Page 21 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - August 2019 - 26-08

Senior Times - August 2019 Page 21
The FDA estimates that generic drugs cost 20 percent to 70 percent less than their brand name counterparts. Let your doctor or phar- macist know that you want the most effective drug at the best price.
and take medications for different medical conditions, you may be eligible to get ser- vices, at no cost to you. You may want to contact your drug plan to see if you're eligi- ble for a Medication Therapy Management program. This program helps you and your doctor make sure that your medications are working to improve your health.
Each state has a law allowing pharmacists to substitute generic drugs for many brand name products as long as your doctor doesn’t specify that a brand name drug is required.
A pharmacist or other health professional will give you a comprehensive review of all your medications and talk with you about:
• How to get the most benefit from the drugs
In some cases, doctors will have full size samples that they can pass along. Samples may be available for medications used every day like inhalers or blood pressure medica- tions. If you need to start a medication that
is new to you and does not have a generic currently available, ask your doctor to see if they have free samples. This can be especial- ly helpful if you are trying a new medication. It is important that you record the samples you are taking to your medicine record and then share this information with your doctor and pharmacist.
discounts or even free for people in need. If you have a prescription for a high cost drug, check out the company’s web site to see if they offer assistance.
you take.
• Any concerns you have, like medication
One way to help save on your medications is to buy in larger quantities to save on the per tablet price. Your pharmacist is a good resource to help you look at price savings for your medications.
Prescription assistance programs, or PAPs, enable people who can’t afford to pay for their medications to get them for free or a reduced price. Typically, the programs are sponsored by prescription drug companies or your state.
You’ll get a written summary of this dis- cussion, including an action plan that rec- ommends what you can do to make the best use of your medications, with space for you to take notes or write down any follow-up questions. You’ll also get a personal medi- cation list that will include all the medica- tions you’re taking and why you take them. During the medication review the pharmacist may be able to help find ways to reduce your medication costs. It’s a good idea to schedule your medication review before your yearly wellness visit, so you can talk to your doctor about your action plan and medication list.
Bring your action plan and medication list with you to your visit or anytime you talk with your doctors, pharmacists, and other health care providers.
Publisher’s Note: If you need a copy of a medication record form contact us at Senior Times, or reach out to your health care pro- vider or your Area Agency on Aging.
Many pharmacies have begun to offer discount programs to their patients who do not have prescription drug insurance. Each program is a little different; some have dis- counts only on select generic medications. Others will be in a membership or club format that have a small enrollment fee but will offer more medications available at a discount. This might include both generic and brand name medications. Do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist if the pharmacy’s discount program could be of assistance in reducing your medication costs.
To participate in the program, the individ- ual must apply for and be approved to partic- ipate in the program. Your health conditions, financial situation, the cost of the drugs, and whether you have other prescription drug coverage help determine whether you qualify for a prescription assistance program.
You can also look up patient assistance programs on the NeedyMeds.org website, which provides information on almost 6,000 programs. This website maintains a database of companies categorized by the drugs they produce. You can search this list and get an address, phone number, website, and other information about drug assistance programs.
costs and drug reactions.
• How best to take your medications.
• Any questions or problems you have about
your prescription and over the counter medication.
Many pharmaceutical companies have programs that provide their drugs at deep
One last way that you might be able to save on your medications is to take advan- tage of program called Medication Therapy Management sometimes called a medication checkup. If you’re in a Medicare drug plan
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
ORGANIZATION
Aequitas
Albion Marshall Connector
Area Wide Transportation
Battle Creek Transit - Fixed Route
Community Action Senior Transportation
JTC Transportation Service LLC
Mobility 1 Transportation
Senior Transportation, DC Services LLC
AREA
Battle Creek
Marshall, Ablion
Southern Michigan
Battle Creek
Calhoun County- Battle Creek
Calhoun County Area
Southern Michigan
Michigan, Northern IN
SERVICE CONDITIONS
Curb-To-Curb
Fixed Routes
Origination To Destination
Within 150 miles
Will Travel Out Of Michigan
PHONE
(269) 441-5387
(269) 781-3975 or (517) 654-3000
(269) 679-6999
(269) 966-3474
(269) 565-4144
(269) 339-6928
(269) 430-5055
(517) 677-9262
HOURS
M-F, 7am-12midnight
M-F, 7:30am-5:30pm
Available 24 hours/ day
M-F, 5:15am-6:45pm, Some Routes Sat, 9:15am-5pm
M-F, 8am-4:30pm
Daily 6am-8pm
By Appointment
By Appointment
COST
$7 one-way
$1 one way for seniors, 60+; disabled & children 6-12, $2 adults/children 13+
Bills Medicare/Medicad
$0.60 seniors
$1 suggested cost share per ride, funded by Senior Millage
Wheelchair $35+$1.50/mile after 20miles, Ambulatory $25+$1.50/ mile after 20miles
Can bill some Medicad plans
$0.50/mile
NOTES
Must have exact change, can receive tokens for future trips if you overpay
Rider responsible for any costs not covered
Must have exact change, 12 punch pass for $6, 48 punches for $24
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
10-15% Disc for ambulatory frequency
Starting from Tekonsha
Alamo Transportation
Calhoun & Jackson Counties
(517) 494-0029
M-F, 7am-5pm
Bills Medicare/Medicad
Alpha Medical Transport
Battle Creek Area
(844) 895-4809
By Appointment
Arranged through individual health insurance plans; direct pay not accepted
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
Battle Creek Tele-Transit
Battle Creek Area
Door-to-Door Service
(269) 966-3474
M-F, 5:15am-mid- night, Sat, 9:15am-5pm
$2 one-way for senior/disabled, Personal attendants ride free, $7 adults ($5 after 6:45pm)
Reservation Needed, 10 punch pass for $20, 20 punches for $40
Branch Area Transit Authority
Branch County
Curb-To-Curb
(517) 278-5889
Daily
Half Fare for Handicapped & Senior Citizens Over 60
Weekly Subscriptions Available
Community Action Senior Transportation
Calhoun County- Albion
Origination To Destination
(269) 565-4144
M,T,W,F, 9am-2:30pm
$1 suggested cost share per ride, funded by Senior Millage
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
Marshall Dial-A-Ride
Marshall
(269) 781-3975
M-F, 7am-6pm
$1.50 one-way for seniors, 60+, disabled, children 5-12, $3.00 adults/children 13+
Free on Wed for seniors, age 60 and over
Ready Ride Transportation
Michigan
(616) 261-2400
By Appointment
Contact for Rates
10% Discount for Veterans
Details subject to change.To have your senior transportation added or changes to your listing, Call Sherii at (269) 979-1412 ext. 302 or ssherban@wwthayne.com.