Uninsured Washingtonians can save money on prescription drugs

 

Our neighbor to the north is one solution. While Canadian pharmacies sell drugs that are at least 40 percent cheaper than the American equivalent, they still cost a lot for those who are unemployed, in-between jobs, or joining the legions of the laid-off. Even with a job, prescription drugs can be a luxury; some 38 percent of companies in Washington don't offer health insurance to any employees and another 12 percent only provide it for full-time workers.

 

If that's your situation, there is some help, but it takes some digging, advance planning (difficult, of course, for unexpected illnesses and accidents) and in some cases, a doctor willing to fill out forms and vouch for your need. A good place to start is at the Washington State Governor's Office.

 

 Last month, Gov. Chris Gregoire reminded Washingtonians to enroll in the state's prescription drug discount program, which has served more than 82,000 since it began last year, saving $4 million.  Washington is one of a dozen states providing prescription discounts for the uninsured and underinsured, operated at no cost to tax-payers. The state joined forces with Oregon to buy pharmaceutical drugs in bulk, with the savings passed onto card-users. Average savings is about $23.

 

Next, go to the Partnership for Prescription Assistance to customize your search.

 

Say you need a refill for the anti-depressant, Effexor. Who doesn't? Plug in the drug and this site directs you to organizations providing assistance for particular drugs.  For Effexor, the link to Wyeth, the pharmaceutical giant behind the popular anti-depressant, comes up.

 

The Wyeth Pharmaceutical Assistance Foundation requires filling out an application, revealing your household income and swearing that you're not covered by private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare.

 

Other pharmaceutical companies, such as GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca, have similar programs.  Consumer Reports has an on-line educational program aimed at buying drugs for less, and for people of a certain age, AARP joins forces with Walgreens for discount medications.

 

Many retail stores also advertise prescription savings but there are many buts, ifs, and onlys to their clubs and cards.

Before shuffling off to such stores (Costco, Walgreen's, WalMart, Target, etc.) check out their respective Web sites and the list of drugs covered. Many medications, even the cheaper generic versions, might not be on the list of discounted drugs. But a quick search elsewhere might reveal your magic bullet at another store.

Just try not to gag until after you've paid.