My parents or on Medicare and having a hard time paying high prices for certain medicines.?

Question

They have insurance but the cost is still outrageous and they only receive a Social Security check. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Answer 1

This is a question that lots of older Americans and their caregivers are asking right now. Your parents are lucky to have you to help them!

Medicare --and questions about the new Medicare prescription drug benefit --can be confusing! Depending on your parents' income, there is "Extra Help" or the Low Income Subsidy assistance under Medicare Part D--and there are sources of assistance for income-eligible seniors from pharmaceutical companies. Since Medicare Prescription Drug plans vary, a review of what the plan covers and doesn't may be in order. Although changes in plans may not be able to be made right away, there is a bit of a chance that your parents might be eligible to "re-enroll" if they have made the "wrong choice" in a plan.

If you want to talk to "real people"--who aren't selling any particular plan and also will know sources of free or lower cost prescription medications for income-eligible people, I would highly recommend that you connect with your local Area Agency on Aging. These groups are one of the best kept secrets around for older Americans and their families who are seeking information on Medicare and other kinds of consumer questions. There is one where you live, since this is a national network--and, like I said, they aren't selling anything! The staff there will visit with you and guide you to information you need to answer your question. Since they talk with seniors every day--and answer lots of questions--they will know the "scoop" on the Medicare Part D plans available where you live. They will be able to help you assess your parents' situation and suggest and guide you to solutions.

You can call toll-free 1-800-677-1116 to find how to contact the Area Agency serving you.

Another thing to know is that Area Agencies on Aging have resources and support services that help older Americans and their caregivers. You might find other helpful information for your parents and yourself by making this call.

If you do contact your local Area Agency on Aging and like the help that they give you, let your local county officials and your folks in Congress know, too. Area Agencies on Aging don't have big budgets--their funding comes from the Older Americans Act and appropriations have not increased for years! Your voluntary financial contribution of any amount--which is not required to get the help you need to answer this question--would certainly be appreciated.

Hope this helps. Good luck and best wishes to you and to your parents.

Answer 2

There is something provided by the givernment called safety net which is basically a limit that people reach per year when buying medicines and they can claim anything over it back. If they are pensioners, they should ask their dr if they can have their drugs approved under the pbs (pharmaceutical benefits scheme) where they will only pay about $4 for their medication.

Answer 3

You may want to contact Medicare and see if they know of any Prescription plans in the area. The prescription plan pays for the medicines you only have to pay a small fee for each medicine.

Answer 4

The partnership for Prescription assistance can help them. This is a newly formed grouped that helps people who cannot afford prescriptions get reduced prices from the drug companies. The drug companies themselves are a part of this (under pressure from congressmen, so they do not put price controls on them). A famous talk show host started this group ( I cannot remember his name). Look it up on line under Partnership for Prescription assistance. This should provide them some relief. I hope it helps.

Answer 5

Call their doctor. Many drug co's provide free or low cost drugs to those in need.It may take some paperwork but they'll be glad to help.

To give you an idea. here's some data from Pfizer. My dad;s doctor has a filing cabinet full of info.

Mke that call tomorrow. Let us know how you make out.

Answer 6

Wal-Mart pharmacy has a list of prescriptions for meds that are only $4. Call or go online
to see if some of the medications your parents need are listed.

Answer 7

they can ask their MD to give them samples of the meds -enough to last until the next month
MDs get free samples of most meds all the time