It pays to shop around
The state and federal governments were unable to devise plans to pick up prescription drug coverage for the elderly when times were great. So chances are slim to none that either Harrisburg or Washington, D.C., will extend health benefits during deficit years. The best advice we can offer is the same as that proposed by the 60 Plus Association. Shop around. The Arlington, Va., based group that lobbies on behalf of senior’s issues commissioned a nationwide pricing study of common prescription drugs. It mirror conclusions found by AARP in a similar study of Pennsylvania pharmacies.
The way the 60 Plus study worked is simple. Twenty pharmacies in six cities in New Hampshire, Florida and Missouri were asked for prices for 30-day supplies on six commonly prescribed brand-name drugs (Prilosec, Lipitor, Celebrex, Fosamax and Paxil) and five common generic drugs (atenolol, furosemide, levothyroxine, digoxin and metformin).
Prices for brand-name drugs varied by as much as $60 and as much as 856 percent on generics. While one pharmacy charged less than $4 for one drug another charged $38.15.
When it comes to buying prescription drugs it pays to spend time in advance on the phone. A $19 charge to fill a prescription is a lot easier on the pocket than $90 for the same pills.
There was very little difference in the average prices of drugs from state to state. The biggest variables are found in each city with one pharmacy charging much more than the shopping center down the road.
Prescription drug consumers need to try the 60 Plus methods. When filling the next prescription, call a handful of pharmacies for prices. See if it indeed makes a difference.