Whether you decide to sign up for Medicare Part D or not, you may still be able to lower prescription drug costs or lessen the impact of the donut hole with some of these options:

1. Substitute “Best Buy” drugs. The Senior Federation works with Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, to help people identify drugs that are the best buy for them. Consumer Reports compares many prescription drugs on price, effectiveness and safety to help consumers and their doctors identify the most effective and affordable medicines.

This information will help you open a conversation with your doctor(s) and pharmacist about your medications and give you the most value for your health-care dollar. Switching to drugs identified as “Best Buys” could save you thousands of dollars. Contact the Federation's Health Plan Information Center at 651/783-5045 (toll-free 1-866/783-5045) or www.CRBestBuyDrugs.org for Best Buy information.

2.  Substitute generic drugs for brand-name drugs. Generic drugs are the full equivalent of brand name drugs, with the same chemical composition. Generics sell at about 50 to 80 percent less than the cost of brand names. Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you are free to substitute generics when available.

3. Get more for your money. Depending on what your doctor says, consider splitting double-dose pills if in tablet form or ordering a larger size tube or bottle, which may be available at the same cost or co-pay as the smaller size.

4. Participate in the Minnesota Senior Federation’s Prescription Drug Program. Senior Federation members may participate in our Senior Rx Care drug discount program to help lower the cost of medications. Brand-name drugs are imported from Canada at substantially lower prices.  The program utilizes a U.S. pharmacy for generic drugs.  There is no age limitation to join the Federation or use this program. Call the Federation’s Health Plan Information Center at 651/783-5045 (toll-free at 1-866/783-5045). 

5. RxConnect. This Minnesota program helps people link up with drug manufacturers’ Patient Assistance Programs* that provide prescription drugs free or at discounted prices. Dial 1-800/333-2433 to see if you are eligible. Have a list of your prescriptions ready.

6.  Minnesota RxConnect Online.* The Web site, www.Minnesotarxconnect.com, which is provided by the state of Minnesota, offers Internet users information about saving on prescription drug costs by comparing costs at local retail stores. The prices shown apply to people who have no drug insurance. It also includes links to pharmacies in Canada and the United Kingdom for importing discounted prescription drugs.

7. Get an online benefits check-up. The Minnesota Senior Federation is a member of the nationwide Access to Benefits Coalition, which is made up of more than 80 non-profit partners working to help Medicare beneficiaries with lower income to reduce the costs of prescription drugs. If you are comfortable on the Internet, go to www.AccesstoBenefits.org and start BenefitsCheckUpRx to research a combination of some of the options listed there. You will need to know the names of your prescriptions and your annual income and assets (not your home or car). You can also call the Minnesota Senior Federation’s Health Plan Information Center at 651/783-5045, or toll-free 1-866/783-5045 for information.

8.  Use your drug plan’s mail-order option if it has a 90-day supply for the same price as a 60-day supply.

*  Please note that the cost of drugs obtained outside the U.S. do not count towards Part D out-of-pocket limits for getting out of the donut hole.