Posted by Jost on July 23, 2006, at 14:49:44 [reposted on July 26, 2006, at 9:58:38 | original URL]
In reply to The New Social Security Drug Plan, posted by HotLobster on July 22, 2006, at 19:50:28
From looking at the ARRP website, which has several informational pages on the drug plan, I would agree with Racer that you shouldn't discount getting relief from the drug companies. (I used the AARP because they would have good information.)
One other thought is that even if the Adderal XR is the best delivery system, you might be able to use a generic amphetamine salt compound that, in smaller doses spread through the day, would be almost as good.
The AARP website discusses how the gap is to be covered by you:
"Q. What counts toward the $3,600 limit?
A. Your deductible; your copays in the initial coverage period; payments for drugs that you have made out of pocket in the gap, whether purchased from your plan or elsewhere within the United States; payments for your drugs in the gap made by a family member, friend, a charitable group or a state pharmacy assistance program.
In all cases, only payments for prescription drugs your plan covers (including any formulary exceptions you receive) count toward the limit."
I guess you've probably calculated all that, but just in case:
1. did you count whatever deductible you've already had before drug benefits started?
2. have you counted all co-pays you made yourself over the year?These two amounts would be an amount by which you would reduce any further out-of-pocket costs that you need to make to reach the top of the doughnut.
The AARP has this following other suggestions..
From AARP:
"Q. I have high drug costs but can't afford to spend $3,600 out of pocket. What can I do?
A. You can try using lower-cost drugs, as explained above, to stretch your initial coverage and lower your expenses in the gap.
If your income is limited, you may qualify for Extra Help. Call Social Security at (800) 772-1213 or go to its website. Or contact a state pharmacy assistance program—call (800) 677-1116 for the number of your state health insurance counseling program or go to shiptalk.org.
Some drug manufacturers still offer free or low-cost drugs to qualified Medicare beneficiaries. Call the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at (888) 477-2669 or visit pparx.org. Or try asking your doctor for free samples."
(Suggestion A would be something to consider next year.)
I hope something here helps.Jost
poster:Jost
thread:670706
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060721/msgs/670712.html