Nearly one third of all prescriptions written in the United States are never filled, largely due to cost. Too often, people (both insured and uninsured) are under the impression that filling their prescription medicines will cost huge amounts of money, and don’t do so as a result. In many cases, this is false, and may actually end up costing you more down the road. Today’s prescription insurance structure is a complicated maze of different copays/coinsurance, certain drugs not being covered because they are not “preferred,” and less coverage for more money. Meanwhile, pharmacy insurance companies (othewise known as PBM’s or Pharmacy Benefit Managers) are making more money than ever by dictating what medication your doctor can prescribe you based on what medications they can get the best deal on from manufacturers. By sharing our prescription medication report with your doctor, lower cost alternatives … Continue reading
Every year in the United States, doctors write millions of prescriptions for their patients. Of those prescriptions, nearly 33% are never filled. There are a variety of reasons for this, which include the perception they are not sick and don’t need the medicine, or even mistrust in the medical system as a type of scam to get their money. The main reason these prescriptions go unfilled correlates strongly with cost and/or the inability to pay. This situation for those who cannot afford their medication is unfortunate at best. Not taking these potentially life savings medications can cost you in many ways. It can cost you more money due to an adverse event, time spent with family, and quality of life. Think of it this way, if you didn’t fill and take your blood pressure medication and had a heart attack, … Continue reading
As a follow up to the article posted two weeks ago on our blog, “Why 31% of people never fill the prescriptions they are given,” this week we are going to take a look at the fact that 24% of people who fill their prescription take less than the prescribed amount. This percentage is directly proportionate to the cost of the medication and the patients ability to pay. By taking less, consumers are in essence trying to stretch their dollars and feel less of a financial burden. Each year, non-compliance to prescription medication costs the American economy thousands of lives and hundreds of billions of dollars. Two week’s ago, we talked about the large percentage of patients not filling their medications. This weeks focus is on those that take the initiative to fill the prescription, but then make decisions that … Continue reading
For many years physicians have encouraged patients to take a low dose (81mg) aspirin to help prevent cardiovascular problems. Continue reading
