With a change in House leadership, big pharma is feeling even more pressure to lower costs.
For example, from 2012 to 2016, the price of insulin for the average diabetic has basically doubled, going from $2,900 to $5,700 per year.
Pharma lays the blame on health insurer and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) rebates, while at the same time shifting focus to exciting new (expensive) drug advances.
We’re left holding the bag.
Well, here’s a ‘prescription’ for relief.
Until recently, pharmacists were prohibited from telling you about cheaper alternatives. New rules bar those gag orders . . . . . but only if you ask!
You can do some baseline shopping at websites like GoodRx or RxSaver.
(Hold on a second. I just discovered I can get my atorvastatin for free at Meijer’s! So dividends accrue to the reader and writer of these Tips. Nice.)
Ball’s in your court. While at the pharmacy, speak up!
P.S. Super Bowl LIII will be wrapping up about the time this Tip goes out. Prediction: the “old” guy will win again, and say “Hi, Mom” during his post game interview.
