CAN I USE ONLINE PHARMACIES?
- Ben Murray
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
Navigating the world of prescription drug costs can be challenging, especially for Medicare beneficiaries. While Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage drug plans provide essential coverage, there are additional avenues to explore that may help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. In this article, we'll delve into alternative options like online pharmacies and discount programs that can complement your existing coverage.
At a time when U.S. drug prices are roughly twice as high as in comparable countries, and 42% of people 65 and older take five or more prescriptions, a quarter of people that age report having difficulty affording prescriptions.
A 2023 survey by the KFF health research firm found that 11% of Medicare beneficiaries delayed or went without their prescription drugs in the previous year due to cost.
Understanding the Basics: Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Drug Plans
Medicare Part D is a standalone prescription drug plan that helps cover the cost of medications. Alternatively, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans often include prescription drug coverage alongside other health benefits. While these plans offer substantial assistance, beneficiaries sometimes face high out-of-pocket costs, especially if a medication isn't covered or falls into a higher cost tier.
Exploring Alternative Options
Beyond traditional Medicare plans, several services and programs can help you save on prescription medications, Including a few of the more popular options: (please look at other options besides these)
Online Pharmacies
PillPack by Amazon Pharmacy: PillPack offers a convenient service where medications are pre-sorted into daily packets and delivered to your door. It's an in-network pharmacy for many Medicare Part D plans, making it a seamless option for beneficiaries.
Cost Plus Drugs: Founded by Mark Cuban, this online pharmacy aims to provide medications at a transparent, low cost by eliminating middlemen. They offer a wide range of generic drugs at prices often lower than traditional pharmacies.
Discount Programs
GoodRx: GoodRx is a free service that compares prescription drug prices across various pharmacies and provides coupons to help you save. It's important to note that while GoodRx can offer significant discounts, these cannot be combined with Medicare. Therefore, you'll need to choose between using your Medicare coverage or the GoodRx discount for each prescription.
This blog post is intended as a general information piece and not as an advertisement or endorsement for any specific product, service, or company.
Key Considerations
Coverage Limitations: When using services like GoodRx, remember that the discounts cannot be combined with Medicare benefits. You'll need to decide on a case-by-case basis whether it's more cost-effective to use your Medicare coverage or the discount program.
Pharmacy Networks: Ensure that any online pharmacy you consider is within your Medicare plan's network to avoid unexpected costs.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Before making any changes to how you obtain your medications, discuss these options with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure they align with your health needs.
Conclusion
While Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage drug plans provide valuable prescription coverage, exploring additional options like online pharmacies and discount programs can further reduce your medication expenses. By staying informed and considering all available resources, you can make choices that best suit your financial and health needs.
If you’d like me to help you or someone you care about figure out the best Medicare route, please reach out to me TODAY! -> CONTACT BEN <-
