CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Anecdotal reports show that prices have risen for a number of common drugs because of the COVID-19 crisis.
So one senior advocacy group is offering advice on how to find the best deal.
Mary Johnson, Social Security and Medicare policy analyst for The Senior Citizens League says — as just one example – her organization has reports of significant price hikes for the diabetes drug Lantus.
“The insurers learn sometimes prior to the shortage being reported,” she states. “So it could very well be that they are pre-emptively raising prices in anticipation of disruptions in the supply chain.”
The Food and Drug Administration is reporting a COVID-related shortage of albuterol inhalers, which help people with pneumonia to breathe.
Normally they cost $45 to $50 each, but now are commanding $80 on some mail order sites.
In addition, consumers who order prescription medications online have seen price hikes of up to 15% and months-long delays in delivery.
Johnson says doctors’ offices sometimes give out free samples, and notes that prices vary widely among online retailers, drug store chains and local pharmacies.
“I would very strongly recommend everyone be proactive,” she stresses. “They call to find out what those prices are, and make any adjustments they need to on automatic shipments. “
Consumers also can check to see if the drug maker has a program to help low-income people get their medications. You can call your state Health Insurance Assistance Program and ask for free Medicare counseling.