FAQs

What if I can’t afford my medication?

Many drug companies have something called the Patient Assistance Program, sometimes referred to as a PAP. These programs allow needy patients to receive their medicines directly from the drug manufacturer. The criteria to qualify as “needy” varies by drug company. An excellent website that provides downloadable applications for most of the drug manufacturers is: www.needymeds.org . Some drug companies also have a shared website that provides similar information at www.rxassist.org .

What if my medication is not listed?

This is usually because it is not an often-prescribed medication. You may send us an email at leslieslist@gmail.com to request that a new medication be added to Leslie’s List. Please be advised that Leslie’s List can not honor all requests as we have limited time and budget. But if we get many requests for the same medication or service we will make an extra effort to add it to the database.

However, you should feel empowered to call for prices yourself, too. Pharmacy staff will give you a price quote if you simply call and ask. There is no need to be a doctor or nurse to make this type of inquiry.

Do pharmacies ever “price match” a competitor’s lower price?

Yes, some pharmacies will match a competitor’s lower price if you tell them where you found it. The pharmacy staff will usually have to call and confirm the price before honoring it. Not all pharmacies engage in this practice, so it pays to call and check with your local store’s price-matching policies.

For more on this topic see the “Leslie’s Blog” or “Medication Topics” of the Community forum of Leslie’s List.

Is it safe to get medications from more than one pharmacy?

The short answer is yes, we here at Leslie’s List do believe it is safe. However, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that whatever pharmacy you are using be informed of all medications that you are taking, in order to evaluate for any drug-drug interactions. Leslie’s List suggests that you keep a 3″ x 5″ index card with your medication name, dosage and frequency that you take each medication with you at all times (stashed in your wallet perhaps?) Be sure to include medications that you take only on an “as needed” basis, as well. Don’t forget to update this list whenever you are given a new prescription (or taken off of one) and to show this list to all of your doctors.

What about mail-order pharmacies? Aren’t they usually cheaper?

Not necessarily. Many brick and mortar pharmacies have caught on to the fact that mail-order pharmacies are popular because the prices are perceived as being lower. To stay competitive, many local pharmacies have reduced the prices of hundreds of medications, especially generics. If you are interested in using a mail-order pharmacy and would like to compare prices, Leslie’s List recommends using an internet comparison site such as www.PharmacyChecker.com or www.PillBot.com. However, Leslie’s List does not endorse any particular mail-order pharmacy.

Is there a “volume discount” on medications?

Yes, usually there is a price advantage to buying 90 days of medication, rather than 30 days, even at brick and mortar pharmacy outlets (i.e. not just for mail-order prescriptions). If you are on daily medications, you should ask your doctor to write your prescriptions for 90 days at a time, if he or she feels comfortable doing so. Do not be surprised if your doctor elects not to prescribe 90 days of a controlled substance, such as Xanax or Vicodin, etc.

I have some information on lower-priced medications and health services. How can I contact Leslie’s List?

Leslie’s List welcomes any and all information that can serve the Chicago community. Please feel free to post your information on the Leslie’s List forum. You may also contact Leslie’s List by sending an email to: LesliesList@gmail.com.

Are there any other references to help save money on prescriptions?

MSN Money posted a wonderful article “13 Ways to Save on Prescriptions” by Liz Pulliam Weston on August 20, 2008. A more academic paper was published by the National Center for Policy Analysis called “Shopping for Drugs: 2007″ by Devon Herrick, Ph.D.

Please see Leslie’s Blog for the links to these papers and other helpful sites.

What is the Walgreens Saving Card?

Also known as the Prescription Savings Club Card, this is a card that you must purchase. The card then entitles you to buy some medications at a discounted price.

FROM THE WALGREENS WEBSITE:

“Eligibility and Enrollment
If you live in the United States or Puerto Rico and are not enrolled in a publicly funded health care program, such as Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE, you are eligible for the Prescription Savings Club. Children under the age of 18 can be enrolled by a parent or guardian.

Enrollment for an individual is $20 per year or $35 for an entire family. Family enrollment includes spouse, dependents under the age of 23 and pets. Additional adult family members living in the same household, such as a parent or grandparent, will be issued their own card at the individual rate.”