Whether or not you have Medicare prescription drug coverage, it pays to buy smartly. By doing so, you may be able to cut your prescription drug costs substantially and actually improve the effectiveness of the medications you do take.

Generic drugs - If available, you can safely substitute a generic equivalent for the medication you are taking. Normally you do not need permission of your doctor, but can work directly with your pharmacist. Be aware that retail pharmacies often overprice generics. You may be able to reduce the cost of generic drugs or your insurance co-pay by 60 percent or more by utilizing the Senior Federation’s negotiated prices with MedSave Plus. Check for generic drug price savings at the Federation’s web site, www.mnseniors.org, or call MedSave at 763/252-0094 or toll free at 866/856-9633.

Importing prescription drugs - Importing safe brand-name prescription drugs through the Federation’s prescription drug program may still save you money. This is particularly true if you have no drug coverage or if you have significant drug coverage expenses, but you don’t expect them to exceed $5,100 annually. Federation members continue to save 20-80 percent on brand-name drugs using MnSF’s two Canadian pharmacy services. However, keep in mind that at this time imported prescription drug expenses do not count against the $5,100 catastrophic limit for Medicare Part D plans. To learn more, call 651/783-5024 or toll free 866/783-5024.

Therapeutic substitutions - It is important to make sure that drugs you take are actually the best and most effective for treating your particular condition. Does medical evidence speak to its effectiveness and safety, and is it the most cost effective? To find out: check the Consumer Reports Best Buy Drug web site at http://www.crbestbuydrugs.org/ for free, unbiased prescription drugs analysis and talk to your doctor. More information about this in the next Minnesota Senior News.

Pharmaceutical company assistance programs - Many pharmaceutical companies, even before Medicare Part D started, gave substantial discounts on their medications to persons in need. Most of these programs have ended but several drug companies continue to offer coverage when low-income Medicare Part D enrollees hit the coverage gap or “donut hole” common to many plans. For information on these programs, call the Senior Linkage Line¨ at 800/333-2433.