A Pharmacist’s Guide to Finding Affordable

MedicationKay-Lee Allen

Northeastern UniversityOctober 21, 2012

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“Prescription drug costs are growing faster than any other segment of healthcare,” (Steinman) and this is suspected to be the case until at least 2019 (“Prescription Drug Costs”).

The costly expense of prescriptions is the number one reported reason for why people do not comply with the prescriber’s directions for taking the drug (“The Alarming Facts and Effects of High Cost Prescription Drugs”). When one cannot afford his medication, he goes without or takes a lesser dose than prescribed. This failure to take prescribed medications correctly can lead to a variety of serious complications and health issues, including death.

Is the cost of medication really a problem?

America as a whole is affected by these high costs. “In 2007, 90% of seniors and 58% of non-elderly adults relied on prescription medicine on a regular basis” (Prescription Drug Costs).

According to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, 40% of Americans have difficulty finding the financial means necessary to cover the high expense of prescription medications (“The Alarming Facts and Effects of High Cost Prescription Drugs”). Therefore, almost half of the country struggles to maintain their health due to the fact that they lack the necessary funds.

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Who is affected by costly medications?

www. coopercenter.org

How can we help?There are a number of ways that pharmacists can assist patients in finding solutions to reduce the costs of their medications.

www. health.state.tn.us

Step 1: Determine if the patient has insurance

If the patient has no insurance on file, ask if they have new prescription coverage.

www. selfhealthinsurance.com

If the patient does not have insurance, move on to Step 2.

Enter the patient’s information into his profile and bill the insurance for the prescribed medication.

If the medication is still too expensive or not covered:

1. Contact the insurance company and see if a portion of the cost goes towards a deductable. If it does, explain this to the patient and determine if he would be willing to pay.

If the patient has insurance:

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2. If the drug is not covered at all by the insurer, contact the company and determine whether or not they will cover an affordable alternative. If they do, phone the doctor to authorize the new prescription. www. masterfile.com

Step 2: Determine if a generic is available Generic drugs can be

up to 70% less expensive than brand name drugs.

If the prescriber wrote specifically for the brand name drug however, substitution to the generic must be authorized.

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Step 3: Bill through a company Savings Program

Bill the prescription through the pharmacy’s Discount Program to try to lower the cost.

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Step 4: Contact the prescriber to discuss an alternative Ask the doctor if there

is an effective substitute for the patient’s condition.

If so, determine if the new medication is less expensive.

Often times, drug manufacturers will have savings programs instilled for those who cannot afford their medication.

For example, Crestor is a costly drug prescribed for cholesterol that is available in brand name only. However, at Crestor.com, the company has a savings card that significantly reduces the charge.

Step 5: Contact the drug manufacturer

www. info.bernardhealth.com

Step 6: Search online for prescription saving websites

For example, www.rxassist.org is designed by pharmaceutical companies for patients who do not have the financial means necessary.

www. rxassist.org

If all of the previous options have failed, contact a town, church, the state, or the Salvation Army to see if funding is available.

Other Suggestions:

www. usc.salvationarmy.org

Conclusion: “The rise in costs of

prescription medications affects all sectors of health care industry, including private insurers, public programs, and patients” (“Prescription Drug Costs”). Thus, the high price of medications is not something that can be ignored. Steps must be taken to ensure that patients receive the necessary drugs to maintain their health. www. ownthedollar.com

References:“The Alarming Facts and Effects of High Cost Prescription

Drugs.” The Paying Price. 2011.

<www.payingtheprice.org>. 11 October 2012.

“Prescription Drug Costs.” KaiserEdu.org. 2010.

www.kaiseredu.org/issue-module/Prescription-Drug-Costs/Background-Brief.aspx.

Steinman, M. A. (2001),”Self-restriction of Medications Due to Cost in Seniors without Prescription Coverage.” Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16: 793– 799.2001. 10 October 2012.

The high cost of prescription drugs has become a serious issue for millions of individuals across the country. Pharmacists, as professional leaders of healthcare, have a responsibility to provide accessible healthcare to those in need. Therefore, it is their duty to find ways to make prescriptions more affordable.

Reflective Note:

I experienced this issue first hand while on co-op at a retail pharmacy. My PowerPoint could be used in pharmacies across the country to teach pharmacists the steps necessary to reduce the expenses of medications. Before starting employment with a specific company, pharmacists must complete over 20 hours of computer-based training (CBT) in the form of PowerPoints. They must also stay up-to-date by completing additional CBTs each month. I think that this is where the PowerPoint that I have constructed would fit in. In addition, it could be found on a corporate website or as a part of a general meeting.

As pharmacists are the target audience of the presentation, I constructed the PowerPoint in a professional manner. I started my presentation with an introduction consisting of factual information to exemplify the significance of the issue. The slide theme I chose was simple and attracts viewer’s attention towards the text. Many visuals were added to maintain the viewers interest and key concepts were bolded to reflect importance. In addition, I used concise language for easy comprehension and appropriate word choice for the intended field.

I feel that this piece is definitely something that could be added to my portfolio. It deals directly with the profession of pharmacy and could even be used by current pharmacists to help their patients. This PowerPoint is something that could be presented at the pharmacy that I am currently employed by to teach pharmacists how to assist patients in affording their medications.

Portfolio Note: