warm.

[MineralMan]

6. Forbes and Business Week has written about GoodRX.

It seems legitimate. I'm not sure how it works, but it appears that they're maintaining a database of pharmacy pricing and have worked out agreements with pharmacies to provide their lowest available price when the customer presents their coupon. Often, their price is cheaper than many health insurance co-pays at times, so you can ask the pharmacy to run it with the discount coupon, rather than the insurance. Apparently that's no problem at most pharmacies.

I'm new to this prescription shopping thing, but this saved me so much money that even if it only worked once, it's great. I registered with the site, and they're sending me a card with the data on it, and will let me know when my scrips need refills what the lowest price is in my area at pharmacies that accept their coupons, as well.

I'm not sure how this works, or what the business model is, but it works, so I don't care. It makes no sense to me, but who am I to question saving money?

My wife's checking pricing for her prescriptions and it looks like she can do better than her current insurance co-pays on a couple of them.

[madamesilverspurs]

4. Good info, I'll be sharing it.

I'm still trying, however, to find similar assistance for OTC meds. So far, my MED-D covers all of my prescriptions, but there are non-prescription needs that are very spendy for those of us on small fixed incomes. A well-meaning friend suggested that I buy those things in bulk at Costco, saving a bundle on a six-month supply; I'd love to do that, but in order to do so would have to forego paying rent or utilities and that just ain't happening. Half-doses gave very unpleasant consequences and earned a justified rant from the doctor.

Anyhoo, if anyone knows of programs that assist with OTCs . . .

[MineralMan]

17. About the only thing I know is to look at equivalent store brands.

It's unlikely there will be any assistance like this for OTC medications. But there are store brand alternatives for almost everything. Check the labels. Usually the store brands will be shelved right next to the brand-name ones. I never buy brand-name OTC drugs.

[madamesilverspurs]

28. Yep, been doing that.

On one, name brand is $17, store brand is $14; other is $14 and $11, respectively. Both need two purchases per month. Had some silly notion that my SS-COLA might magically help with that, but SNAP got cut in response to the COLA, so that ain't happening. I know, it's 'only' about $50 per month, but I'm still under $825 SS, so that's a chunk. I'm still going to keep poking around, if I find anything I'll let everyone know.

[KoKo]

132. Very Good Tip "MM" and .......K&R

[A Simple Game]

101. Have your doctor give you a prescription for the OTC meds.

See if that helps on the cost.

[katmondoo]

5. My Publix Pharmacy gives free antibiotics and free Amlodipine (high blood pressure pills)

This is in Florida

[MineralMan]

19. Those are always cheap, almost free.

I take amlodipine, myself, and it's never expensive.

[R B Garr]

7. Okay, thanks! Great info.

We had an incident with CVS Pharmacy over the weekend that made me start thinking of alternatives and what that might mean for the future if things change.

[MineralMan]

9. You can compare pricing right on the site for pharmacies

in your area. I suspect it's a price-matching agreement.

[R B Garr]

12. Bookmarked! I'm going to start investigating the prices for

the next re-fill! Let us know if you have any updates. This is a great resource!

[madokie]

10. My meds cost me 8 bucks a prescription

No one should have a problem with any phase of healthcare in our country. I wish everyone had a system like what I have as a Vet. If I need a CT scan, for instance, I go to the next floor and down the hall a ways and get that done. Blood work is finished before I get in to see my doctor and it takes less than an hour from when they stick me to when I'm in seeing my doctor. No waiting for ten days or two weeks to get the results back.

[easychoice]

57. You must use my clinic,lol.

I'm not a vet tho...

[PeoViejo]

60. Being a Disabled Vet is even Better

Act crazy, talk in tongues and skip the Line altogether.

[madokie]

66. But the shit they want you to take if you do that keeps me sane as i can be

they do blood work to see if your doing your meds and get pissed when you don't. I tell them up front if they try to give me something that I dont' want to take that I won't be taking this shit no matter what. kind of a nip in in the bud deal. A lot of meds for peripheral neuropathy I can't take for one reason or the other. mostly because I don't want to live in a fog or suicidal thoughts and shit like that.

[PeoViejo]

91. I must admit that those two huge orderlies that picked me off the floor

and strapped me to a Gurney were pretty efficient. It took them about 30 seconds to put me under. I don't know what it was, but it was quick.
The VA is an easy place to become an addict.

[MineralMan]

11. After reading some articles on this, I think I understand how it works, now:

I think it's a price-matching system, something like the hotel reservation websites. They amass data about prescription pricing and have agreements with the pharmacy chains to match the lowest price they get from a range of discount plans. The codes on the coupons get typed into the pharmacy's computer and it spits out the lower price. They have to have agreements with specific pharmacy chains for this to work, just like the hotels have with the booking sites. If a price is accepted by the business, they offer that price on GoodRX. Their agreement requires the pharmacy to match prices.

I'm not sure how this all works out for the pharmacy chain, but it's certainly good for consumers. This may be one way prices for pharmaceuticals go down. Walgreens, for example, wants people in the store, so they can sell them other stuff, so they're willing to match prices to keep people in their store rather than the competitors' stores.

The list price for pharmaceuticals are artificially high.

[elias49]

13. Wow! Thanks MM. This is amazing!

I need one particular rx that costs $700 month! That's for the generic! It was kind of a tough year for me health-wise in 2014 so I met my deductible - or rather, out of pocket max - in Sept, and therefore was able to have that high-cost scrip covered by insurance for Oct-Dec. GoodRx lists the very same med for $60/month. I almost can't believe it! And according to the site, I can 'redeem' their coupon at the local CVS where I typically get my prescriptions.
Thank, MineralMan, for a great XMas present!

[MineralMan]

15. That's terrific! I'm glad to hear that my post helped.

[BrotherIvan]

14. Read up on statins

For a highly suspect and potentially harmful medication, it might not be worth paying at all. There is lots of clinical literature out there, but doctors in practice rely on pharma companies for info and statins are a big old gravy boat. They have nothing to do with cholesterol if that is why you are taking them and they have never been proven to significantly prevent heart attacks. Control your insulin and make sure your thyroid is in good order and you have done a million times more to prevent a heart attack.

[MineralMan]

16. Yah, well, I've already done that.

I'm not looking for medical advice on the Internet on discussion forums. If I have medical questions, I do my own research on medical websites and talk to my doctor. Discussion forums are not the place to get or give advice.

[BrotherIvan]

22. Irony

Got it.

[Thor_MN]

35. Funny how some people don't know what irony is...

[BrotherIvan]

36. If you think I used the word incorrectly

I'd love to hear your argument

[Thor_MN]

37. You believed that MM was giving medical advice and shunned the advice you tried to give.

Buying medications in a different way is not medical advice, therefore the irony is that you don't know what irony means.

[BrotherIvan]

42. Not really since MM is infamous for his "advice" on an array of subjects

That's the irony that I was referring to. And while mine could be called medical advice, his could be called pill pushing. Whatever. I've been through enough health crises with friends and family to appreciate information. I never know where a lead might come from that leads to the answer. I have found many doctors to be very outdated in their information and it takes quite a lot of work to find the solution. It seems the medical system is less interested in an actual cure, overall health, or the comfort of finances of the patient. And sometimes it takes a novel approach that is often simpler, easier, cheaper and more effective than what had been prescribed. I just put it out there in case no one had heard about it.

[Thor_MN]

44. "his could be called pill pushing"

[BrotherIvan]

48. Or it's an affiliate link, then not cool

[MineralMan]

53. It's not. I described exactly what I discovered in

My own situation. Your implication is based on nothing. It's also dead wrong.

[Thor_MN]

68. Yours could be called practicing medicine without a license.

[MineralMan]

95. You do know how to spot affiliate links, right?

You look at the url that shows up in your browser when you hover over the link. If it has a bunch of numbers following the .com part, it could be an affiliate link. Otherwise the website would have no idea who posted the link.

In this case, my link took people directly to the home page of that website. Nothing else was in the link's URL. Your attempt to suggest that I am shilling for this company is based on nothing at all. That's because it's simply not true. I have no interest in any company, nor am I paid by anyone for any posting of anything.

You started by trying to turn this thread into a discussion of statin medications. It was never that. I mentioned the medication because that was the one that had such a high price for me at my pharmacy, so I could explain how much I saved. Whether I take atorvastatin or not has nothing to do with an online drug price discount website. This thread is not about statins. It is not about anything but a possible way for people to save some money on drugs that are prescribed by their own physician.

Then, you attempted to cast suspicion on me for some reason I do not understand. You are incorrect in all of that. I get no benefit from posting this information at all. It's just information that I hope will help someone else. I'm not qualified to discuss the pros and cons of any pharmaceutical medication, so I would not engage in any such discussion. My doctor prescribes medications, after discussing them with me. I choose whether to take them or not. That's his job. Your opinion about the value of the medications he prescribes for me is totally irrelevant to me. I asked what your medical training is and you wouldn't answer. Why on earth would I listen to your advice?

Perhaps you don't like me. It appears that is the case. That's of little interest to me, but I will answer your accusatory posts with the facts. I am not affiliated in any way with that website or any other website I might link to, except for the ones in my signature line, which are my own websites. I also write websites for small businesses, but do not link to them, either. I have zero conflicts of interest with regard to anything I post on DU.

I will appreciate it if you do not suggest otherwise in the future.

[BrotherIvan]

114. This whole thing has spun completely out of control

You were trying to give helpful information; so was I. I never told you "not to take your medication," I just suggested you read up on the benefits because, as you will see from the other responses on this thread, people are often surprised to find out more information on the drugs they are prescribed. There is absolutely no harm in learning more about your health and the prescriptions you are taking. NONE. I was actually also throwing out a possible cost-saving measure in that statins, especially very expensive ones, are not worth going broke for. People are free to take that information however they choose.

If your response had not been so defensive and over the top, it could have stayed there. I don't care what you take. I'm glad you're happy with your doctor and your medication. There is absolutely no need to go apeshit over something so casual in my opinion. The only reason I kept talking about it is because other posters responded to me. And your minion who kept poking with a stick. It's a discussion forum and so trying to be in ultimate control of your thread and what is discussed in it is futile at best.

So, no, I'm not trying to persecute you. There's no reason to get so distraught over it. Enjoy your health and the rest of your year.

[MineralMan]

123. Here's the thing, or things you said:

"since MM is infamous for his "advice" - I gave a link to a website that saved me some money on an expensive prescription, hoping that others might find the link useful.

"And while mine could be called medical advice, his could be called pill pushing." - In no way could my post be called pill pushing. People take prescription drugs. I neither advised them to do so, or advised any particular drug. On the other hand, you definitely said that statins shouldn't be taken, and in more than one post in this thread. Your post was medical advice, and without any clue about your competence to give such advice.

"Or it's an affiliate link, then not cool" - Clearly what I posted was not an "affiliate link," as I explained to you. My link went, unadorned, to the home page of the site I mentioned that saved money for me.

You see, my goal in this thread was to give people a way to save some money, perhaps, on medications they were prescribed. Your initial post, and the posts following, were attacks on me, personally, not a discussion of the subject of the thread. You hijacked a simple thread designed to send people to a place that might save them hundreds of dollars. My thread was not about statin drugs. It was about saving money on prescriptions. I mentioned the drug, only because it was the example I had. It was not about any drug, but about saving money on medications.

Finally, I'm not distraught. From the thread, it's clear that my suggestion was of help to other DUers. I'm just asking you not to let your personal distaste for me lead you to attack a perfectly innocent thread that was written to help people save money. I have no "minions," as you stated. Everyone posts what they post on their own volition. This is not a political thread. It is not an attack on anything. It is merely information people can use to save money on medications. Calling me "infamous for" anything is hitting below the belt in a thread that has nothing to do with our political differences or with me giving any advice at all. Please don't do that.

[MineralMan]

47. Some people are desperate to save on prescriptions.

I provided a link to a website that might help, after finding great savings. That's not advice. It's information that might be helpful. So, from you, I get an insult. Wonderful...great job, there...

[BrotherIvan]

49. And I was just trying to give information as well

So I guess it's a draw.

[MineralMan]

51. So, what's your medical training?

I have none, so I don't give any medical advice. I provided some money-saving information. You told me not to follow my doctor's advice. So what's your medical training? Why should I listen to your advice? I'll wait here for your reply...

[Major Nikon]

98. Here's a good reason not to do so...

The jury is out on statins. Proven benefit with very little risk.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004816.pub5/abstract;jsessionid=E598E811C8FFA67EA38E2680A249C366.f04t03

[MineralMan]

105. Yes. I've seen that study. Some people experience

adverse effects, but for those who do not, of whom I am one, the benefits appear to be excellent. I think I'll keep taking mine, despite the advice of amateurs. My doctor thinks it's a good idea, too. Imagine that.

[grasswire]

116. I appreciate your posting the caution about statins.

I considered doing so, but hesitated. Your caution will not affect MM, but might be useful for others.

And I will post another caution: those who take statins should be also taking the supplement CoQ10. Statins deplete CoQ10 in the body. It's an important element in heart health.

[BrotherIvan]

119. Sharing information is what a discussion forum is all about

Or so I thought. And yes, your advice on CoQ10 is vital and some docs forget to tell people. CoQ10 is also extremely expensive for a supplement (no doubt the prices have gone sky high because of all the statin patients) so it's rather expensive to take overall. Many studies have shown that lowering one's cholesterol levels doesn't make one iota of difference for one's risk of heart attack. So, it's up to every person to decide. You'd think I told people to take their pit bull to Olive Garden!

[grasswire]

120. I buy CoQ10 on the buy one get one free coupon...

....but it still costs me about $30/month. I'd like to buy a better quality brand, but can't. My 400 mg/day has been very helpful to cardiac status. And I don't and never will take a statin. Never.

[BrotherIvan]

122. That's a good idea

Stocking up when stuff is on sale is smarter. I find as the cost of things go up, like food, I am having to plan more, but it's worth it because I get better quality at a lower price. Best of health to you in 2015.

[daredtowork]

18. what do you mean they do nothing for cholesterol?

I take statins because I hve a genetic disorder that causes premature arteriosclerosis, claudication, heart problems, and other circulatory system issues. At the moment my blood pressure is fine after a spate of being very high. My cholesterol is also okay. I wanted to stop taking the statins because I have too many pills going on right now. But the doctor thought I should stay on them.

So you are saying they don't do anything for a person with arteriosclerosis?

[BrotherIvan]

23. I'll PM you in case you are interested

[daredtowork]

34. got it. ty nt.

[MattBaggins]

85. Umm was the info double super secret that it couldn't be shared?

Mercola?
Natural News?

[BrotherIvan]

87. No, it was a link to a clinical study and a post by an MD

But since I've started the statin wars, I didn't want to keep going. I was talking about getting tested for pernicious anemia in the case of neurological troubles of unknown origin.

[daredtowork]

111. lol

no just a longer explanation of thyroid and b12, but they didn't really apply to my situation. Nice of him to go through the trouble of explaining it all, though!

[Pharaoh]

30. he may be right dtw

They tried to put me on satins, and my cholesterol was fine. A friend had severe liver damage from satins and had a liver transplant. Satins have been one of the biggest money makers for big pharma. And money is really the name of the game.

http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2008-01-16/do-cholesterol-drugs-do-any-good

As far as drugs from canada, I have gotten them through the mail. Huge savings! America is getting ripped of by the drug companys. It's an extortion racket basically.

[MineralMan]

110. Ask medical professionals for medical advice.

I suggest not paying that much attention to amateurs who dispense such advice in online forums. At least ask them what their qualifications are for giving out medical advice before listening to them.

[mnhtnbb]

26. Statins are bad news. Have been refusing them for years now

from my primary doc. Tried to share that info with a friend--showed her a book--
and she just handed it back to me--very self-righteous--because it was dated several
years ago and "not current". Fine with me, honey, it's your body.

[BrotherIvan]

32. Yes, it's very difficult to navigate the system

Especially if your doctor is not up to date or open to new information. Pretty much every one has to take charge of their health and be very vigilant. But I do feel especially bad for people who are paying so much for something that may not even help their condition. It's always best to find the root cause rather than treating the symptom which is what statins do (while also harming the liver and depleting significantly CoQ10). But I'm certainly not forcing anyone out to do anything. I always find that information sharing is a good thing and if someone wants to follow up, great.

[LittleGirl]

40. You are so 'spot on'

I'm sorry that mineral man discounted your post as it's spot on. I was told to take statins for my high (sort of) cholesterol but I went the natural route instead. I started taking a shot of coconut oil every day after breakfast and my lipid panel dropped 100 points in 3 months. I am a thyroid patient and worked with my doctor to get my meds optimized too. I was shocked and so was my doctor. I got the advice online! I don't eat gluten, dairy, soy or sugar and processed foods anymore. I cook everything from scratch and eat a refined paleo eating plan. Lots of healthy meats, veggies and very little carbs or fruit. Lost 30 lbs too. I've kept it off for a year so my plan works. I read the "Practical Paleo" book that taught me everything I need to know about eating right.

[BrotherIvan]

46. Good for you, truly

I'm so happy to hear you found something that works. It IS a lot of work, both the seeking of what's right for you and the maintaining. I sort of think of it as one of my favorite hobbies now, shopping and cooking. I eat a Paleo/Traditional Foods diet and when I am clean I feel absolutely superhuman. Here's some more good news: your dental visits will be a walk in the park because if you had propensity for cavities that will cease. I have several friends who used to have a lot of problems and expensive dental work who haven't had a cavity in a *decade*. It makes your bones strong, which is proof positive that it's good for you.

So it really evens out, the time, energy and money you spend eating healthy I think. My partner and I have been eating this way for about 12 years and we take no medications, never get sick, never go to the doctor and feel strong and fit. Whenever I stray too much, I feel run down and just bleh which reminds me to go clean again. I really do love it. I read Weston Price's book a few years ago (the grandaddy of it all) and it explained why it worked. I will never go back.

So glad you were able to get what you needed for your thyroid as I know that is a real battle for most people. My best for your continuing good health!

[LittleGirl]

83. Thank you for that

unfortunately, my teeth are a mess because of my age and because I had dental work years ago that has failed me now. I'm looking at 12k worth of work and have had several dentists give me estimates and all of them were in that range. I've put off this work for over year because of my spouse's job status but this year, it's on the agenda. I have had very few cavities in my life but had a fall when I was 12 yrs old that took out my front teeth which has haunted me all my life.

And you're right about straying off the healthy eating. Every time I attempt to 'trust' that I could eat garbage, it affects me in mysterious ways. As long as I stick to clean eating, I'm healthy and keep my thyroid condition in remission. Adding healthy fat to my meal plan has done a world of good for me. I haven't read Price's book but I will pick it up one of these days. The American diet is the worst way and it's no wonder that there are so many sick and obese people there. My best to you and your partner as well!

[BrotherIvan]

86. Yes I am obsessed with fat

No vegetable fats for me except olive or nut oils for salads and avocado. When I read about how vegetable oil, especially those that are not heat stable, causes inflammation, they were out. I'm not on the coconut oil bandwagon for cooking as I seem to have a hard time digesting it, but I have started making my own coconut milk and it is de-licious! I mostly cook with grass fed animal fats and duck fat. Man, no wonder food used to taste so good. Like fall on the floor and moan good.

When I read about what a significant source of Vitamin D lard is, it made sense as to why so many people are vitamin D deficient. I travel in Europe a lot and see how Europeans have not strayed quite so much from traditional cooking and look far thinner and healthier in their old age (and take far far less medicines than Americans too). Plus the food really does taste better over there. When McDonalds changed their oil for making fries from tallow to "vegetable" oil, Julia Child said she wouldn't eat them because they didn't taste good. That was also around the time when obesity skyrocketed. So yes, fat is a big part eating healthy and if you do find the Weston Price book, the traditional diets he talks about are extremely high in fat. And you don't need to eat big portions to feel very satisfied and energetic when you eat real fat, which is a huge plus as well.

I like this article http://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/guts-and-grease-the-diet-of-native-americans/

Sorry to hear about your dental work. That sounds like a big bummer. It is so expensive! I wish the ACA included dental too as that is such a large expense for so many families. Best to you and great health for 2015!

[LittleGirl]

89. Great article

Thanks for sharing that. I found the info very interesting about how the Indians were tall and healthy. Celiacs, like some in my family, can't consume grains and dairy. I haven't been tested for celiac but have been gluten free for nearly 2 yrs now (because of my thyroid condition) and my health improved immensely. Part of my problem with my teeth, I believe, is my life long lactose intolerance and I never supplemented with calcium or D3. My bad. I started the Paleo method about 2 yrs ago as well and think that coupled with a doctor that knows my disease helped me to overcome my vitamin deficiencies and helped me get my meds optimized. I just wished I could get my husband to eat meat more regularly. He went nearly vegan a few years back and is now underweight and emotional and sometimes very hard to live with. He can't seem to get full when he eats because he watched that stupid documentary "Forks over Knives" and eats little to no fat. Every once in a while, he'll eat fish and chicken but won't touch red meat or organ meat anymore. I have to sneak in fat occasionally because I do all of the cooking but he's a mess and I'm a healthy woman again. I've tried to convince him that I made these remarkable changes (30 lbs less) and yet he still believes his way is the right way. It's a marathon and not a sprint to get him back to healthy again. Thanks for the link and the conversation! Cheers and healthy eating!

[BrotherIvan]

100. Cheers to you!

I know about dealing with someone who won't get on board with your health vibe. It took a while for my friend to do it too. Just keep being healthy and when he wants to, he might try it. Good luck!

[LittleGirl]

106. That's my hope!

That he will eventually see it and come over to the bright side of life. ha ha. Cheers!

[a2liberal]

112. similar here

For me, high doses of omega3 (suggested by doctor because of liver levels) work way better for cholesterol than statin ever did, and without the list effects

[LittleGirl]

115. I tried them but the leg pain forced me to stop within 2 weeks

Adding coconut oil to my daily intake was the kicker!

[Hekate]

61. I was barely 40 y.o. when I went on a rigorous diet/exercise plan to lower my cholesterol. It soared

By the time I was done losing the weight (a mere 25 pounds got me nice and skinny) my cholesterol had soared to 350. The bad kind, thanks. I've been on one statin or another ever since, over 25 years, and have kept my numbers around 225.

Hubby eats whatever he wants, gains whatever he wants, and his cholesterol never gets over 190.

Heredity, ain't it great. YMMV.

[BrotherIvan]

67. Some people have all the luck, it's true

Some people create cholesterol differently. BTW, there is no proven correlation between cholesterol and heart disease, it's actually just a hypothesis, the "lipid hypothesis," that conveniently sold a lot of medicine

http://chriskresser.com/cholesterol-doesnt-cause-heart-disease

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/17/study-questions-fat-and-heart-disease-link/?_r=0

There is even question that cholesterol could be your body's defense against arteriosclerosis by creating a stronger artery wall. As I said, it isn't necessarily obesity that causes high cholesterol and depending on your diet, it might have have increased insulin which is the mechanism for high cholesterol, most especially the "bad" cholesterol. Many people go on a low fat, high carb diet to lose weight or reduce their cholesteral an inadvertently their insulin rises or they become resistant.

So while I am not telling anyone to stop/start doing anything--if it works for you and you feel well and happy, great--I do know there are plenty of people for which statins are not an option either financially or the side effects, such as liver damage, muscle soreness and cramping, dizziness, tightness in the lungs and heart, nausea, etc. are too severe. That's all. I didn't realize it would be so controversial and set off the statin wars.

[Drahthaardogs]

79. Statins save lives.

Some people do not tolerate them well and the evidence for primary prevention is limited. However if you have heart disease statins do miraculous things .

[packman]

96. Agree with you

I find people rather naïve who read books and take advice about diet , or vitamin supplements, or who make up their own minds concerning health care based on dubious observations, . I'll trust my doctors and if something doesn't agree with me or have the desired effects, I'll ask for adjustments rather than dive into some claim being hawked in a magazine or on TV.

[progressoid]

20. That's great and also f'ed up.

It's great you saved that much, but how many thousands of people are getting gouged for $500 every day for that same prescription? And I'd wager that at $30, Walgreens and the drug company are still making a profit.

The health "care" system in America is fucked up.

[elias49]

21. Sure, the health care system is f'ed up. Spread the word

and maybe we can help others. This is a start.

[blackcrow]

25. free flu shots

I was in a CVS today (I usually shop at RiteAid) and there was a free flu shots sign. I don't know if there was a catch like you have to be on insurance. The sign said nothing about that, though.

[IronLionZion]

97. Most insurance will cover it with no copay

I don't know for sure, but that's probably the catch at cvs.

There are also legitimately free clinics and student health centers (colleges) that will give it for free for those who can't afford it. First come first serve

[Leontius]

27. Good for you

I wish I had the same luck my Rx for Bystolic doubled in price on my drug plan thru my COBRA ins. from my former employer. I may give this a try and see what happens.

[Posteritatis]

29. That's fantastic. (nt)

[yallerdawg]

31. Drug pricing is incomprehensible!

On your own, without insurance or a plan, we can watch the 'invisible hand' of the free market system...end up deep in our pockets.

[SheilaT]

33. I signed up for Part D when I went on Medicare,

even though I had no prescriptions to worry about. Then I got an Advantage Plan with drug coverage. I'm now taking a whopping three prescriptions, and I get a three month supply by mail for zero copay.

[Raine1967]

38. This is good news in one aspect: you found a way around it.

Having said that, it is clear that drug companies are going to do their very best to screw people over.

It should not be this difficult.

[MineralMan]

92. I agree that we're being ripped off. I was just offering

a link to something that might help someone with a prescription price problem.

Every little bit helps, I think.

[Raine1967]

94. I completely agree! It's really

important to pass the information on.

[Hekate]

41. Thank you so much for this information. We will get really clobbered when hubby retires...

Actually, he retired from teaching 2 1/2 years ago, and was two weeks into it when our son told him about a Data Base Administrator position at his company that had gone unfilled for nearly a year. Hubby really loves this job, but all things end eventually, and then we will have to reckon with the system.

Anyhow, those two weeks of retirement were quite an education in what our medical insurance and payout costs will be. I in particular am a rather expensive woman to keep healthy.

So thank you, MineralMan. Forwarding and Bookmarking.

[Omaha Steve]

43. Great find

Thanks for the info.

OS

[SoapBox]

45. Wow...pretty interesting.

But I have a huge frustration with our healthcare system here still.

A cousin that will be Medicare eligible in November, has had a hell of a time getting coverage now...she's falling into the "hole" with the ACA and how much she earns (or doesn't earn!)

Then there is my Mom...on an Advantage plan in Los Angeles County...she pays virtually nothing, for anything. The plans here are beating each other up and that COMPETITION has been keeping prices/co-pays down to nothing.

We either need Single Payer and/or a lot more competition nationwide.

[MineralMan]

93. No question. We need a single-payer system that can

force pharmaceutical companies to set prices at reasonable levels and that covers prescription costs.

Right now, though, we don't have that, so anything that helps people pay for their prescriptions seems like a good thing to me. I'm not defending any part of the health care industry in any way. I'm just trying to provide a link to a resource that might help some people. It certainly helped me.

[denbot]

50. Kick

Hopefully this can help some DU'ers.

[MineralMan]

52. I hope so, too.

It sure helped me.

[WhiteTara]

54. Why don't you get part D? I know you'll have a penalty

but mine is $19.00 a month and no prescription can cost more than $6.25. I am on "extra help" and last week my doc put me on a new med that is $900 a month and my co pay was $6.25. By receiving this "extra help" I don't pay my part B, but do pay my supplemental and prescription. It's been a godsend.

[MineralMan]

56. I might at the next open enrollment period.

That's over for this year.

[WhiteTara]

62. There are always exceptions.

Chat it up with some nice worker at the human services office and perhaps you'll find the exception.

[MineralMan]

70. I'm self-employed. Im pretty sure I don't

fit any of the exceptions.

[WhiteTara]

78. Well, if you've checked and

don't want the hassle, next year will get here. May this year be good for all of us.

[djean111]

55. Costco pharmacy is wonderful for those with no insurance. No need to join Costco.

Some of my son's meds were 80 or 90% LESS than at CVS or Publix or Walgreen's. They will quote prices over the phone.

[MineralMan]

58. yes, their price was better, but not as good as $30.

[djean111]

63. Basically, they are a lifesaver for folks with no insurance at all. Literally!

Thanks for the GoodRx link. I wondered if those coupons were legit.

[MineralMan]

71. They seem to be legit.

Worked for me, anyhow, and you don't have to have insurance to use them.

[Hekate]

64. We currently use Costco, but per MinMan's experience we might check around on the higher cost ones.

On the whole, though, Costco has been good. So far.

[djean111]

65. Do you have insurance? I don't know how Costco costs with insurance. nt

[Hekate]

69. Yes we do, because hubby decided to re-employ after retirement. But it shifts year by year.

Last year we ran through our hefty deductible for prescriptions in a couple of months (sticker shock, sticker shock), and then rode free the rest of the year. I make a point of renewing as soon as they allow me to, so I always have extra inventory on hand. Nonetheless, on the 21st of January, the next time I can call in for renewals, I am preparing to have my breath taken away again. And if I understand hubby correctly, we may be having a year-round co-pay this time.

Other things have a max, like dental. Last January 2014 I blew through my allotment for the year all at once due to needing 3 crowns and 2 root canals that were scheduled out from December 2013. (As you can see, we play games with the scheduling of certain procedures.) Then just paid out of pocket for all my checkups and cleanings after that. In December 2014 my checkup revealed a cavity on the edge of an old filling, so I'll have that done this month, to put it within the new year. Given my history, I have to be prepared for anything from a new simple filling to a complete root canal and crown.

Anyway, Costco has been pretty good. We were on CVS by mail, but they have featured in several articles by consumer advocates in the Business section of the LA Times, and I decided I'd rather go with Costco.

[RKP5637]

59. Thanks for posting this!!! I've got it bookmarked! n/t

[Bonobo]

72. I can't take this seriously because you mistakenly capitalized "Prescription" and "Prices".

Sorry, no further message except to remind you that it is the same logic as the the recent OP you launched over the misspelling of Russell Brand and how his fans should not be listened to AS A RESULT of their spelling.

[MineralMan]

74. Suit youself.

[mythology]

73. While I am many years away from Medicare

thanks for sharing this for those who can make use of it.

[MineralMan]

75. Anyone can use it. It isn't just for people on Medicare.

[rurallib]

76. marked to return to

and thanks

[Lifelong Protester]

77. Thanks for the tip.

Bookmarked the site. Right now I don't need it, but I know that can change fast.

[freshwest]

81. Went to site. Does COSTCO fall under the 'membership' category? I see no data there, but it's great.

All the prices are lower than I've been paying at COSTCO. It's going to be hard to buy one that I really need, have needed for 4 months, but can't afford. I had to give up my AARP plan.

This might work. TIA if you know about if COSTCO fits under their plan. Many of us really need this information and it is much appreciated.

[MineralMan]

125. I saw a mention of a big box store, but they didn't name it.

I didn't click the link, though. Probably Costco or Sam's Club.

[Ms. Toad]

82. Just out of curiosity, I checked the drug my daughter has been taking for 20 years

(one of three)

Cheapest cash price for 30 days: $1212
Cheapest price with the free coupon: $920.51
Our copay - $150 for 90 days.

...that's nearly $300,000 - so far. Yikes! I knew she cost a lot, but I hadn't calculated how much that single piece of her care cost.

Cheapest cash price for 30 days for one of my spouse's ~15 daily meds: $1070
Cheapest price with the free coupon: $866.97
Our copay - $150 for 90 days.

I feel sorry for our self-insured employer...

On the other hand I'm a cheap medical date. My total prescription costs:
Cheapest cash price for 30 days (which will actually last me at least 90 days) $51
Cheapest price with the free coupon $ 5.24
My copay - $24 for 90 days (the last 90 day supply lasted me more than a year)

Good find. It won't help us - but since I frequently get asked for medical guidance it may come in handy.

I also noticed a billboard on the way home that Giant Eagle is offering free Lisinopril, for anyone who happens to be in the vicinity of one & need that med.

[Cha]

84. Thanks for passing this on to those who need much better prices for meds, MM.

[pugetres]

88. Thanks for the link but

in the states, Costco beat the price of any of the coupons offered at the link you shared by at least $100 for a 90 day supply.

I'm going to have to stick with the Canadian pharmacy that has the medicine I take in generic form. It just isn't offered in generic form in the US at the moment. But, ordering from out of the country costs about 1/6 of what it costs here. A three month supply costs me about $65 from the Canadian pharmacy (shipping increases the cost by $10). It costs a minimum of $135 a month (usually around $400 for three months) here in the states because they just will not release it in generic form.

I was established on this particular medicine years ago and have struggled as it was moved from tier to tier until it wasn't listed on the formulary any longer. The drug companies love to change change inert ingredients so that they may get new patents on old drugs. Bastards.

[Motown_Johnny]

90. that is cheaper than with my insurance

my copay is 15 a month for my atorvastatin.

I may need to look into this, thanks for sharing.

[Paper Roses]

99. I bookmarked this thread plus:

I have so many bookmarks(time to clean up) that I copied the URL and sent an e-mail to myself so that I would have immediate access to this information. I have just signed up for part D after 6 years of eligibility. Paying a huge penalty for not doing so but--my stupid choice but I have no money to spend on extra's. SS only goes so far.

I will go to this site if I ever need another RX. Instead of having my doctor fax an RX to my pharmacy, I will ask for a paper RX and then contact goodrx.com to compare.
I have no money to give to the drug companies, in fact, I, like so many others, am trying to keep my head above water.I have already refused an RX that was $150.00 a month. There is no more money in these coffers for big pharm.

Geeze, how long will we be screwed by Medicare(no contract) and big pharm in conjunction with prescription prices.
This old timer is sick of it.

[randys1]

102. Wonderful info and proof that we are being ROBBED by the Pharmaceutical industry

[tblue37]

103. KnR. nt

[BobbyBoring]

104. Thanks MM!

My new prescription plan with BC BS sucks! I have to pay half for one drug that costs $1,300.00. I used to pay $50.00 before ACA kicked in. I think I found some help here!

[MineralMan]

107. I hope you get a good result and a better price.

Pricing for pharmaceutical products is all over the map. No wonder people are confused.

[lark]

108. Whoohoo!

I'll definitely check this out. My insurance planned changed it's rx benefits, drastically, this year. My husband and I had 2 rx's that we paid less than $1/month for and those will now be $20 or $40/month (don't know which yet). He has bad diverticulitis and needs 2 expensive antibiotics when he has bad flare-ups, several times a year in general. Those were already expensive, don't know how we'll be able to afford them if this doesn't help. Going there next to see.

Thank you, thank you!!

[MineralMan]

109. I hope they offer better prices for you.

I didn't look at a lot of medications there. Just the ones I use.

[totodeinhere]

113. Thank you for that information.

It's great that you were able to find an affordable price for your meds.

[pansypoo53219]

117. USA is screwed by the medical industrial complex. see the daily show last night + fresh air on NPR.

brill writes a book.

[caraher]

118. The site is legit

I was helping a student from India buy meds; they'd phoned a prescription into the WalMart pharmacy and it was going to be $120 for a pretty run-of-the-mill drug. I went on the site and got a coupon we took to the Kroger pharmacy; it cost about $10 (I don't remember exactly).

[MineralMan]

126. Thanks for your report.

[JDPriestly]

121. Thanks.

[MineralMan]

124. My pleasure.

[customerserviceguy]

127. What you are describing

is the incredible bullshit that makes up "pricing" in the entire medical industry. The only thing I can think of that is sold with more price differentials for the same damn thing is airline seats. And I can fathom a rational reason or two for the latter, some of the time.

Charging someone hundreds of dollars more for a product or service just because you don't have some little 'card' that really doesn't represent any form of payment to the provider is just plain horseshit.

[MineralMan]

128. You are exactly right, but it is the current reality.

Finding workarounds is the best way we have to keep this under more control. I can't fix the system, but I can report workarounds.

[Quackers]

130. Just found out pet meds are on there too!

http://www.goodrx.com/pets

Check out the price range for this pet pain med:

Prices for 60 chewable tablets of Previcox 227mg (brand)

KVSupply
Mail Order 157.95
online
Buy Online
Pet360
Mail Order 172.96
online
Buy Online
1800PetMeds
Mail Order 217.94
online
Buy Online
HealthWarehouse
Mail Order 285.95
online
Buy Online
PetFoodDirect
Mail Order 5,310.00
online
Buy Online

[MineralMan]

131. I saw that they had veterinarymeds, but I didn't

check those. What a range!