Date: 5/21/24
Name of podcast: Dr. Patient
Episode title and number: 19 US Drug Costs Are Insane, Part 2

Episode summary: Part 2 follows the last episode, where I reviewed how we got to where we are with insane drug costs in the US and a bit on how the Pharma system works. This week I did a deep dive on how someone can save on their medication costs. I review some cost comparing websites, online pharmacies, direct discounts from manufacturers and more.

Guest(s): none

Key Terms: none

References:
Convoluted drug cost diagram from last episode: https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2023/12/14/pharmacy-benefit-managers-the-middleman-that-decides-what-you-pay-for-medications
How to shop around: https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/features/medication-shop-around
How does a place like GoodRx work: https://support.goodrx.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004944026-What-is-GoodRx-How-does-it-work
Ozempic.com with discounts and coupon info: https://www.ozempic.com/savings-and-resources/save-on-ozempic.html?utm_medium=banner&utm_source=goodrx&utm_campaign=trizone&utm_content=wstpay25&utm_id=nmtDC00004081
General ideas on how to save: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/save-money-on-prescription-drugs/
How Medicare drug costs work: https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage
Getting help with Medicare drug costs: https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/costs-in-the-coverage-gap/5-ways-to-get-help-with-prescription-costs
Overview of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefits: https://www.kff.org/medicare/fact-sheet/an-overview-of-the-medicare-part-d-prescription-drug-benefit/

Cost comparing websites:
GoodRx
RxSaver
WebMDRx
RxPriceQuotes
SingleCare
NeedyMeds

Online pharmacies:
HoneybeeHealth
DiRX
Mark Cuban’s CostPlus Drugs
Marley Drug