Consumers Union new site on prescription drugs
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive December 2004:
Consumers Union new site on prescription drugs
Consumers Report has a new, free site comparing some prescription drugs:
http://www.crbestbuydrugs.org
Right now they just have info on statis (cholesterol), PPIs (heartburn, acid reflux) and NSAIDs (arthritis type pain). The research comes from Oregon Health & Science University's Evidence-Based Practice Center, which has been evaluating drugs as part of a 12 state review of drugs for states wanting to get the best value for Medicaid dollars. According to the article I read, this site doesn't necessarily tell you which are the cheapest of these drugs, but rather which conditions each drug is best for and at what price. For example, it suggests Lipitor (name brand, high cost) is best for people with certain cholesterol levels, despite the price. I have bookmarked the site and suggest you do the same.
Thanks, Ginny. I have gotten FOUR letters from Blue Cross in the past month, detailing their *changes* in coverage for Rx medications. They are now placing many meds in Tier 3, which means highest co-pay, and not only that, they will only cover a 15 day supply for a single co-pay instead of a normal 30 day supply. Basically it's now up to the patient/consumer to be aware of which meds you need for certain conditions, and which ones your insurance will allow. Which, IMO, isn't in everyone's best interest, because I like to think that the doctors know more than we do. LOL
I know that with many meds, there are several on the market for the same conditions, and of those, many come in generic. HOWEVER, I know for a fact, regarding cholesterol meds, for example, they are all not the same, and when you're at the mercy of your insurance company for coverage, and the drug best suited for your particular condition is a Tier 3 drug, you can quickly end up in the poor house when buying them.
Jen was recently diagnosed with acid reflux disease, IBS and worstly, a bleeding ulcer. The med she was put on for that is now a Tier 3, and a $50 copay for a 15 day supply. I'm NOT happy about that, but her health is obviously more important at this stage.
You'll be shocked to know that we pay between $500 and $600 monthly in COPAYS for our prescription meds. I worry constantly where this is going in the future.
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