Taking a brand name medication, as opposed the generic
equivalent can cost you more than just your increased co-pay
amount. It can cripple, or completely destroy your
eligibility to apply for a new health insurance plan in the
future.
Here’s why it’s so important to consider taking generic
medications, instead of brand name drugs:
My Wife’s Story (With Her Permission)
Today, my wife went to a dermatologist to find an effective
treatment for a mild acne condition she has.
She Was Very Clear About Wanting a Generic
She first met with the medical assistant, and told him that
she was concerned about the effects that an expensive
prescription would have on her health insurability and rates.
She explained that she wanted a generic, or inexpensive
medication.
The Doctor Still Prescribed Her an Expensive Brand Name
Prescription
She also made it a point to tell the doctor the same thing.
He looked at her file, asked her if she had “good insurance?”
and told her that she should be “fine.” He offered to give
her samples and a prescription discount card that would
“help.” He also mentioned that if the medication was too
expensive, he could prescribe something else. This was an
indication to my wife that the prescription was very
expensive.
Searching Out the Generic Alternative Became Our
Responsibility
She called the doctor back and explained how she had been
clear about only wanting a generic, or inexpensive
prescription. It turns out there isn’t a generic of this
medication, but a very second close.
In the End
Instead of my wife having to pay $60 each month for her
prescription, and her insurance company having to pay $120,
she will now have to pay $10, and her insurance company will
only pay $23.42.
The Difference It Made to My Wife
Because my wife didn’t just “go with” what the doctor
suggested, and sought out a generic alternative, she
protected her insurability and will be able to apply to a new
company in the future. She will likely be approved, rather
than completely denied, or forced to take a large
prescription deductible and pay for her medications on her
own.
Look Out for Your Insurance Company
It may sounds odd, but I make it a point to be aware of what
my insurance company is paying toward my family’s medical
care. I know if I have multiple claims throughout the year,
my annual renewal increase will be more than it would if we
had no claims. On top of that, telling your doctor you will
pass on unnecessary diagnostic tests, taking generic
alternatives, and questioning why the doctor is doing what
they are doing can protect your insurability for the future.
Protecting You Insurability is Your Responsibility
Doctor’s don’t always understand that the actions they take
can greatly impact your health insurance insurability. I’ve
run into clients multiple times that have a diagnosis on
their medical records that a doctor gave them, just so they
had a reason to prescribe a certain medication for the
condition they did have. It’s important to be aware of how
your medical actions can affect you in the future.
Taking a brand name medication, as opposed the generic equivalent can cost you more than just your increased co-pay amount. It can cripple, or completely destroy your eligibility to apply for a new health insurance plan in the future.
Here’s why it’s so important to consider taking generic medications, instead of brand name drugs:
My Wife’s Story (With Her Permission)
Today, my wife went to a dermatologist to find an effective treatment for a mild acne condition she has.
She Was Very Clear About Wanting a Generic
She first met with the medical assistant, and told him that she was concerned about the effects that an expensive prescription would have on her health insurability and rates. She explained that she wanted a generic, or inexpensive medication.
The Doctor Still Prescribed Her an Expensive Brand Name Prescription
She also made it a point to tell the doctor the same thing. He looked at her file, asked her if she had “good insurance?” and told her that she should be “fine.” He offered to give her samples and a prescription discount card that would “help.” He also mentioned that if the medication was too expensive, he could prescribe something else. This was an indication to my wife that the prescription was very expensive.
Searching Out the Generic Alternative Became Our Responsibility
She called the doctor back and explained how she had been clear about only wanting a generic, or inexpensive prescription. It turns out there isn’t a generic of this medication, but a very second close.
In the End
Instead of my wife having to pay $60 each month for her prescription, and her insurance company having to pay $120, she will now have to pay $10, and her insurance company will only pay $23.42.
The Difference It Made to My Wife
Because my wife didn’t just “go with” what the doctor suggested, and sought out a generic alternative, she protected her insurability and will be able to apply to a new company in the future. She will likely be approved, rather than completely denied, or forced to take a large prescription deductible and pay for her medications on her own.
Look Out for Your Insurance Company
It may sounds odd, but I make it a point to be aware of what my insurance company is paying toward my family’s medical care. I know if I have multiple claims throughout the year, my annual renewal increase will be more than it would if we had no claims. On top of that, telling your doctor you will pass on unnecessary diagnostic tests, taking generic alternatives, and questioning why the doctor is doing what they are doing can protect your insurability for the future.
Protecting You Insurability is Your Responsibility
Doctor’s don’t always understand that the actions they take can greatly impact your health insurance insurability. I’ve run into clients multiple times that have a diagnosis on their medical records that a doctor gave them, just so they had a reason to prescribe a certain medication for the condition they did have. It’s important to be aware of how your medical actions can affect you in the future.
