Nearly 70% of American adults take at least one prescription drug—for people over 65, this increases to nearly 90%. Prescription drugs can be essential to managing chronic conditions and keeping people well after a hospital stay—but a drug regimen can also be costly and confusing.
“One of the main reasons people don’t fill prescriptions is the cost, especially at the start of a new year when their insurance deductible resets.”
We spoke with Cedars-Sinai pharmacist Remy Hataishi about common medication questions, including how to lower the cost of your prescriptions, where it’s safe to buy medications and how to keep track of multiple medications.
How can Cedars-Sinai pharmacists help patients save money on prescription drugs?
Remy Hataishi: One of the main reasons people don’t fill prescriptions is the cost, especially at the start of a new year, when their insurance deductible resets. Cedars-Sinai’s outpatient pharmacy is part of a federal program that allows us to purchase medications at a reduced price, and we pass on the cost savings to patients who can’t afford their medications when they go home.
We can also help patients get coupons and apply for copay savings cards. Sometimes pharmaceutical companies offer a once-in-a-lifetime one-month supply of a drug at no cost, which can really help patients when they have a gap in insurance or they’re going through hardships that make it hard to afford their copay.
