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#11
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ot OT prescriptions
Aha and oh ho. No wonder she's been so robbed. She does have prescription
drug coverage, she did check to see that this insurance company covered her meds and then they dropped her non-generic meds. Dirty trick, methinks. Her income is too high to qualify for assistance from any of the programs we've found. I kinda think she could hire a limousine and ride to Canada in style for $ 800. Maybe not but I could ask. Polly |
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#12
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ot OT prescriptions
Wisconsin. Yes. I used to know about their encouraging their residents to
get their meds in Canada. Just one of the things that slipped from my insufficient memory. Thank you. Polly "dealer83" In years past I got my drugs from Canada as Wisconsin encouraged us to do it...so much cheaper, about 1/3rd the cost of them in the USA. I used Canadadrug.com. CanadaRX is another good one. You have to fax your prescription to them or have your Dr. do it. The turn around time is fast, maybe a week. Costco is the the cheapest in the USA and then Walmart and Target. |
#13
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ot OT prescriptions
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#14
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ot OT prescriptions
you need a doctor who is prepared to write a script that can be filled
in Canada, I'm hazy on the details, but I'm not sure that just writing it on headed notepaper is sufficient. I've definitely heard of doctors in some towns near the border that will do that, or pharmacies over the border that have relationships that enable to convert them, but most importantly she needs to know if the price really would be better, which probably means picking up the phone, contacting a few pharmacies and finding someone who will confirm the prices. Are the medicines ones where there are no alternatives that do come as generics, or those have already been tried? She might do better by talking to her pharmacist and doctors, even changing doses or formulations can help - I had a dumb situation where I prefered soluble, the doctor prescribed the regular stuff, I ended up seeing the price for both and to my surprise the soluble was a tenth the price of the regular, it's usually the other way around. Cheers Anne |
#15
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ot OT prescriptions
Polly Esther wrote:
Aha and oh ho. No wonder she's been so robbed. She does have prescription drug coverage, she did check to see that this insurance company covered her meds and then they dropped her non-generic meds. Dirty trick, methinks. Her income is too high to qualify for assistance from any of the programs we've found. I kinda think she could hire a limousine and ride to Canada in style for $ 800. Maybe not but I could ask. Polly Polly, it sounds like she really needs to someone to do some grunt work for her, unfortunately I'm not very knowledgeable about the US system, medicare and the like, but I'm moderately knowledgeable about drugs (seriously considered becoming a pharmacist, so have an interest) and I wouldn't mind doing some research for her - but I would need more specifics, I know where to get good prices on some drugs, but not every source is good for every type of drug. So if you want you can email me and I can try and help, patient advocacy is something I'd like to volunteer with in the longer term. Cheers Anne |
#16
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ot OT prescriptions
On May 23, 7:50*pm, Anne Rogers wrote:
Polly Esther wrote: Aha and oh ho. *No wonder she's been so robbed. *She does have prescription drug coverage, she did check to see that this insurance company covered her meds and then they dropped her non-generic meds. * Dirty trick, methinks. Her income is too high to qualify for assistance from any of the programs we've found. *I kinda think she could hire a limousine and ride to Canada in style for $ 800. * *Maybe not but I could ask. *Polly Polly, it sounds like she really needs to someone to do some grunt work for her, unfortunately I'm not very knowledgeable about the US system, medicare and the like, but I'm moderately knowledgeable about drugs (seriously considered becoming a pharmacist, so have an interest) and I wouldn't mind doing some research for her - but I would need more specifics, I know where to get good prices on some drugs, but not every source is good for every type of drug. So if you want you can email me and I can try and help, patient advocacy is something I'd like to volunteer with in the longer term. Cheers Anne |
#17
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ot OT prescriptions
OOps, sorry about that other post.
Polly, I buy many of my mother's drugs in Canada. I started last year and could kick myself that I didn't do it sooner. She's now saving close $5,000 CASH out-of-pocket this year. That ain't chump change. It's a very easy process. You can sign up online or by phone, mail or fax. They need basic information, a list of medications, a copy of the RX, and sometimes a copy of picture ID. There is NO NEED to EVER give out a SSN# or insurance (Medicare/AARP, whatever) because it has no relevance for these transactions. The most time consuming part is finding the right company that has the drugs you (or your friend) needs. But that can easily be done online. Any doctor (licensed in the US) can write the RX - you don't have to be near the border. My mother is in FL. I currently use 3 different Canadian pharmacies because they work for us with the drugs she needs. The drugs don't necessarily come from Canada, they may contract out with other pharmacies all over the world. I've gotten packages from the UK, Germany, India, and the last batch came from New Zealand. Most came within 3 weeks of ordering. Note they all have about a $10 shipping fee (per order). Want to hear about the cost savings? Un-freaking-believable. My mother takes over 15 different medications but the most expensive are related to her dementia. Namenda, Aricept and Aggrenox (stroke prevention). There are no available generics in the US. Brand name only. Here's the comparison - the US costs represent Humana's approx negotiated rate for their Medicare Part D members for a 90-day supply of these brand drugs bought at a CVS or via Right Source mail order: Namenda - US $505 OnlineCanada: $116 Aricept - US $610 OnlineCanada: $75(for Generic) Aggrenox - US $450 OnlineCanada: $93 That's a savings on just these 3 drugs of almost $1,300/quarter. And note that most times the drugs come in blister packs and it's in amounts of 100 instead of 90. So you're getting an extra 10 days included in that lower price. The Aggrenox is particulary galling. In the US it comes in a separate box for each month. The ones I've gotten from the UK/Germany are in the exact same box, same bottle, SAME FREAKING pill, except it's all printed with name ASASATIN instead of Aggrenox. The other medications come in blister packs. We can all thank big Pharma for keeping all these generics out of the US. And for lobbying hard enough so Medicare CANNOT negotiate prices. How freaking insane is that?? A couple of words of caution. On refills (which just require an easy phone call) it's possible the drug can come from a different country, and therefore might look different. Depending on the cognitive capabilities of the patient, that could be confusing - if he/she is used to a round pill and now it's oval, white and now it's yellow. You get the picture. Just recently I called to reorder the Aggrenox. The price was higher at one company, so I called the other one. They had the higher price but I asked them if they had a promotion or lower price. 2 seconds later, I had it for the lower price. So it pays to call around. And someone mentioned up above, many companies do offer aid, but I've heard from others that in the last year or two the paperwork is so overwhelming that I can see where some seniors might just give up if they're not up to the task. They don't make is easy to apply, despite all their blabbering to the contrary. If you want to email me the drugs your friend is looking for, I can look around and give you some suggestions for which companies might be best for her based on the drugs she needs. I also wrote up this 2 page "how to" for the neurologist to give out to other patients to maybe help them save some bucks. Which, btw, I'm sure she never did because doctors HATE to have these conversations. With all that, your friend needs to keep in mind she's already paying for an Rx plan here in the US. You didn't clarify if that's a Medicare PartD plan. Whichever it is, she should try to exhaust those benefits first (she's already paid for them) before she uses the Canadian ones. And, a final note, drugs bought outside the country cannot be included when calculating your medical tax deduction on your federal taxes. I feel for your friend. But there is help out there. Email me if you want more info. -Michele in NYC |
#18
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ot OT prescriptions
Well. Here I am once again absolutely astounded at the wealth of
information available here from my beloved rctq friends. My goodness. While it certainly was OT, I hope you who are expecting to get old were paying close attention to this thread. Thank you. Thank you so very much. Polly "Michele in NYC" I buy many of my mother's drugs in Canada. I started last year and could kick myself that I didn't do it sooner. She's now saving close $5,000 CASH out-of-pocket this year. That ain't chump change. It's a very easy process. You can sign up online or by phone, mail or fax. They need basic information, a list of medications, a copy of the RX, and sometimes a copy of picture ID. There is NO NEED to EVER give out a SSN# or insurance (Medicare/AARP, whatever) because it has no relevance for these transactions. The most time consuming part is finding the right company that has the drugs you (or your friend) needs. But that can easily be done online. Any doctor (licensed in the US) can write the RX - you don't have to be near the border. My mother is in FL. I currently use 3 different Canadian pharmacies because they work for us with the drugs she needs. The drugs don't necessarily come from Canada, they may contract out with other pharmacies all over the world. I've gotten packages from the UK, Germany, India, and the last batch came from New Zealand. Most came within 3 weeks of ordering. Note they all have about a $10 shipping fee (per order). Want to hear about the cost savings? Un-freaking-believable. My mother takes over 15 different medications but the most expensive are related to her dementia. Namenda, Aricept and Aggrenox (stroke prevention). There are no available generics in the US. Brand name only. Here's the comparison - the US costs represent Humana's approx negotiated rate for their Medicare Part D members for a 90-day supply of these brand drugs bought at a CVS or via Right Source mail order: Namenda - US $505 OnlineCanada: $116 Aricept - US $610 OnlineCanada: $75(for Generic) Aggrenox - US $450 OnlineCanada: $93 That's a savings on just these 3 drugs of almost $1,300/quarter. And note that most times the drugs come in blister packs and it's in amounts of 100 instead of 90. So you're getting an extra 10 days included in that lower price. The Aggrenox is particulary galling. In the US it comes in a separate box for each month. The ones I've gotten from the UK/Germany are in the exact same box, same bottle, SAME FREAKING pill, except it's all printed with name ASASATIN instead of Aggrenox. The other medications come in blister packs. We can all thank big Pharma for keeping all these generics out of the US. And for lobbying hard enough so Medicare CANNOT negotiate prices. How freaking insane is that?? A couple of words of caution. On refills (which just require an easy phone call) it's possible the drug can come from a different country, and therefore might look different. Depending on the cognitive capabilities of the patient, that could be confusing - if he/she is used to a round pill and now it's oval, white and now it's yellow. You get the picture. Just recently I called to reorder the Aggrenox. The price was higher at one company, so I called the other one. They had the higher price but I asked them if they had a promotion or lower price. 2 seconds later, I had it for the lower price. So it pays to call around. And someone mentioned up above, many companies do offer aid, but I've heard from others that in the last year or two the paperwork is so overwhelming that I can see where some seniors might just give up if they're not up to the task. They don't make is easy to apply, despite all their blabbering to the contrary. If you want to email me the drugs your friend is looking for, I can look around and give you some suggestions for which companies might be best for her based on the drugs she needs. I also wrote up this 2 page "how to" for the neurologist to give out to other patients to maybe help them save some bucks. Which, btw, I'm sure she never did because doctors HATE to have these conversations. With all that, your friend needs to keep in mind she's already paying for an Rx plan here in the US. You didn't clarify if that's a Medicare PartD plan. Whichever it is, she should try to exhaust those benefits first (she's already paid for them) before she uses the Canadian ones. And, a final note, drugs bought outside the country cannot be included when calculating your medical tax deduction on your federal taxes. I feel for your friend. But there is help out there. Email me if you want more info. -Michele in NYC |
#19
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ot OT prescriptions
On May 22, 11:09*pm, "Polly Esther" wrote:
The facts here have been disguised to protect the innocent (not that I know anybody all that innocent). *An elderly friend of ours is paying $ 800 per month for her medications. *There are no generic substitutes and her miserable tight-wad prescription insurance company won't pay a dime to help her. * * She doesn't *'do' internet and can't research. *I just can't help but wonder if she might be able to get her prescriptions through Canada. Forking over $800 a month isn't forcing her to live in the city park in a Boy Scout tent or have to serve Spam for Easter Dinner. *It just strikes me that this is simply not right. * * She's not a quilter needing FQs but I would love to help her save some $s for bingo down at the VFW every Thursday night. * * Please tell us about friends of yours that get their medicine from Canada. *No personal experiences, please. *Big Brother is watching you instead of the border. *Polly I know 4 of my guild members have tried getting medication from Canada. The first time was cheaper, the refills were more expensive than they were the first time. Also, 2 of them had their drugs tested because they weren't convinced they were getting the correct medication, and it was not the medication they ordered. It was sugar and aspirin!!!! All 4 of them have stopped dealing with Canada. They had insurance, but their particular medications were not covered under their policy. Sometimes the doctor can help her. Has she tried to contact the maker of the drugs? I know sometime they will help with the cost of some of the drugs. Sherry Starr |
#20
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ot OT prescriptions
You're really bringing up the rear here, Sherry. I ( I say *I* but it turns
out there are quite a few of the rctq folks battling prescription costs) am so grateful and astounded at the brick walls and not so bricky involved. Just for example - I only take one wee tiny little pill. Was told there is NO generic. Yes there is. Came upon that quite by accident. I asked a 1st cousin what he took, and also a nephew ... and there was my answer. In conclusion: old folks or maybe just those who are baffled by the struggle need an advocate. I'm just so grateful that you all could help me help my friend. Polly "Sherry Starr" I know 4 of my guild members have tried getting medication from Canada. The first time was cheaper, the refills were more expensive than they were the first time. Also, 2 of them had their drugs tested because they weren't convinced they were getting the correct medication, and it was not the medication they ordered. It was sugar and aspirin!!!! All 4 of them have stopped dealing with Canada. They had insurance, but their particular medications were not covered under their policy. Sometimes the doctor can help her. Has she tried to contact the maker of the drugs? I know sometime they will help with the cost of some of the drugs. Sherry Starr |
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