Are you able to cover the cost of your meds? It could easily put a dent in your pockets if you are battling major health challenges.
Let’s face it: Coming to terms with the fact that you have a lifelong disease can be mentally draining. Trying to figure out how you will be able to afford your medications is an extra layer of stress that can be detrimental to your illness.
Access to affordable medications is a constant struggle for people with sickle cell disease – a disorder of hemoglobin that largely affects African Americans.
The CDC estimates that about 1 in 13 African American births will have sickle cell trait, and about 1 in 365 will have the disease.
The annual cost associated with sickle cell disease can be on average $10,000 for children. The financial burden dramatically increases as beneficiaries get older and their disease progresses. Adults can expect to pay three times more in costs than children which may cause many to reconsider the kind of treatment they receive.
With the costs of healthcare and medications continuing to escalate, it’s important to know your options to avoid suffering in silence. Collaboration and communication with others are key to understanding the resources around you.
Here are a few actions you can take to increase your access to the medications needed to manage your pain crisis:
Have a Conversation About the Cost of Meds with Your Doctor
When is the last time you had a conversation with your doctor? Remember, your doctor is a trained resource – use them!
Get in the habit of engaging in open communication with your doctor to understand your options. Don’t limit your conversations to just your health concerns. Be upfront about your financial matters as well.
Start by asking your doctor for coupons or free samples. Drug reps provide doctors with these items to enable you to test out medicines before purchasing a full prescription.
Remember, you don’t have to sacrifice quality because of your financial situation. If there is a certain medicine you want, then ask your doctor for discounts. Medicines for sickle cell patients have improved significantly in the past few decades and you should be aware of them without worrying about the cost.
Adakveo, an infusion medicine that helps to manage sickle cell pain, was recently released and maybe less of a hassle than taking a daily pill.
The monthly infusion allows doctors to adjust doses as needed and it stays in the system without the drug diminishing completely by the end of the month.
Another smart move is asking your doctor to split your pills. Since some drugs cost the same no matter what the dosage is, you can ask your doctor to provide a prescription for a high-dose pill that you can split in half later.
Allow Technology to Work for You
The internet can be your best friend when shopping for cost-effective prescription options. Go online, review various websites, or use mobile apps to find the best price options for your medications.
Here are some popular websites you can use to start your research:
• GoodRx.com • Blink Health
• OneRx • RetailMeNot Rx Saver
• ScriptSave • WellRx
• Easy Drug Card • Search Rx
GoodRx is a popular site that allows you to compare prices and get free coupons. Blink Health allows you to input what medicine you need while the algorithm searches for the lowest price.
Download the OneRx app to instantly save on your prescription medications with or without insurance. The internet showcases many apps and websites that can help you save thousands of dollars a year.
Use these resources and start saving today!
Choose a Plan that Meets Your Needs and Helps With Cost of Meds
Understand your health insurance plan. Don’t just check the box on a plan that sounds good. Make sure it’s a good fit for you so that you can get access to the meds you need.
When you re-enroll in your plan this year, determine if a PPO (preferred provider organization), POS (point of service), (EPO) exclusive provider organization, or HMO (health maintenance organization). The plan to select will determine your premium, co-pays, and out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions.
Your policy may also include free services and discounts that you aren’t aware of. Some health insurance companies may cover alternative treatments that can help you manage your symptoms.
There are additional money and resources available to help you cover the cost of your meds. Do your research and connect with professionals who can expose you to your options so that financial worries won’t stop you from getting the monetary relief you deserve. (BlackDoctor.org by Charlene Rhinehart)