by Leasa Conze, KOLD News 13 at 5 Producer
The price of prescription drugs these days can be a tough pill to swallow, but in many cases, there are savings out there - everything from cash back offers to co-pay rebates.
You can find coupons for all kinds of brandname prescriptions, like drugs for asthma, high blood pressure, even sleep problems. And if you don't know where to find a deal, new websites like "OptimizeRX.com" list all the available offers for you.
"The savings programs range from copuons where you can get a portion of your co-pay, such as $15 off your co-pay. Some include a rebate program where you simply fill out a form to get reimbursement," says David Harrell, from OptimizeRX.com.
You can also get free trials. We found coupons for 3 of 5 most commonly prescribed drugs, including one for Lipitor, offering up to $180 off co-pays over a year.
Ilene Stern was able to find one for her thyroid prescription, too. "There was a coupon that allowed me to have 30 days for free, with an option to renew three additional times."
The American Medical Association's Doctor Edward Langston says these coupons can be a way to cut healthcare costs. "If it's for medication that you're taking and that is going to be someting that you take for a long period of timie, then I don't see any real problemm with that. Why not?" says Dr. Langston.
But, Dr. Langston warns patients shouldn't push physicians for a prescription change just because a coupon is available, and as for the prescribing doctors; "We can't use the coupons to dictate the right medication for you."
The Food and Drug Administration is now planning a study to see if the coupons prevent patients from paying attention to drug risks. A coalition of dozens of consumer groups is calling on the FDA to go even further and ban them altogether.
"We need to stop treating prescription drugs like shampoo and fabric softener. These are not just consumer products, they're medical treatments," says Alex Sugerman-Brozan, of Prescription Access Litigation.
The group worries the coupons interfere with the doctor-patient relationship. Plus, since they are only for brand-name drugs, the group claims there can be a false sense of savings.
"In many instances, a brand name drug with a coupon is stilll more expensive than a generic drug."
David Harrell is with one of the coupon sites. he says the discounts are intended for patients who don't have the option of going generic.
"If you're on multiple medications, those savings can add up every quickly and really help you better afford your healthcare and get the most out of each dollar you spend."
