Diabetes Pharmacist Blog : Focus Express Mail Pharmacy : Insulin Pumps, Diabetes Supplies and Information

Many articles have been written about how the economy has affected people who have no health insurance and have to pay cash  for their medications and medical supplies. The high cost of prescription medications have caused many of these people to cut their pills in half or take their pills every other day instead of daily. Some are even splitting their blood glucose testing strips in half to get 2 tests from one!  Studies have shown that by not taking or by skimping on medicines, symptoms and outcomes worsened and the rates of heart attacks and strokes have increased.

Now, research is showing that even people who HAVE insurance are being affected. New studies has shown that as co-pay amounts doubled, the percentage of patients who had started their medications dropped. As an example, it was found that "five years after their diagnosis, about 82 percent of people with hypertension had begun taking the drugs they needed to get their blood pressure under control, versus only about 66 percent of those whose co-pays were twice as much"

If you are experiencing difficulty paying for your medications, shop around  for the best price. If you have insurance but pay high co-pays, search for a pharmacy that may be able to help you save money on your co-pays. Check out the website  www.FocusPharmacy.com and see if Focus can help reduce your co-pay payment.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

 There are many unpublicized "side effects" to the worsening economy . The lost jobs, plant closings, high food prices, decreasing 401k's, and store bankruptcies are bringing to light horror stories about how people are now cutting back on their medications & supplies as well as doctor visits because they can't afford them.

People are cutting their glucose testing strips in half lengthwise to get two tests instead of one. This totally prevents any possibilty of accuracy. And, because these patients are not getting a true picture of their blood glucose level, they are opening themselves up to the severe complications of diabetes and possible hospital stays.

They're taking their diabetes or heart or blood pressure medications every OTHER day instead of every day, or cutting them in half  or  sometimes skipping them entirely.And they're doing this without consulting their pharmacist or physician.

And, what's more, people who are receiving NEW prescriptions are not getting them filled because they flat out cannot afford to get them filled.

Most of these people are those who have no insurance for their medications and supplies but  suprisingly, those with high co-pays are also cutting back.

Before you do anything drastic like this:

• Ask your doctor for samples of the medication(s) that you need.
• Call around for prices and use generic medications wherever possible .
• Check out the pharmacies that have 30 days of medication for only $4.00. Maybe your medication is on that list.
• See which pharmacies( mostly in supermarkets) are offering FREE antibiotic prescriptions and which antibiotics are on that list.
• Check with the manufacturers of your medications to see if you qualify for deeply discounted prices. Income and insurance are factors.
• Contact the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at 888-477-2669 or www.pparx.org
• Check out www.FreeMedicineFoundation.com
• Above all, consult with your doctor and pharmacist FIRST. They will be able to help you!

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks