Your Tips: How do you manage out-of-pocket healthcare costs?

Deb, this must be particularly challenging to handle in his absence over a sustained period of time. I can imagine with the holidays approaching, his absence will feel stronger. I'd like to invite you to share in this discussion:
- Grief in Times of Celebration: The Empty Spot https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/grief-in-times-of-celebration-the-empty-spot/

Laurie, you're wise to do your research on the specific pharmacy you use when it comes to ordering online. Several members have posted links to services they use. I offer these articles to help you vet reliable online services.

— Choosing a safe online pharmacy: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/topics/buying-using-drug-health-products-safely/safe-use-online-pharmacies.html
— So-Called “Canadian” Pharmacies are a Danger to Consumers, NABP Reports: https://nabp.pharmacy/news/news-releases/called-canadian-pharmacies-danger-consumers-nabp-reports/

Has anyone used the services of a social worker to discuss finances, discover financial savings, or to help apply for financial assistance, i.e., patient assistance programs from pharmaceutical companies?

We use Express Scripts, an online pharmacy. https://www.express-scripts.com/. Prescriptions are filled for 3 months at a time. My copay is $10 per script (but that might be a retired military rate)

@colleenyoung Yes, I looked in to and used the social worker/patient advocate at my cancer center, when it became clear which chemotherapy medication I would be using. Since there is a ridiculously high co-pay, I was very keen to get some help paying for it all! Takes time, takes perseverance, but was worth it.
Ginger

@colleenyoung, @gingerw, @becsbuddy, and all...I've been reading the posts and learning a lot. A good topic, Colleen.
I'm concerned about online pharmacy or mail pharmacy deliveries. I've had so many meds through the years that were very expensive and some hard to find, so I've researched several local pharmacies for help. I seem to have a serious aversion to depending on mail delivery for medications I have to have, can't miss, etc. I know it would be less costly, but I don't trust the system itself. This includes weather conditions that can interrupt service, miscommunications, just adds more issues that may cause problems

So, I recently talked with a friend in my condo complex who has a family member who got a lung transplant at Mayo. He uses a local pharmacy that has personal delivery of meds. No mail, no FedEx, a dear, sweet delivery person calls in the morning of delivery to let me know she has meds for me and will deliver that day. Then, when she's 10 min away, calls to let me know ETA;
This works beautifully. I even had to have something on Sat and they had it delivered. they've been in business in Jacksonville for 40ish years, family business, and really on top of the process. They are in touch if I need to help by contacting the doctor or whatever.
I decided to switch when I realized transplant patients use them for all these reasons. They will even fill up a month of pill-boxes for me if I'm not able. that's wonderful. Although, I am doing this chore myself to be sure I have everything ok. I think through the years I've become very protective of this part of my medical care and have had so many problems in the past myself and for my son, I just have to know I have what I need when I need it.

I add my supplements and am careful to segregate certain supplements from certain meds, etc. My son, disabled, has insisted for several years his meds go to Walmart. This store doesn't deliver, so one of us has to go pick it up when ready. Yuck! No!
We had a crisis with one of his meds not being ready when he needed it and it caused a lot of trouble, so now he's decided to join me with O'Steen's Pharmacy. They deliver, I set them up for him for a month. I'm thrilled since now we don't have to worry about getting texts and getting to the pick-up in time, etc. I think we have finally gotten a system that's going to work well for us. Hallelujah!

Insurance covers the same, with no additional charges for the extra services. So far, after years of work, we got it!
Blessings, elizabeth

@colleenyoung I've used pharmacy card on a med that was expensive the pharmacy sent me a discount for this med.Now all meds come by mail through my ins.pharmacy .

@ess77 That's great Elizabeth .I use Humana and am very pleased with them even the OTC supplies they come from Fla.

Great topic - thank you all for these tips and resources. Peggy

@lioness and all...Do you have a Humana prescription plan? or Humana health plan? I have United Health Care Plan F supplemental health and Humana Prescription plan. I love the Humana script-pays for most of my drugs and are easy to work with if I have questions. Same with United Health Care, I'm getting all the meds possible 90 day supply at the same co-pay as 30 day supply. And, now that my retirement monies are less, this is really important.
I've never gotten a break on OTC things; Does Humana Prescription offer this?
Glad to see your post. Hope all is well your way...
Blessings, elizabeth