Doctors and pharmacists offer concrete steps to lower prescription drug costs

Prescription drug costs remain a primary barrier to accessing necessary medication, according to health care professionals in Whatcom County. They recommend that patients take specific administrative steps to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses before rationing doses.

Aging expert Amy O’Rourke cited a recent case where a client paid $100 per month for a Medicare Part D premium. After O’Rourke reviewed the coverage details, the premium dropped to $30 per month. She advises that patients should not allow these plans to renew automatically without an annual review of their specific needs and available options.

Gerontologist Sam Cradduck emphasized that affordability is a health care issue. He stated that a medication sitting on a pharmacy shelf does not help anyone feel better. Patients must ensure the drug reaches them in a way that is financially sustainable. Cradduck suggested that individuals ask their doctors about free prescription drug programs, including samples left by drug company representatives.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, urged patients to ask about generic alternatives. She noted that many expensive drugs have equivalents that treat the same conditions, such as blood thinners. Rogers said, “Is there an equivalent, something else equivalent that I can treat the same condition with?” She added that doctors see these situations frequently.

Pharmacists play a key role in cost management. Cradduck said patients should ask pharmacists about programs or cards that reduce medication costs. O’Rourke recommended comparing prices across different pharmacies, noting that the difference in cost can be substantial. She said, “You would be amazed at the difference in different places to buy medicine.”

Experts also highlighted the Extra Help program, which assists with prescription costs based on income. Qualified participants may receive medications for free or at a very low cost. If an insurance company denies a medication, O’Rourke said patients should appeal the decision with the help of their doctor rather than assuming the drug cannot be covered.

Katherine Ambrose, an aging well coach, advised patients to stay with one pharmacy for all prescriptions. This allows the pharmacist to track drug interactions. She said if a pharmacist suggests a change, patients should confirm the decision with their doctor. The experts warned against splitting pills or skipping doses to stretch a refill until a cost solution is found.