How do I get medication without insurance?

The medication itself isn't too terribly expensive...it's just seeing doctors without insurance. Just seeing a psychiatrist is going to cost me anywhere from 5-10% of my estimated yearly income. And I have to see at least one other specialist for physical problems. So as it stands, it's unreasonably unaffordable to stay on medications (especially psychiatric ones). The problem is, I've tried to go off of them before, more than once and haven't done well without them. So I don't know what I'm going to do.

And to be able to afford insurance, I'd have to spend at least half of my yearly income—and that's if I have jobs that pay decently. Employers are going to stop offering insurance in a year or two, so I'd have to pay for it out of pocket and it will be unaffordable for anyone other than the upper class.

I know I'm lucky to have insurance right now, but I think it's going to get even worse for people who can't afford insurance...since we'll all have to pay fines for not being able afford insurance that costs at least half our yearly salary.

Do I just start going off medication now and learn how to survive without any medical (or maybe even dental) care whatsoever?

Does anybody know if medicare or medicaid will still exist in a couple years? And what do I do if I need to go to the ER? Just be in debt the rest of my life?

Did you read the sticky at the top of this forum about free & low cost meds? There is a lot of info there. If you can't find an answer to your question there, PM me.

It's not the cost of the meds—it's the cost of the doctors who prescribe the meds.

Have you tried a community clinic or community mental health center. Sometimes they have sliding scales even if you don't have insurance. Is your PCP willing to provide you with prescriptiions for your psych meds if you are stable on them?

No, but I'll have to look into that...hopefully that'll still be there when health care and insurance completely changes.

I don't have a primary care doctor...maybe the city I'll be moving to will have some available, but I've had a lot of bad experiences with them. And I don't think (at least for one of the meds) they can write the prescriptions. I'm not sure how it works, but even a psychiatrist has to see me once a month and give me a printed prescription that's hand signed for me to get the prescription. The drug is sold on the street either as it or is used in making meth...basically it's heavily regulated. And for anti-depressants, I don't know if I'm stable on them, as I haven't found a combination that I feel truly works.

I don't know, maybe it's all the fear-mongering in the US about how no one but the rich will be able to afford any form of medical care in a year or so as no one but the rich will be able to afford insurance and then have to pay fines for not being able to afford insurance.

I can understand your concern and feel your worry. I have been there and still am sometimes. Try to follow up on helpful suggestions, enjoy some mindfulness moments, and try not to stress. Somehow it will be alright, somehow, I think!

Only a few medications require a prescription every month. When I was on Ritalin, I found out that it was a med that a doctor could not call in to the drug store. So I was having to make trips to see the pdoc kind of often.

Eventually, I decided that there was no psych drug that was worth the amount of trouble that the Ritalin involved. Of course, you could be very different from me. But try thinking to yourself of the nice things you could do with the money that you are giving to the pdoc every month.

I wouldn't recommend you going off all meds, but I would recommend getting off a stimulant like Ritalin, or Adderal. Those are schedual 2 drugs that keep you running back and forth to the doctors. (Sometimes, I think the pdocs order them for that reason. I hate to be cynical, but I do think that.) I did read that the doctor could give you 3 separate one-month prescriptions for a stimulant (one script can't have a renewal for these drugs.) Getting 3 monthly scripts from one visit could allow you to only have to see the pdoc once every 3 months. That would save some money, but I'll bet a lot of pdocs would refuse to accomodate that request.

Here's something to consider. If something happens to you where you need some serious pain med, you might have trouble getting it, while you are taking a Schedule 2 drug. That happened to me. That's why I initially went off the Ritalin.

The medication that I need a new prescription for every month is Clonazepam (Klonotopin [sp?]) for anxiety. I have pretty bad anxiety and since I'm in music...I have to keep it under control. I don't know if I could adjust to living completely without it...at least not without relying on alcohol etc. to do the same thing. Especially now that I'm transitioning between school and the real world, where it's the most anxiety-inducing. It might making sleeping even harder too, I'm not sure about that.

I think my other drugs can last at least 2 or 3 months without a new prescription. The other problem is my anti-depressant where I'm lucky to get two months at a time.

Also, if I keep my medication as it is now, one is prescribed by a general doctor, while others are prescribed by either a psychiatrist OR a endocrinologist (so I have to see two expensive doctors). And I still need to see a neurologist somehow...what if THEY prescribe medicine (if I ever get to see one that is)? This of course doesn't account for the massive amounts of tests I have to take every year for the endocrinologist which are only affordable with insurance.

Well, gee...I'm even more screwed than I thought.

I am very surprised at you needing a new prescription every month for clonazepam (Klonopin.) It's a benzodiazepine (tranquilizer) that I've been on myself. I was always able to get refills. It was a schedule 4 drug in the federal classification, which would make it not subject to such strict control as, say, a stimulant like Ritalin. Your state may have more stringent rules, but I would be surprised. Still, states can vary. The other possibility is that your doctor has chosen, for reasons of his own, not to give you refills. If that is the case, it seems unfair to me, unless you have a history of drug abuse. You might simply ask him/her. Your pdoc has to give you accurate information as to why you are being made to return for new scripts every month, if you ask.

I don't know of any antidepressant that is even considered a controlled substance. Usually, you can get refills for an antidepressant that will last you up to a year.

Unless, you are in the midst of adjusting the dosages up and down, you should be able to get all you meds prescribed by your primary care doctor. The specialists can be used as consultants to make recommendations in writing to your PCP. I'ld be very suspicious of any psychiatrist who has you running back every 4 weeks for appointments. That's really only appropriate, if you are very unstable, or, if you have bunches of money and like to spend it that way.

Keep in mind that doctors are trying to make a living. They are not above wasting your money.

I don't know of any endocrine problem that should require "massive amounts of tests" to be done every year. You have a right to question every thing and find our the reason.

It might have been because it was on a college campus and clonazepam is apparently sold for drugs (either as is or is used to make meth or something, I don't remember).

I have a history of prescription drug abuse. But, I am going to have to switch doctors, since I've graduated...but if it's written on my chart, it may still affect how often I can get medication.

Short of my allergy medicine, I've never been able to get anything longer than a 3-month script for anything that I can recall.

The endocrine problem requires so many tests because:
1. They have no idea what the problem actually is, short of I have high DHEA
2. The medication I take can hurt my organs or mess up my blood sugar or blood pressure and probably some other stuff, hence blood tests every 6 months.
3. Since they have no idea why my DHEA is so high, since I have no other symptoms that go with anything they know of that has high DHEA, they think I'm going to start growing a tumor so I have to have a scan (can't remember which one) every 6 months. They might start scaling it back to a year, I don't know.

The real problem is that no one knows what wrong with me as I have symptoms that make no sense together and I've been tested for auto-immune diseases so they can't treat the physical symptoms in any efficient way.

For a while I was, but even after I became stable, I guess she didn't think I was. On campus though, it was pretty cheap to see doctors, even specialist. Except for physical therapy, but that's a different story.

Wow, it does sound like you have a worrisome situation that is going to keep you involved with doctors, until it's better understood. I hope they come up with a definitive diagnosis soon, but that can take years sometimes. I'm sorry you are going through all that. You do have very real worries.

You can't beat student health at a University for a great shot a cheap excellent care. Off campus, it's a whole different thing.

All you can do is the best you can. If you have insurance, try to keep it. I can see where your anxiety is coming from. To be so young and already having serious symptoms that something major and chronic might be wrong is very troubling. Medicare and medicaid will most certainly exist in the years to come. The most important thing to do is get the medical care you need however you have to do that. If you need to go to an emergency room for care, just go.

I certainly understand your worries about debt. One of the principal reasons for bankruptcy is medical bills. If the day ever comes where you have a ton of medical bills that would keep you in debt for a long time, then that is the day to start thinking of using the bankruptcy laws for your advantage. They exist to help people in that kind of a jam. Since you are so young, you can come out of a bankruptcy (if you ever need to) with plenty of time ahead to rebuild your life financially. There is nothing wrong with doing that.

What you've describing is a perfect example of why we need to change how healthcare is financed in this country. I think you are someone who will be better off in the system that is now being created than in the one that has been in existence. Try not to let people scare you. You have a right to healthcare.

When you do see your doctors, do let them know you are paying out of pocket for your medications. Some will write prescriptions for a little longer or allow you to see a nurse or PA between visits and charge less for those visits.

I would imagine the 30 day limit on your clonazepam is related to your drug abuse history, but again, if you have been on it for awhile without problems, perhaps your doc would allow you to get a refill if you explain your financial concerns.

With my previous insurance which was terrible I discovered I could also cut costs by calling around to different pharmacies. With some medications it isn't very significant, but I did save a lot with a couple of them.

Pdocs should be able to write prescriptions for psych meds. I'm not sure what you are on, but they do have the ability, it's a matter of finding one that is comfortable with managing mental health meds. Some refuse as it is not their forte, but I know like in my area where there is a 3 month wait list to get a psychiatrist appt., many Pdocs and nurses will prescribe psych meds.

The problem is that medical research hasn't advanced enough to figure out what's wrong and the doctors purposely put a close (but wrong) diagnosis on my charts so they're justified to give me the medication that supposedly works. It just doesn't work for me because I'm allergic to one of the pills I'm supposed to take and the only other medicine option to lower DHEA is brutal. My mom had a similar problem and had to take the second option (because she couldn't take any of the pills in the first option) and it was horrible. I wouldn't be able to work or do anything. As it is now, the only thing caused by this "condition" (I have no idea what to call it really) is chronic pain and weakness and I can get over most of it with over-the-counter painkillers and wearing braces on whatever joints are bothering me the most at the moment. Physical therapy helped and I got to keep some of the tools I was using, but strengthening muscles isn't going to be enough for this to go completely away. It has to have to do with the high DHEA, but most doctors wouldn't believe that because there's no research in the area. And a lot of the time the doctors don't even believe I'm really in pain or that my joints pop in and out (and tend to stay out) more than they should because it's not "medically possible" to have, for example, multiple ribs out without an actual injury. It happens when I roll over in bed or breathe or something. Or for what happened to my wrist...and eventually to both of them...

I play trumpet and the motion of fingering the valves knocked my wrist out and because I didn't realize and I don't really feel pain to the extent of the average person and by the time I couldn't move my hand anymore, I went to a chiropractor who had to reset my wrist back into place. And even though he wrote a note, people at school didn't believe me. I mean, my problems are "medically impossible", so...I don't know.

I've been getting only 30 day prescriptions for at least two years and I didn't have an problems with drugs until the last two months, so I don't think that's it. Unless being a self-harmer causes you to not be able to have more than 30 days of Clonazepam.

Wow...I know for a fact that more than a 30 day supply of any Benzodiazepam is not ever given by any Doctor or NP in NYS. They haven't given refills on those in over 20 years here! They only stopped doing triplicates in recent years...and that was only on a thirty day, no refill supply in NYS.

As for the high pain tolerance...wow...You really handle it well! Any Doctor who would tell you that your physical handicaps are "medically impossible" or tell you that you are not in pain when, in fact, you are; is not qualified to treat anyone, imo. Pain is Subjective, always. No one can tell you you are or are not in pain. That is unacceptable professional practice. (that is fact!) Advocate for you!

Sounds like medical is going into the dark ages; I figured this would happen. No one is handling things properly. Ineptitude at it's finest! System is smashed, kaput! (All that talk..."elect this one, no that one" has got us to this point--Fines if you work and carry no insurance...yowl! ) Dreadful.

Have you contacted NAMI?

Please pm me...I will see what I can find out for you?

What a mess. Don't give up, or give in to your bonified worries?
hugs~~virago

I think you should ask your Pdoc specifics on how you and he/she can help you with cost of visits and affordablilty of medications.

I take xanax and halcion both benzios and my refills are 4 months at a time. Maybe its different for all states.

Also call all your local pharmacys and compare prices. One of medications are 56.00 at walmart but I found it at a local mom and pops pharmacy for 18.00 so huge difference.

I wish you luck.

Yes, it varies from state to state...NYS as of 2006 instated laws "No Refills" on Schedule 2 Meds (Benzos and Opiates) by Licensed Medical Providers in NYS.

Prior to that, Doctors in NYS did not give refills on them because of the proliferation of abuse by many taking them--but primarily out of fear of being investigated, losing their own licenses.
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I am deeply saddened by your plight which is a result of:

The new Health Care System which impacts anyone who Works. It requires all who work on the books to have Health Insurance, or they will be fined for not having it.
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In my book?--This is not exactly an INCENTIVE for people to WORK? I wonder at the rationale behind this. Discourage people from working? Punish them for working??????? Wow, that is sad.

It is so crippling for so many......and wrong wrong wrong to punish people who work. We ought be encouraging people to work?
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again, please feel free to pm me...

This is "a fine mess we are in, aren't we Ollie?"

~~~virago

There is a lot of good info for you and others with this issue on this thread. I know not everything applies to your situation, but something might. Yes, there is a lot of variation re location, re doc, re own situation, etc. And I think we can count on more changes, although I don't know what they are. But have just decided to cope with things as best as possible, as they occur. The best to you, again, on your meds issue!

With all the rumors going around about what's going to happen and what's not (most, if not all politically fueled), I don't think everything I thought might be true actually is true...like the $20,000 insurance—I thought that was what it was going to cost everyone despite income, but apparently that's only for people who make a certain amount of income, of which I don't remember what the amount "supposedly" is.

I do think the fines for not having insurance is real...and the'll be big delays and confusion in hospitals because everyone is forced to use the same information system when a lot of hospitals are used to using one customized to their own place. My dad helps work on these systems who says they are really difficult to make work. He's told the higher-ups who don't understand why it doesn't work. The problem is the system doesn't match the doctor's/nurse's "workflow", not 100% sure what that is, just that they don't know how to use it and are frustrated that they have to learn a different system. Maybe it isn't like this everywhere...but now they're having problems obtaining even basic orders for blood tests properly.

The thing is, since my dad has always worked for hospital we've had excellent insurance (until the economy went downhill, but it was still good) so I (and the rest of my family) had access to medical that I think many didn't and still don't...so I have no idea what it's like to have no insurance and less access to medical care. I just wish it were possible for everyone to have access to care like I did, no matter where they worked or how much money they made...

And yes, this system is set up to discourage people from working unless they can get really really rich (maybe).

And about the pharmacies, I probably will have to use a chain, as I'll probably be traveling a lot and in some place like Walgreens, I was under the impression that you could get a prescription from any Walgreens anywhere in the world without "transferring" it.

No, You are just overwhelmed like a lot of us.Hugs
Rose 76 gave excellent advice.
There are lots of drugs that are older, less expensive, and work really well.
Xanax can be one written prescription with up to 5 refills alprazolam is the generic name.
Depression meds such as cymbalta/lyrica/ can be written one prescription in most cases with 6 refills. This is the law.
Pain meds like Oxycodone/vicodin is one prescription per month but if you have a good relationship with your doctor they may give you 3 scripts per visit.
I see that you do not have a primary, this is very problematic.
But you do have insurance, contact them. Find out who is your claims adjuster. Trust me they do not want to pay out any more money than "medically necessary!" You have preexisting conditions and a history of mental issues, this puts you in a different category. This will work on your behalf but
you must assert yourself. There is no shame in telling someone you have a disability. In making phone calls, I tell the other person this and I ask them to slow down and be patient with me. So I can relax, and the other person 9 out of 10 times will work with you. If you do not understand something ask them to explain or repeat.
Dealing with insurance,
Keep correspondences in e mail with receipts and copy & file them in a special folder with a password. Then delete e mails.
If someone calls you get their first and last name and e mail address and follow up what was discussed and ask them to reply if this was correct if not please respond within 3 -7 days.
If you find their answer insufficient, tell them they are causing you "extreme emotional stress" and you have the right to "palliative care " if they are "unwilling to find you a physician" that you will be "forced to go to the hospital".
I would also apply for ssdi/medicare/medicaid before the end of this year, make sure to list everything that is applicable. Including childhood treatments.
sorry for the long post
h.
When filing taxes save all of out of pocket medical expenses they are deductible, even gas to get to visits same day, over a year will add up to a lot.

It's not the drugs that are expensive—they're all generics. It's just getting the drugs. I'm not going to be able to afford going to a psychiatrist once a month—not one off campus anyway.

I'm only on my dad's insurance and only for another year, then nothing. But that insurance doesn't cover ANYTHING where I'm going to be living so I might as well not have any.

I don't have a primary because I don't even know what state I'm going to be in when for sure and I could use the campus clinic (and other clinics) and get better service anyway. At this point, since I've graduated, it may make sense to get a primary doctor, but I don't know where I'll be living next year. It may be in the same city, a city an hour away, or a city several states away. So honestly, going to clinics makes more sense until I'm somewhere where I'm going to stay for more than a year. And even then, there aren't enough primary care doctors in some places.

I can't tell anyone that I have a disability, because technically, I don't have one. I don't have proof from a doctor and I have no name for it. And I can technically do things physically at the level of the average person, I just get injured by doing it. But you can't tell.

The injuries don't show up in any test...my joints just seem to pop out and my muscles get too tense...and now it seems like my muscles had started to atrophy some. Physical therapy helped with this, but it didn't solve the underlying problem of course.

And to me, to be honest, there is some shame. I used to be really strong. I had to carry large amounts of weight up and down several flights of stairs a day...but now I sometimes can't even lift a coffee cup? Ok, those are the two extremes and I'm usually in the middle, but I have to take elevators now...and I just feel, well, lazy. But I think that's because I don't have a "real" disability...I obviously wouldn't think someone with a real disability was lazy. I just wish I could have a name for what's wrong so I don't feel like I have to push myself to the point of injury or feel guilty that I don't.