Thyroid Conditions

There are ways to cut your costs though and avoid that fate.  Check them out at:

http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/5-ways-cut-your-healthcare-bills.html

 

Calley7

This article was very interesting, but I have a few more tips to add.

Many pharmacies are offering a $4 list of generics.  What I tell my customers is to pick up a list (if it is available in your state) and take it to the MD and ask if there is anything on this list that he can prescribe that would work on your condition.

Tell your doctor ahead of time that your insurance is not the greatest and if at all possible, you would like to try something that has a generic.  Older drugs have been researched more and the 17 year old patent has expired, where new drugs are not as researched and the drug company has to make a profit on over 20 years of development.

Know your insurance company.  Every insurance company has a list of drugs (called a FORMULARY) that is preferred.  Call or  go on-line and get a copy of it and take it with you to your MD.

Get to know your pharmacist...if you can.  Ask questions!  I cannot stress this enough.  Sometimes there are coupons or special offers that the pharmacy is prohibited by the company that they work for from mentioning.  My store is full of coupons for free trials, $20 off that we are not "allowed" to give customers, unless they ask for it.  Also, we will price match any competitor but ONLY if the customer asks for it.  Thankfully, my manager does not follow these "rules", we do it automatically, but not everyone does.

If your pharmacist is "grouchy" or you simply don't like him/her, get to know one of the Technicians.  There are quite a few of us who actually know more about insurance and drug prices than the pharmacist and we are always willing to check on pricing from competitors for you.......just ask!

Comparison shopping is absolutely a must!  But, for safety reasons, DO NOT  use multiple pharmacies.  That is very dangerous.  Instead, ask your pharmacy to price match with their competitors.  If they refuse, do not hesitate to let them know that you will be switching to a different pharmacy immediately.  Believe me, the thought of losing a SINGLE customer due to something that can  be avoided is enough to have them re-thinking their policy.  If they still don't comply, don't hesitate to go somewhere else.

~Rosemary