Page 3 - Rolling Stone April 2016

Page 3
April, 2016
How to Save Money on Your Medications
By Brenda Dorsey Assistant Director
Medication can be very expensive even if you have insur- ance. The Senior Resource Center has Resource Specialists who are able to help you navigate through Medicare Part D and also have some suggestions on other agencies or web- sites that may help. Below are some suggestions:
• Come to the SRC annually during the open enrollment period between October 15th- December 7th to check your Part D plan for the next year. Even if you are happy with your current plan you should check on coverage for the following year. Plan premiums, deductibles and copays change yearly.
• Check with your pharmacy to see if they have a discount program for your medications. It may be cheaper to get your medications through their In-Store Discount Program instead of through your insurance. Compare and decide which is the best way to pay for each medication, it doesn’t have to be the same for all of them.
• Compare your drug costs at several pharmacies. Your insurance may have preferred pharmacies and it may be cheaper if you use that specific pharmacy.
• If you have VA assistance compare your medications to see if it saves you money to use the VA or Part D. With VA assis- tance you will not have a late enrollment penalty if you choose to sign up for Part D. Many people using VA assistance compare their medication prices and choose to get some through VA and others through Part D.
Thank you AFSCME Retirees Sub Chapter 71 for the generous and heartfelt donation to the SRC. Pictured is Susan Lambert and Tom Erickson.
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Listed are helpful websites and phone numbers that may offer a discount or coupon
SCBN Prescription Advocacy - https://www.scbn.org/ or 888-331-1002
This is an advocacy program where we have seen several people save money on expensive medications. May help those with or without insurance.
Needy Meds – http://www.needymeds.org/ or 800-503-6897 This program helps with providing the medication at times free or little cost and also offers coupons. May help those with or without insurance.
Health Warehouse - https://www.healthwarehouse.com/ or 800-748-7001
This is an online website where you can order your medica- tion online. This company does not take Medicare or insur- ance.
Goodrx.com - http://www.goodrx.com/
This is an online website that allows you to compare prices for your medication at local pharmacies and get coupons.
Blinkhealth.com - https://www.blinkhealth.com/
This site has recently received recognition on the National News for having good prices on generic drugs. You look up your medication online and pay for it then pick it up at the local pharmacy.
Have fun at a
Painting Party
We will be painting a beach scene at the SRC in Freeport. Join us Wednesday, April 20, at 1pm.
$20 PER PERSON
Please call 815-235-9777 x221 to RSVP.
Please call the SRC to speak with a Resource Specialist if you have any question or would like to make an appointment.
WE HAVE A NEW WEB PAGE
We are excited to announce that our new web page is up and running. You can access it at seniorresourcecenter.net. We want to thank the Freeport Community Foundation for the grant to provide a state of
the art webpage. This webpage will allow seniors, and caregivers to find out what services we offer, read our Rolling Stone online, see upcoming activities, ask questions, see what volunteer openings we offer and donate online.
Check us out online at seniorresourcecenter.net