Circumventing the High Price of Prescription Drugs

Nearly fifty people volunteered to participate in a clinical study to test the efficacy of a new treatment for Herpes. Herpes is a permanent condition that causes a painful, itching, oozing rash similar to poison ivy; except it keeps coming back in the same location because the virus is buried deep in the nerve bundles near the spine. Everyone is susceptible who had chicken pox and it is transmissable. Cold sores are easy to see, but the truly unfortunate sufferers are those who transmit it sexually. The last part of the application process was a questionnaire polling for personal information, asking about their condition; the very last question was, “How much money would you be willing to pay for relief from Herpes? Would it be worth fifty dollars to end an episode? Would you pay a hundred dollars for relief?” Some answered they would remortgage their homes to escape the inevitable return of Herpes. This suggests the noble idea that drug prices reflect the company’s heavy investment in research might be just clever public relations. Prices in this instance were established after research was conducted to determine what the market would bear.

There is relief from high prices even if your required medication is not yet available as a generic. Generic drugs are produced under the same strict FDA guidelines as brand name drugs. In fact, generics are manufactured by some of the same companies that make brand names, and that’s what your brand name drug becomes when the patent runs out; a generic. The key to greater savings when buying generics is who you buy from. For example, a commonly prescribed widespectrum antibiotic named Doxycycline (100mg-100 tablets) may cost upwards of $80 at your local CVS but only $20 at your grocery pharmacy. Costco is one pharmacy that sells for less. If you would like the added convenience of having the drug delivered to your door, Costco has an online pharmacy that will ship your prescription via the USPS for two bucks and you do not have to be a member. Most pharmacists will substitute a generic if you request it and your doctor allows it.

Almost all drug companies have bent to public demand and created programs for free or reduced cost prescriptions. They involve a mountain of paperwork and must be refiled on a regular basis, including last year’s tax return. Organizations have been springing up to reduce the workload, help participants understand and meet requirements and insure they are not overwhelmed. One such organization, RX Outreach, will assist if you have an income under $48k. They have a long list of available brand name drugs; check the list before you sign up because not everything is available. Total charge is $18 per 90 day refill. The same type of service is sometimes available locally through a church ministry for a smaller fee or no fee at all. Check with Social Services or your local ministries for prescription assistance programs.

If you don’t mind paperwork, there’s direct access to all the drug programs provided by the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a compendium of concerned doctors and drug companies with programs developed to provide free medication for those who qualify. Most drug companies require an income below $20k after expenses, but it’s worth the time to investigate.

Can’t find a program for the drug you need? Not all companies respond to social pressure. Needy Meds provides a list of 330 drug companies on their site, and identifies those who don’t have programs. They also provide a handy map to direct you to state and local programs that may offer help.