PDP Premiums

[somarco]

Unless there is an obvious monetary benefit to the client, many are not willing to change drug plans.

However, I have found it almost impossible to get folks to change pharmacies, no matter how much they will save.

 

[yorkriver1]

I have folks keeping plans just because they don't like change. OK by me. I do give them the comps, their decision.

 

[annon123]

Unless there is an obvious monetary benefit to the client, many are not willing to change drug plans.

However, I have found it almost impossible to get folks to change pharmacies, no matter how much they will save.

Speaking on a personal level at the moment - I do shop prices and get ticked when the cheapest price is at the local pharmacy with the really long, and slow lines. Another one has rude people working there. I deal with it but some may not think the savings is worth it - especially if their budget isn't tight.

 

[Fisher]

Speaking on a personal level at the moment - I do shop prices and get ticked when the cheapest price is at the local pharmacy with the really long, and slow lines. Another one has rude people working there. I deal with it but some may not think the savings is worth it - especially if their budget isn't tight.

Mail order has some fans for this reason.

 

[annon123]

Mail order has some fans for this reason.

Porch pirates are a problem around here but certainly some places don't have that issue.

 

[rmhaire]

Porch pirates are a problem around here but certainly some places don't have that issue.

Not a problem down here. We can't afford porches.

 

[somarco]

so many meds used to not cost much now is like a 50% cost share after a 600 deductible

Drug plans & PBM's are the driving force behind higher priced drugs.

M-care plan finder only updates the formulary 3x per year with the last one in August. Next update follows (I think) in January. Lot's of wiggle room in that game plan.

PF tells you your drug has a $30 copay in November then in January it is $45. That makes a lot of unhappy campers.

Most of the PDP's I see don't offer a pricing break for mail order and a few charge more for mail vs retail. Some meds, BP especially, should not be exposed to heat or cold. When you get those by mail you have no idea how many hot/cold mailboxes they have been in before they get to you.

Shopping Rx can drive you crazy. Reminds me of an aunt I had that would clip grocery coupons out of the Wednesday paper then spend half a day Thursday getting specific grocery items from half a dozen stores.

I encourage clients to pick a drug store and shop there. Use GoodRx or SingleCare unless that store does not take coupons. Use mail for the most expensive brand names.

 

[annon123]

Reminds me of an aunt I had that would clip grocery coupons out of the Wednesday paper then spend half a day Thursday getting specific grocery items from half a dozen stores.

And they forget that they may spend more in gas/wear and tear on the car than they'd save in coupons (same goes driving all over for $1 cheap med (although it does make sense if you are saving a lot).

 

[somarco]

may spend more in gas/wear and tear on the car than they'd save in coupons

Yeah, well . . . she did not drive at the time and enlisted her sister (who lived close by) to chauffer her around. This was long before ride sharing became a thing.