I know there are many out there that have issues with drug costs. But, boy, did we get a surprise this morning. My hubby has had glaucoma for many years. He was diagnosed when he was about 24 or 25. His doctor felt that he was discharged from the Air Force with this but was actually never proven. Today we went to refill one of his prescriptions. He is on 2 different types, and he is unable to use generic. This particular Rx went from $290 for a 3-month supply to $775 for the same 3-month supply. He has had to have an implant in one eye due to the disease, and he is now 30-40% blind in that eye. Guess I will be getting on the phone with the insurance company next week and see what is going on.

I can empathize with you. I do not have any answers and hopefully Congress can work out a deal with specialty orders when they negotiate prices as they have been trying to do for decades.

I worked in ophthalmology for 14 years. Can he not use the generics due to different preservatives and allergic reactions? The sources others mentioned below are sound advice. We used to use GoodRXGold [we purchased that discount plan] but then our local Kroger Pharmacy quit accepting that. Now we use GoodRX on several RX's and Kroger does accept the no cost plan. Our Part D medicare plan cost are high on some of our meds. Kroger has a discount plan but in our area they are like 4 x's higher than GoodRX. The VA is good on office visits and meds. My brother in law is retired Army and gets great care at VA and his inhaler for the disease my Dad died of 'Pulmonary Fibrosis'. My brother is now affected by this--no cure. My brother in law was service man though so he gets his med at VA--had to contact the drug manufacturer. But yes, do contact your ophthalmologist to see if he can use a substitute brand.

1 comment

by dlonnahawkins 17 Sep 2023

He is unable to use generics. My doctor checked with the VA pharmacist and both types of his eye medications are in their formulary. He now needs to get a VA primary care to so that he can try to get his Rx through VA. Good RX is higher than the local pharmacy that he has used. One of his medications is not even covered by our insurance, but the doctor set him up some time ago with manufacturer so that he gets it from them. It too is expensive.

Hope you are doing well.

Run it through the GoodRX app/website and see what kind of discount you can get.

1 comment

by dlonnahawkins 03 Sep 2023

Karen, we tried that...it is expensive there too, but I am going to call our insurance provider Tuesday so that I can verify that what we were quoted for the refill is accurate. That was an increase of close to 267%. That is just unreal.

I'm so glad rachap had such wonderful advice to offer. Another avenue to explore is with the company that makes the medicine. Tell them his age and how many years he has been on the meds for this condition and that you now have financial hardship. Also, at all eye appointments ask the doctor if she or he possibly has samples to offer.

You might try calling your local Veterans group (VFW / American Leigon etc) and see what they say and if they could help him now. The VA is currently on a "campaign" to better serve all vets not just those with retired staus. recently the VA Dr. told my husband to ALWAYS check with them before filling any prescription,esp. the $$$$ones. You have to pay some but usually they base it on your finances. Good luck!

1 comment

by dlonnahawkins 03 Sep 2023

Thank you....my daughter actually works for the VA as a critical care respiratory therapist. We may try to see if he can get the RX through them, but he may have to see one of their Ophthalmologists. We just found out that VA covered his fall last month when he had to go to the emergency room.