Affordable scripts.

June 27, 2011 10:25 AM

I currently unemployed but have health insurance. It has an insane annual deductible that I cannot afford. I am a diabetic who is running out of refills on my prescriptions. So, how can I cheaply get someone to write me scripts?

My old doctor wont do it, as I haven't seen her in a year and they are on the other side of the country. Zoom Care said they would see me for $100 but can't guarantee that the doctor will write me a script. I can't find a regular doctor to see because they will most likely require typical diabetic tests that I cannot afford.

So, what are my options? How can I cheaply get someone to write me a script for about 5 meds (diabetes is expensive, yo). I live in Portland, OR.

Thanks, metafilter.

posted by munchingzombie to health & fitness (10 answers total)

Can't you get your lab tests done while you still have your old insurance--when was the last time you had an appropriate panel done and do you have access to that information? And then find a Dr. in Portland who'll work with you on a sliding scale or reduced rate (I bargain with my Drs.). List of community clinics in Portland.
posted by Ideefixe at 10:31 AM on June 27, 2011

Unfortunately I don't believe you will be able to get your medications without seeing a doctor. Mr. BuffaloChickenWing is a Type I, so I know a bit about this area.

I am assuming by "regular doctor" you mean a primary care physician. Have you considered seeing an endocrinologist and bring your lab tests just as Ideefixe recommended? I would recommend finding an endocrinologist that has a small practice where they are the only doctor and not going to what I call a "mill" which is a specialist office loaded with specialty doctors all eager to run the panels you mentioned because they have an in house lab.

If you are able to find an endocrinologist in your insurance network with that small practice call and speak to their staff explaining your circumstances. I bet you will find they are willing to work with you.
posted by BuffaloChickenWing at 11:08 AM on June 27, 2011

Doctors are people too. Tell them you are insured but way under the deductible. They'll work with you to keep the cost down. Or make an arrangement to pay the bill in installments over 90 days. Also remember that if you go to an in-network doctor you will be billed the network rates, which is usually at least 50% off, and for lab work can be 90% off. So even though you are paying the bill, you should only pay what the insurance company would have paid.

Also, check your insurance carefully. We too have a huge deductible, but each family member gets 3 doctor appointments a year before the deductible kicks in. Or maybe call the insurance company and ask them if they have any programs for diabetics that may help.

Worst case, pull out the VISA card. My wife's endocrinology appointments cost about $400 I think. Credit card debt sucks, but a diabetic coma and trip to the ER brought on by a 500+ blood glucose level sucks more.
posted by COD at 11:10 AM on June 27, 2011

Here is a list of free/sliding scale/community clinics in Portland:
http://www.freemedicalcamps.com/vcamp.php?cityid=1696
posted by zia at 11:11 AM on June 27, 2011

You might try contacting 211 in your area to see if they have any low-cost or free doctors or clinics to which they can refer you.
posted by shesbookish at 11:31 AM on June 27, 2011 [1 favorite]

It's not clear to me whether it's the medical appointment cost alone that bothers you ("cheaply get someone to write me a script"), or the expensive diabetes medication that bothers you, or both.

For the second: Your insurance may make you ineligible, but you could investigate the various Prescription Assistance Programs for diabetes care offered by manufacturers. See also the Partnership for Prescription Assistance.
posted by dhartung at 11:45 AM on June 27, 2011

Planned parenthood does diabetic screening, if some of the low cost clinics don't work out for you.
posted by annsunny at 11:47 AM on June 27, 2011

Thanks everyone. I have an appointment with a low-income clinic.

My insurance is odd. I pay almost nothing for my prescriptions but have a monster of an annual deductible if I want to see a doctor or get tests done.
posted by munchingzombie at 12:05 PM on June 27, 2011

You don't say anything else about your situation, but have you considered the Oregon Health Plan?
posted by no relation at 8:06 PM on June 27, 2011

I have put my application into OHP and am in a lottery to get in. Even though I am unemployed I don't qualify for other programs...

But, this is a temporary problem and just need scripts to get me through the next six months then I will be a productive member of society again.
posted by munchingzombie at 9:09 PM on June 27, 2011