• Share

PRINT

Have you ever been standing at the pharmacy counter, minding your own business, when the clerk says, “That’ll be $958,” and you briefly exit your body? I used to be that pharmacist delivering the sticker shock, though I always tried to soften the blow.

I’ve seen people turn pale, mutter words I can’t print here, and leave the pharmacy crying. Back in the 1990s, we didn’t have Google at our fingertips or smartphones in our pockets, and patient assistance programs (PAPs) were mostly reserved for people with no insurance at all.

Today, I want to be your hero and explain more about PAPs and how they can slash the cost of many brand-name prescriptions. These programs are offered by the manufacturer, not the pharmacy, and you can save a small fortune if you know how.

Here’s an example: A friend’s husband was prescribed Xifaxan for stubborn stomach symptoms. His doctor prescribed 42 tablets (a two-week supply). The pharmacy prices comes up at $2,448. The poor guy nearly needed CPR. His wife (my friend) texted me in a panic. I said, “Don’t pay that — give me a minute.”

Step 1: I Googled “Xifaxan copay card.”

Ten seconds. I see that the manufacturer has a savings program on their website. Many brand-name drugs do. I let her know.

Step 2: They fill out the form, which requires name, email, insurance info, and 30 seconds later — boom! The site instantly generates a digital “card” with four magic numbers: BIN, PCN, Group and ID.

Step 3: She read those numbers to the pharmacist.

The price dropped from $2,448 to about $759. That’s a 70% savings in under five minutes! Tell me that isn’t sorcery.

Another quick example: A doctor prescribed a topical analgesic product called Pennsaid for knee pain. The item is priced at $1,500. (Just FYI, Pennsaid is just diclofenac, what you probably know as Voltaren Gel.) I found a PAP for Pennsaid itself, and the price dropped from $1,500 to free for this particular patient!

You might be wondering, why doesn’t the pharmacy tell me if there’s a PAP for a medicine? Because they’re juggling interactions, insurance rejections, refills and long lines. Besides, it’s always up to the consumer to find the best price on things they want to buy. Just so you know, pharmacists are salaried, so it doesn’t affect their pay whether you’re charged a sky-high price or get your medication for nothing.

So you have to become a savvy patient. Here’s how:

1. Google your medication name plus “savings program” or “copay card.”
2. Click ONLY the manufacturer’s website.
3. Fill out the quick form.
4. Screenshot the card with the BIN, PCN number, group number and ID.
5. Call the pharmacy and read the numbers.
6. Watch the price collapse.

If you’d like the full, expanded version with even more money-saving examples and tips, just head over to suzycohen.com and sign up for my free newsletter.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.  

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.