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being charged for medication refills

Georgiadude

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I called my doctors office today to get my medications refilled. I was told I would have to pay 150.00. I didn't have to see the doctor or anything special. I said "all I need is my medications refilled." she asked "what insurance do you have?" I said "I don't have insurance." she said "we would bill your insurance but since you dont have any it's a 150.00 "copay" and it has to be made before we call them in." I couldn't believe it. I have NEVER heard of a doctors office charging for routine medication refills, much less 150.00. They only give a 1 month supply so each month Im supposed to pay that plus the cost of the medications. I went to a different doctors office and paid 90.00 for the office visit and he gave me 2 refills. He couldnt believe what the other place was doing. Now I have to figure out how Im going to pay 450.00 for my medications. I dont know what I'm going to do. I've been crying my eyes out. I can't go without my medications and my employer doesnt offer insurance. Im so screwed. Im on an antidepressant and a blood pressure medication. I've had 2 strokes so I can't go without the blood pressure med and if I stop the antidepressant there is no doubt I will be suicidal. Im taking half the prescribed dosage of the antidepressant to make it last longer and am barely maintaining myself. I dont dare go any lower.

I dont qualify for medicaid because I'm working and I dont make enough money to pay for the meds without insurance. private insurance is too expensive. I'm so screwed. anyone have any ideas?

Steven.
 
move to canada or any place other than america really everyone else has free healthcare
 
I would talk with the doctor directly and tell him your situation. If he still insists on $150, unfortunately you almost have no choice but to find a way to pay it or seek another doctor who will work with you. I never heard of paying $150 just to get a prescription refill. What they're trying to do is charge you for an office visit. Maybe it can't be refilled until he checks you again to make sure the original prescription is working. This is not unusual with blood pressure medication.
 
I had acne and allergies, so I would use the same nasal spray and retinod cream for years, but all the time either the refill would run out or expire. I always hate having to chase doctors for a refill. There were times when I had insurance and when I did not. Specialists like dermatologists seem to be the most vicious money hungry creatures in the healthcare industry. They have no shame. Imagine being forced to pay $200 visit for a less than 5 minute exam and a prescription. Then they deny the pharmacist a refill because they want to "evaluate" you again before they prescribe the same god damn cream that doc has been prescribing for past 3 years.
I just pray everyday that I don't come down with any serious illness because the best healthcare maybe available but it will make you literally live poor or worse when you wont be able to afford ridiculously priced medications and lab works.

I say try speaking to the doctor directly and plead with him. Maybe he will have a heart to write another refill.
 
hang on dude, the healthcare law will come into effect before we know it. just wait it out for a little while. (*8*)
 
I'll offer my suggestive thoughts.

First, you might want to make a call into your local city hall. From what I'm aware reading over information pertaining to a city over in the state next to me there is a "Prescription Discount Card" members of the community can inquire about. In this particular case it's offered by the "National League of Cities" and there's not a lot of restrictions and has free enrollment. Also making the claim the average savings is 20%!

If you'd like more information I have researched Georgia (if you're still a resident of that state) and found what cities within there offer it.

I'm sure you've already thought of my second suggestion of the idea of finding another job that would provide you with affordable health-care. Is that an option?

Insurance sure is changing though. Co-pays rising are surely becoming a trend! :/

I'll try to research anything else I can for you!
 
It would be considered malpractice for a physician to charge a patient for an office visit when the patient was not seen in person. There are some practices that are charging a small fee for phone counseling for minor things like allergies or to change medication. But phone counseling is inappropriate for medications like antidepressants or blood pressure medications.

Change physicians.

You might consider changing to a university-based physician like the clinics at Emory. Most academic medical practices offer a sliding scale charity program that is based upon federal poverty guidelines and ability to pay.

You can also check into mail order bulk purchasing- this will generally save you 30-40% off retail pharmacy prices.
 
Wait ... are you saying that in the US when a doctor prescribes a medication that they only give you ONE prescription for ONE months supply?

I take three medications for my blood pressure and heart and when I get a prescription my doctor (in Australia) she will also add FIVE repeats (refills) so that is basically six months supply and for the most part most doctors will give at a minimum 1 repeat depending on the medication.

However, getting back to the point of paying for a refill even though you have not seen the doctor. I do not see an issue in the doctor charging a fee for writing a refill. The amount of the refill is a bit on the high side.

If a standard consultation fee is (lets say) $90 then that is the fee they should charge for a refill. They should not charge more than what they would see you in person.
 
Reasoning behind so many check ups is sadly due to malpractice suits. Only takes one mistake to lose your license then be sued for hundreds of thousands or millions. So its really not entirely the doctors fault for requiring so many check ups for a serious perspiration. Also if its a heavy HMO area, then its highly likely that doctor office is owned by a local hospital, due to just not possible to have private practice with heavily influence of HMOs. The hospital he works for might have require fees/ and other regulations. Best choice be ask a doctor for free samples, a lot of doctors will give you a bunch of samples if your un-insured or strap for cash.

as for you steven, i don't have clue man, see if you can donate plasma or if your ballsy bone marrow. for so quick cash.
 
Contact the companies that manufactor your meds. Almost all have programs to help with reduced prices and in some cases free meds.
 
If you are old enough to join AARP they have really reasonable medical insurance plans. Or else, again if you old enough, see about Medicaid or Medicare. Just another thought to add to what you have already been told. Good luck. I have insurance through my employer, but I still fork over a lot for meds and for co-payments.
 
I just hate it when people present the healthcare situation in USA as really bad!!!!!

It's fine. It's not the best in the world but it's fine!!!! EVERYWHERE You can find free clinics and hospitals!

USA happens to have a lot of private medical establishments and yes they do charge and they charge upfront if you don't have an insurance.

However there are PUBLIC health care establishments that do render services based on how much income you have! IF you make nothing they will treat you for free.
Just do some research!
You can also get your medications for free or at very very low price!.

So stop crying your eyes out and act! :)
 
Wait ... are you saying that in the US when a doctor prescribes a medication that they only give you ONE prescription for ONE months supply?

It depends on the medication. If you're started on a new medication, then they may require you to come back in 2-4 weeks for a followup.

Antidepressants, pain medications and certain medications would require an office visit for a refill.

Typically, a maintenance medication is prescribed for a 6-12 month supply but is refilled every 30-90 days.
 
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