ShareRight Prescription Pricing

To address both illness symptoms and pharmaceutical price-gouging, healthcare systems, and insurers are implementing strategies to provide patients with real-time drug pricing information.

For example, Allina Health, a prominent Minnesota hospital network, is among the increasing number of healthcare organizations offering doctors access to such tools. Integrated into physicians' electronic health records and prescribing systems, these tools display patients' out-of-pocket costs based on their insurance provider and chosen pharmacy. This empowers physicians to help patients avoid unexpected expenses and seek cheaper alternatives when available. Additionally, they can initiate the drug authorization process if required by the insurer.

Imagine hearing stories or watching advertisements about individuals struggling to afford their medications. Some are forced to ration their medication, leading to worsened symptoms, increased healthcare expenses, and, tragically, even fatalities.

To address this issue, prescription pricing tools have been developed. These tools aim to empower consumers facing higher deductibles and rising copayments by providing information about more affordable options before they leave the doctor's office. However, despite their potential benefits, studies indicate that physicians have been slow to adopt this technology. Concerns about engaging in lengthy discussions about drug costs often deter them. For instance, data from Humana shows that less than 10% of its network doctors utilize its drug-pricing tool, despite its release several years ago.

Moreover, these tools have limitations. Negotiations over drug costs between insurers and pharmaceutical companies are often fiercely competitive and shrouded in secrecy. Additionally, the tools may not have data for every patient, further complicating their effectiveness.

Additionally, there are numerous tools available to consumers aimed at alleviating the financial strain of prescription medications. ScriptHero.com, for instance, empowers individuals to input their medications and explore various cost options.

For example, in a search for Adderall XR, a medication used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Script Hero displayed generic options and different forms of the medication, allowing users to select the prescription strength. After specifying these details, users enter their location, which directs them to a new page featuring local pharmacies and the corresponding price ranges.

During our search, CVS Pharmacy offered the lowest cost for Dextroamphetamine-Amphet ER, the generic equivalent of Adderall XR, at just $40.53 for a 30-day supply. In stark contrast, Wal-Mart Pharmacy presented the highest cost, totaling $130.84. This staggering difference amounted to $90.31. Opting for CVS Pharmacy instead of Wal-Mart Pharmacy not only allows individuals to secure the medication at a more affordable price but also enables them to obtain an additional three months' supply before reaching the amount charged by Wal-Mart Pharmacy.

Additionally, there are numerous tools available to consumers aimed at alleviating the financial strain of prescription medications. ScriptHero.com, for instance, empowers individuals to input their medications and explore various cost options.

For example, in a search for Adderall XR, a medication used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Script Hero displayed generic options and different forms of the medication, allowing users to select the prescription strength. After specifying these details, users enter their location, which directs them to a new page featuring local pharmacies and the corresponding price ranges.

During our search, CVS Pharmacy offered the lowest cost for Dextroamphetamine-Amphet ER, the generic equivalent of Adderall XR, at just $40.53 for a 30-day supply. In stark contrast, Wal-Mart Pharmacy presented the highest cost, totaling $130.84. This staggering difference amounted to $90.31. Opting for CVS Pharmacy instead of Wal-Mart Pharmacy not only allows individuals to secure the medication at a more affordable price but also enables them to obtain an additional three months' supply before reaching the amount charged by Wal-Mart Pharmacy.