Prescription Savings for Seniors

Shopping and comparing prices for prescriptions drugs has been a necessary part of senior's shopping habits. New drugs and numerous places available to purchase those drugs has made comparison-shopping a daily ritual for many seniors. Prices have varied considerably from pharmacy to pharmacy.

One drawback of using multiple pharmacies, that Pat Peiser, executive director of Safeguards for Senior, a medication program sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women warns of; "It is important that your pharmacists know all the medications you are taking to help prevent drug interaction. Your pharmacist knowing all your medications is your best defense in preventing a drug interaction."

Medicare Approved Programs

The Medicare Cost Containment Act of 2004 offers Medicare Beneficiaries a number of solutions to the problem of getting prescriptions at a fair and reasonable price without the need to shop around. Medicare beneficiaries can sign up for any one of a number of Medicare approved Discount Card Programs.

The Medicare Approved card programs offer a discount ranging from 20 - 40 % off the cash price for Brand and Generic Drugs. For the most part, prescription prices under these card programs will be similar at all retail pharmacies.

The card programs will also offer Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries, with income of less than $12,569 single or $16,862 couple, a $600 annual Transitional Assistance subsidy toward the cost of prescription drugs. This assistance is available for all Low Income Beneficiaries who are not on a state Medicaid program, Federal Employee Program, Tricare for Life, or a commercial insurance program.

Additional relief is available for many low income seniors from a number of major drug manufacturers. Many of the Medicare Approved Card programs automatically enroll Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries in manufacturer assistance programs. The Pharmacy Care Alliance (PCA) card is one card that is linked to manufacturer assistance programs.

Arizona CoppeRx Prescription Discount Card Program

Available FREE to all Arizona Seniors 60 or older. Discounts range from 15% to 40%.

One local chain, Osco / Albertsons, has set up their pharmacies to become "centers of information" for these programs. Their pharmacies accept all the programs and their pharmacists have information on how each of the programs work.

Finally, some pharmacies such as Osco / Albertsons also have a savings program for patients 55 or over who pay cash for prescriptions. This programs offers Seniors 55 or over a 10% discount on all prescriptions not covered by insurance plans.