Managing drug expenses through the Part D donut hole

Managing drug expenses through the Part D donut hole

There are several important things that all Medicare Part D beneficiaries can do to avoid falling in the Medicare Part D "donut hole," according to the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy. Recommendations from the organization include make use of generic drugs whenever appropriate; talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternative drugs; don't stop taking your medications to save money; talk to your doctor or pharmacist about cutting tablets in half; and remember to use your Medicare card each time you purchase drugs, whether or not you have reached the donut hole. Patients should not cut back on their medications, warned Marissa Schlaifer, director of pharmacy affairs for AMCP, noting that "many medications do not produce any noticeable differences in how a patient feels, so sometimes a patient will decide he or she can 'do without.' " Those who do find themselves in the coverage gap still save money on the price of their prescription drugs because they pay the plan's negotiated discounted prices, noted AMCP.

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