Money and Health:Saving on Medication
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What You Need to Know
5 Money-Saving Questions to Ask Before Your Doctor Writes a Prescription
Save on medications even before you leave the doctor's office
You know the visit is almost over when your doctor picks up her pen and prescription pad. But before you leave the office, don’t forget to bring up this important medical issue: the cost of drugs. If you can't afford to take a medication, it can't benefit your health. And there are many ways to save money on medicine even if you have good insurance. Read More
5 Tips for Safely Buying Drugs on the Internet
Shopping online could help you save
Buying prescription medicine online can be a convenient and, in some cases, less expensive way to stock up on drugs you take regularly. If your insurance policy has a prescription benefit, your co-pay will be the same no matter where you shop. But if you pay for your own prescriptions or need a drug that isn’t covered by your insurance plan (expensive patented drugs not yet available as generics, for instance), shopping online could save you money. Read More
Is Buying Discount Drugs in Foreign Countries a Good Idea?
Bargain or danger?
Whether it's vacationers stocking up on prescriptions or Internet surfers who order their medications from foreign pharmacies online, purchasing meds from abroad has been touted as a great way to save money—and for good reason. The United States is one of the few countries in the world in which the government doesn’t control or negotiate the price of prescription drugs. Read More
6 Ways to Save on Prescription Drugs
Experts' top tips
Smart shopping strategies can help you save a lot of money on your prescription bills—without sacrificing your health. Here, experts' top tips. Read More
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Expert Advice on How to Convince Your Insurer to Cover Your Drugs
Q: What documentation do I need?
A: "You should take copious notes of all phone calls and demand a detailed written explanation for the denial—not just a one-sentence letter, but one that sets forth the exact policy language the insurer based its decision on," advises Augustine. "In your appeal, you’ll want to address the insurer’s stated reason for the denial and why you think it was wrong." Read More
A: "You should take copious notes of all phone calls and demand a detailed written explanation for the denial—not just a one-sentence letter, but one that sets forth the exact policy language the insurer based its decision on," advises Augustine. "In your appeal, you’ll want to address the insurer’s stated reason for the denial and why you think it was wrong." Read More
How to Get Help Paying for Drugs You Can't Afford
Patient-assistance programs can help you get the meds you need
If your doctor prescribes an expensive drug and you’re uninsured or can’t afford the co-pays, don’t despair. So-called patient-assistance programs, many of them run by pharmaceutical companies, are available to help you get the drugs you need. Read More
How to Continue to Live at Home as You Age
Home equity can help older people stay solvent
Given the choice, most people want to stay in their homes as they age. In one AARP survey, 89% of those 50 and older said they preferred to remain in their own residence, and the older the respondents, the stronger their feelings on the subject. Read More
