Free Rx Discount Cards – Too Good To Be True?

Free Rx Discount Cards – too good to be true?

Free Rx Discount Cards – too good to be true?

By Dr. Rebecca Wise

A friend of mine asked me about a card he got in the mail that claimed to be a prescription discount card – up to 75% off – entirely free to him. He said that it’s just “too good to be true”.

In this tough economy, our wallets are emptier than we’d like, and it becomes easier and easier to be enticed into programs that look like they will save us money. When a person has no insurance, and he reads about a FREE card that will save him a lot of money, of course he will sign up for it. But, some words of caution…

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

First, there are eligibility restrictions. Some of these cards can only be used once. Some are only for specific disease diagnoses or specific medications. Some of them are “unrestricted” but charge your credit card a “processing fee” each time you use the discount. Often the discount they offer is less than the discount offered by the pharmacy. But, once in a while, the long list of criteria match up and you, your diagnosis, your medication, and your pharmacy all qualify for a discount and you save a few dollars.

But, these cards all ask for demographic information, even if it is just your phone number. In this age of telemarketers and identity theft, I again caution you about giving out personal information. Until you have seen clear documentation, with a legitimately contracted company, do not give them anything that could jeopardize your financial identity – and this could be as simple as giving them your phone number.

The best prescription discount cards are from companies that have become known for their good reputations and longevity like AARP, Sams Club, and United Way, or a drug manufacturer discount card such as Merck or GlaxoSmithKline. If it is a company that you’ve never heard of then you are essentially trusting a complete stranger with your information.

So how can you determine if a card is legitimate or not?

1. Is there a fee? If there is, is it a monthly or recurring fee; is it a fee for each prescription processed; or is it a one-time enrollment fee? Before you give out your credit card number, make sure you add up how much you will be charged in total. This may very well offset any discount you will get.

2. Is the card honored by the pharmacy you use? If it is not, talk to the pharmacy manager about why. He or she may already know about a card that generally costs you more than it saves you.

3. Is use of the card an agreement to join some other service? Sometimes by accepting the discount offered, you are agreeing to join a mail-order pharmacy for all subsequent refills, or sometimes you are agreeing to put your name into a database for telemarketers to call you about products related to what you got. For example, if you used the discount Rx card for a diabetes medicine, you are placed on a call list for several hundred diabetes product suppliers to call your phone.

4. Does the card cover you, your drug, and your diagnosis? There are many restrictions in the “small print”. Be sure to read them all and if you don’t understand them, take the information to your pharmacist for him to look it over and advise you.

5. Most importantly, if I use the card, will I actually save money. Ask the pharmacist what the store price is for the drug and if any discounts are available. Then ask how much the prescription will be if you use the card. But don’t forget to factor in the fees associated with using the card.

So, get the facts, know the risks, talk to your pharmacist, and make an informed decision. Then, if you save a few dollars, you know it is well worth it!

Check out this great (and legitimate) resource for more information: http://patients.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=patients&cdn=health&tm=25&f=10&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.fda.gov/cder/ob/default.htm

Be well, Be Wise.

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Wise Words…. is a general medical information column from Dr Rebecca Wise. Dr. Wise has a master’s degree in education as well as her doctorate in pharmacy. She is an assistant professor and ambulatory care specialist at a Medication Therapy Management (MTM) clinic in Erie, PA.

Soon to be released is Dr Becky’s new website which will address women’s issues, watch for it: www.WiseWordsforWomen.com
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