Insured patients may lose prescription drug cover following yesterday's passing of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) by the US House of Representatives. The legislation includes provisions allowing states to opt out of certain protections offered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If passed by the Senate, the AHCA will allow states to apply for waivers enabling insurance companies to eliminate certain coverage mandated under the ACA, including cover for prescription medication.
Under the new legislation, insurers may be able to charge higher premiums to those aged 50 and above and will curtail federal support for Medicaid. Insurers will potentially have the option to offer policies without a number of the essential health benefits mandated by Obamacare. States will be given the power to set their own standards over which benefits are compulsory in health insurance policies. Benefits potentially at threat include: prescription drug cover, maternity care, substance use disorder services and mental health treatment.
Despite this, the AHCA may have some advantages for those with health savings accounts (HSAs). The legislation includes a provision allowing individuals to use HSA funds to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medication, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Tylenol (acetaminophen). Under the current ACA, patients are only permitted to use this money to purchase OTC drugs for which they have a prescription.
The passing of the AHCA by the House has been met with disappointment by a number of organizations, some of which had appealed to legislators to reject the bill. In a letter to the House ahead of the vote, chief advocacy & engagement officer of the AARP Nancy A LeaMond expressed "serious concerns" about the impact of the new AHCA on older Americans. "AARP believes Congress must do more to reduce the burden of high prescription drug costs on consumers and taxpayers, and we urge action on bipartisan solutions," she said.
Earlier this year, a letter from the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare to the House Ways and Means & Energy and Commerce Committees warned that nearly 12 million people have benefited from cheaper prescription drugs under the ACA. "Prior to passage of the ACA, Medicare beneficiaries paid 100 percent of the cost of their drugs when in the coverage gap; under the ACA, beginning in 2011, beneficiaries paid a reduced cost for brand name and generic drugs," it stated.
Whether or not the AHCA passes in the Senate, there are a number of ways patients can cut prescription costs. Speaking to a pharmacist or physician about generic versions of branded drugs is a simple way to lower the cost of medication. The price of drugs varies, often significantly, between pharmacies, even those in the same neighborhood. Using ModRN Health, you can easily compare prices at different outlets, ensuring you never overpay for medicine. Just search for your medication, find a local pharmacy then print your ModRN Health discount coupon and you could save you up to 80 percent on the cash price of OTC or prescription medicines.
Pill splitting offers another way for patients to minimize outgoings on prescriptions. In many cases, pills are the same price no matter the dosage, so dividing a higher dosage tablet may be a viable way to reduce the number of pills you buy. However, this should only be considered after consulting with a physician, as some medication is unsuitable for splitting.
