(ARA) - Americans are paying more and more for their medications, with many seeing double-digit increases or more over the past decade. The changing landscape of brand names, generics and over-the-counter choices is confusing. And health insurance coverage is changing rapidly too. The trend is toward higher co-payments or co-insurance for traditional prescription card programs and consumer-driven health plans with high deductibles, meaning that out-of-pocket expenses are on the rise.
“ As an independent drug store, we're always looking for ways to serve more customers ”
With all of these changes, cost is becoming more of a factor when consumers are ready to fill their prescriptions.
But, where to go to find lower prices and make more informed decisions? One site, BidRx.com, is a free Web site changing the way Americans buy prescription drugs. Just as online travel sites have revolutionized how consumers find inexpensive airfares and hotels online, BidRx.com has created an open and competitive marketplace where consumers can evaluate similar medications, comparison shop between pharmacies, receive electronic coupons for discounts from pharmaceutical companies and ultimately experience savings up to 85 percent or more when they put their prescriptions out for bid so they can compare prices and services from various pharmacies.
Omro Pharmacy of Omro, Wisc., is one of the pharmacies to does
business on the site. "As an independent drug store, we're always looking for ways to serve more customers," says Ken Bressers, RPh, pharmacist and owner, Omro Pharmacy. "I think it's really important that BidRx exists. It's the first real way to find reasonable prescription pricing online. And, with BidRx.com, although we're in a small town, our pharmacy can reach millions of American consumers and offer them medications at honest prices. That makes us feel good, and it keeps us in
business."
"I first heard about BidRx.com when I was checking a prescription price for my mom. I went to her regular pharmacy to find out their price, which was $26.99. For fun, I checked the same prescription on BidRx.com. I was shocked that the bid came back at only $8.64," says Nancy Leatherwood, Oshkosh, Wisc. "It was a huge cost savings for my mom, who is on a fixed income. BidRx was so easy, I really recommend it for everyone. I'll definitely do it again for my mom and for my own prescriptions. I had no idea that there could be such a huge range in medication pricing; it was a real eye-opener."
If high health care costs are cutting into your family's bottom line, it's time to take action by shopping for prescriptions in a whole new way. It's easy to participate. Visit www.BidRx.com and register on the confidential and secure site to learn more and start saving right away.
Courtesy of ARA Content
