How are you handling anxiety in this time of COVID-19?

I thought that everyone might enjoy this video presentation made by Ken Burns regarding the COVID-19 situation. Here is the link,
https://www.facebook.com/detroitpublictv/videos/2609808399306864/

Thank you.
The sport that unites Americans!

Hi, @susan1954 - I have been through similar challenges with my asthma inhalers not having a generic (none of them do, unfortunately) and sometimes having coupons available, sometimes nothing to improve a $300+ per month medication I really needed. Very tough position.

With changing to another antidepressant, does your doctor perhaps have another idea of a medication that might not be so costly? How are you doing with no antidepressant the last day or so?

Hi Susan ( 1954 born here). Please contract the companies that makes your inhalers- also ( does nothing but it’s on record) contract your representative about the costs. Good Rx helps- CVS went far and beyond for me . I do not know folks do it- admire all for it- but it should not be this hard . Thoughts with you all

Yes, some drug companies have assistance program, it's worth a try. I called one on one medication I take but unfortunately I don't qualify because I'm on Medicare. My cardiologist gave me samples and a coupon for a free month.

Medicare has made things costlier for me - but because I went on Medicare advantage- no costs medience. Weird-

@bookysue Unfortunately you are not alone in that assessment. Please consider using some of your down-time in isolation to contact your Congressional representatives about the issue. According to my pharmacist and PCP, it has to do with some arcane Medicare regulations about the government not "accepting" compensation from the pharma companies. Makes no sense to deny a benefit to a Medicare (or Medicaid) recipient that anyone else is eligible for - and government doesn't benefit from the discount, the patients benefit, especially since Medicare doesn't pay for the drugs anyway.
Another thing to consider - we always look at our plan choices before selecting - some Medicare Part B (injectables, inhalables & devices) and Part D (prescription) plans cover a lot more than others, often for only a small difference in Premium. For example, we pay for a plan (unfortunately not available to the general public) that covers all our meds with reasonable copays, but costs $3500/ year more than the cheaper one available to us. But just ONE of my husband's meds would cost us that much without our insurance, not to mention my meds and our other expenses. So for us the sacrifice of $300/month to have the extra insurance is worth it.
Sue

I agree, Sue. Really doing your research on a plan, picking a plan for your specific needs is so important. Maneuvering the system can be overwhelming. My husband has two eye drops that are a tier five, The percentage (after meeting out of pocket for year) never gets any cheaper. So far, we have found a low premium is still our best choice (I think it’s considered catastrophic coverage) Before My surgery and treatment for colon cancer, we applied for medical/financial assistance, which really helped. I was going to change our plan and pay a higher premium, but this allowed us to keep our existing plan/premium. . Also, hospitals sometimes can refer patients/applicants to companies that carry long term 2 or more year (our hospital only does one year ) no interest loans. I challenged and requested an exception on one if my husbands eye drips and was given a tier exception. So, sometimes that can be done. I have found when working w/insurances that it takes a little persistence to get their attention. I have submitted a claim where it was denied, re-submitted and it was covered ????? Sad, but necessary

The CVS CEO was interviewed yesterday and stated they are in the position to fill the need for medication.due to being a contractual provider(?) bottomline they have the means. I have the Good Rx app and always price check for cheapest price. Great info

Yes thankyou my pharmacist has already checked for me. Not much cheaper. Thankyou