The "Does it really cost this much?" Gripe Thread

[nakedfrog]

My Dr. prescribed me one of those glucose sensor things and called it into the pharmacy. When I went to pick it up, my copay for a 30 day supply was $374! That is with being dual covered under mine and my wife's insurance. I'm looking at other options, a friend of mine who goes to the same dr. said she goes to a different company for medical supplies vs. a pharmacy and it's vastly cheaper. She has the same insurance as my wife.

I don't know how people with no insurance can get by with some of these rx prices.

It's our right and privilege as Americans to pump as much money into the medical industry as we can! Stadium naming rights don't come cheap, you know, and they're critical for ensuring *mumble mumble mumble* and we all know how important that is.

 

[Brainonska511]

My Dr. prescribed me one of those glucose sensor things and called it into the pharmacy. When I went to pick it up, my copay for a 30 day supply was $374! That is with being dual covered under mine and my wife's insurance. I'm looking at other options, a friend of mine who goes to the same dr. said she goes to a different company for medical supplies vs. a pharmacy and it's vastly cheaper. She has the same insurance as my wife.

I don't know how people with no insurance can get by with some of these rx prices.

Honestly, prices are so opaque. So much variation based on what is on the formulary.

I have an inhaler for my asthma: brand name has a lower list price and I have a $20 copay for 3 months supply. If they filled it as generic, the list price is higher and my copay becomes 50%.

 

[dullard]

I don't know how people with no insurance can get by with some of these rx prices.

1) You often get 1/10th the price just by going across the street to another pharmacy. That isn't an exaggeration.
2) You get the "the pharmacy doesn't have to deal with insurance hassle" cash discount.
3) Prescription discount cards from the manufacturer.

Then if those don't work, just cut the prescription in half or do without.

 

[Brainonska511]

1) You often get 1/10th the price just by going across the street to another pharmacy. That isn't an exaggeration.
2) You get the "the pharmacy doesn't have to deal with insurance hassle" cash discount.
3) Prescription discount cards from the manufacturer.

Then if those don't work, just cut the prescription in half or do without.

At least with the last plans I have had (via OptimRx and ExpressScripts), you can price stuff out online to see where it would be cheapest per the plan (and use a site like GoodRx for cash comparisons).

 

[BoomerD]

Also, check your local Costco pharmacy for pricing. They're often significantly cheaper than anyplace else...and, you might not have to be a member to shop the pharmacy. (although I think members get a better price)

https://www.costco.com/cmpp

 

[IBMJunkman]

My Dr. prescribed me one of those glucose sensor things and called it into the pharmacy. When I went to pick it up, my copay for a 30 day supply was $374! That is with being dual covered under mine and my wife's insurance. I'm looking at other options, a friend of mine who goes to the same dr. said she goes to a different company for medical supplies vs. a pharmacy and it's vastly cheaper. She has the same insurance as my wife.

I don't know how people with no insurance can get by with some of these rx prices.

You mean something like this?

Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

[BoomerD]

You mean something like this?

Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

I think he's talking about one of the continuous glucose monitors like the Freestyle Libre (or wtf it's called)

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Yea it's the CGM (continuous glucose monitor), not the meter that was linked. Like Boomer said, Freestyle Libre or Dexcom w/e my insurance would pick up. We only have 1 pharmacy in my little town so there aren't a whole lot of options except maybe going through an online supplier or having to deal with driving to the next town 15 miles. I don't have an issue paying for those, but the CGM that my dr. prescribed was what I was griping about. I'll have to look around and see where it may be cheaper for a supply. I'm not familiar with some of the ones posted so I'll check those out!

 

[KLin]

Did he prescribe the Dexcom or Freestyle? Dexcom offers a savings program for the G7. Freestyle just gives you a free sensor.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Did he prescribe the Dexcom or Freestyle? Dexcom offers a savings program for the G7. Freestyle just gives you a free sensor.

View attachment 111586

He wrote both on the rx. My pharmacy only had dexcom and w/my insurance that was the price ($375 for 30 days). I'll check the info you provided just incase the pharmacy messed up somehow.

 

[KLin]

He wrote both on the rx. My pharmacy only had dexcom and w/my insurance that was the price ($375 for 30 days). I'll check the info you provided just incase the pharmacy messed up somehow.

It's not a mess up. Many pharmaceutical companies offer savings programs to cut down on the costs of medications when your prescription is covered by Insurance, but it still turns out to be pricey.

I've been taking Mounjaro for a year now. $312 for a 30 day supply with my current insurance (They pay 70%, I pay 30%). Eli Lilly offers a $150 per month savings program for it. Some of my other medications are even bigger savings for me (hundreds of bucks a month down to $10 per month for a couple brand named ones.)

 

[Kaido]

He wrote both on the rx. My pharmacy only had dexcom and w/my insurance that was the price ($375 for 30 days). I'll check the info you provided just incase the pharmacy messed up somehow.

FYI it's $99 for the OTC 30-day kit:

Buy Stelo Biosensor for Glucose Tracking | Stelo by Dexcom

Stelo wearable glucose biosensor tracks glucose 24/7 to reveal how food, exercise and sleep can affect your health. FSA/HSA elgible. Buy Now.

www.stelo.com