December 31st is the last date for the special enrollment period
for Medicare Part D. Set up an appointment with MedSave pharmacists
if you need some assistance making a decision.

My insurance program is no longer covering brand name medications during the doughnut hole (period with no drug coverage, from $2,510 and $5,350), How can I afford to take my medications?

At MedSave Family Pharmacy we review your medication profile for ways to save. Some of the items we look for are:

1. Do you qualify for the low income subsidy for the premium for Medicare Part D?
   
   
2. Can we substitute a generic drug for a brand name drug?
   
   
3. Can we, with the permission of your Doctor, substitute another medication in the same therapeutic class but that is generically available?
   
   
4. Is it possible to bill your medication to Medicare Part B by changing your medication to a Part B covered product? Hand held inhaler to an aerosolized product?
   
   
5. If your drug is not covered, can we find a similar medication that is?
   
   
6. Are you asking your Doctor for samples everytime you go to the clinic and do you call his nurse between visits?
   
   
7. Have you called the Patient Assistance Program through Merit Care clinic for help? Phone 1-877-460-9996.
   
   
8. Have you asked for manufacturer coupons through your Doctor or Pharmacy?
   
   
9. Have you switched to the lowest price medication within a therapeutic class?
   
   
10. Are you splitting tablets when possible?
    
    
11. Have you looked on the NeedyMeds.com website on your computer? Have a friend help.
    
    
12. Have you discontinued all unnecessary medications? Ask your doctor on each visit or solicit the advice of your Pharmacist who will work with your Doctor. Don't stop any medication without your Doctors approval.
    
    
13. Ask your Doctor which medications can be taken on an as needed rather than a scheduled basis?
    
    
14. Can you switch to an over the counter product?
    
    
15. If you haven't reached the donut hole by years end, have your medication filled as early and as often as possible before a new deductible takes effect.
    
    
16. If you are low dose insulin it is much more economical to use the pre-filled pens rather than viles. Most of the modern insulin products out-date/do not hold their potency beyond four weeks therefore much of the product in the vial is ineffective and must be discarded.
    
    
17. Price match at your local pharmacy.

It is always good to keep your physician informed of how you are actually taking your medications not to just let him/her assume you are taking the medication the way it is prescribed.

Richard Chernugal RPh