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Jim Schartz
Jim Schartz has been involved in the oil industry for over 40 years in a variety of Administrative and Management capacities for Derby Refining Co. and Coastal Mart, Inc. Currently, as owner of J & S Consultants, he works with all types of businesses in several areas, with particular emphasis in employee benefits. J & S Consultants is an independent representative for United Services Association for Health Care (USA +), providing individuals and employees (through employee benefit programs), an average savings per household of $400 per month on expenses including but not limited to medical, dental, hearing, pharmaceuticals, legal, travel, hotel, and grocery coupons. Jim can be contacted by phone at (316) 531-2684 or by e-mail jjsconsult@yahoo.com
Business Consulting
2002-05-01 15:03:00
Prescription costs...can anyone help?
:  While reading your newspaper, I thought I would ask you a question, because I don't know where else to find the answer.  I have recently (within the last month) moved my parents into an assisted living facility.  The cost is out-of-sight.  Anyway, my question is, if my parents make just a little over the medicaid level, but do have medicare and a supplemental insurance plan, where do I go, or write to find out who I should contact about getting prescriptions at a VERY reduced cost. The pills must be bubble-packed and very few pharmacies will do this without an extra fee.  My question is who provides a $0 cost or minimal cost for prescriptions.  They have no Rx's from Pfizer, so that's not an option.  If you have any questions or answers, please advise.  
Jim Schartz Question:  While reading your newspaper, I thought I would ask you a question, because I don't know where else to find the answer.  I have recently (within the last month) moved my parents into an assisted living facility.  The cost is out-of-sight.  Anyway, my question is, if my parents make just a little over the medicaid level, but do have medicare and a supplemental insurance plan, where do I go, or write to find out who I should contact about getting prescriptions at a VERY reduced cost. The pills must be bubble-packed and very few pharmacies will do this without an extra fee.  My question is who provides a $0 cost or minimal cost for prescriptions.  They have no Rx's from Pfizer, so that's not an option.  If you have any questions or answers, please advise.   Answer:  Your folks' situation is like many throughout the country.  Unfortunately there is not a program where one can get free prescriptions.  Even the Medicare Supplements that are available that will pay for prescriptions after a deductible and then only up to a limit based upon participation by the insured are probably not only cost prohibitive in your folks' case, but they would not qualify for these because they already need a lot of prescriptions.  It's kind of like borrowing money.  The only time you can borrow it with ease is when you don't need it.  The only time you can qualify for Medicare Supplement plans H, I and J (which pay for some of the cost of prescriptions) is when you aren't taking any now.     There is however another avenue that can significantly reduce the cost of prescriptions.  It would be to join what is called a group association.  There are a handful of these associations throughout the country.  Some are marginally beneficial and some are most beneficial.  One in particular is where you pay a one-time fee to join and then a very modest monthly fee.  Then, as a member, are entitled to a host of significant discounts on a wide range of goods and services, including prescriptions where one can receive as much as a 25% discount off wholesale prices, which can end up being a significant reduction in price... depending upon the prescriptions.  Other services include appreciable discounts on eye wear, travel, dental, legal, and discounts off services from your doctor.       While this plan is available on a direct basis to everyone, it is also achieving rapid growth throughout the corporate culture as a very exciting, low cost, employee benefit.  Perhaps one of the best parts is that there is no underwriting.  Regardless of your health you can apply and be accepted.
 
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