How Single Ma saved a lot on prescription drugs
If Single Ma had accepted the two prescriptions written for her and for her daughter without question, she would have spent $100 out-of-pocket — despite the fact that her workplace health insurance plan includes meds.
She did some research, made some phone calls, and ended up saving $180 (that’s not a typo), without accepting reduced care for herself or her beloved BabyGirl. This practical post at Fabulous Financials illustrates why you need to be a savvy consumer when it comes to medical care.
Read her post to get the full story, but we’ll break down the essentials here:
Single Ma found out that her insurance plan doesn’t include the prescribed medications on its list of drugs, so she’d have to pay $50 each, rather than the normal $7 to $20. She wrote, “I was told … the meds were ‘non-formulary,’ which is just another word to mean ‘not on the HMO-preferred list, so you’re on your own, sucka!’”
The drugs have no generic equivalents, so she researched and found similar drugs that are on the HMO list. She called the doctors’ offices, asked if the prescribed drugs were necessary, and suggested alternatives. In her case, the nurse offered free samples of the prescribed drug. In the second case, BabyGirl’s doctor agreed to prescribe an alternative.
Bonus: Single Ma also learned that she could get a 90-day supply for $20, rather than pay $10 for a 30-day supply. Because of Single Ma’s fabulous financial efforts, medication that would have cost $150 for three months became a $20 out-of-pocket expense, and the other $50 drug was free.
Single Ma wrote: “One of my girlfriends thought I was out of my mind to question why my doctor prescribed a certain med, then had the nerve to ask for an alternative. … this is my body, my money, and ultimately my decision — so I have a right to know, ask questions, and understand.”
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