Help My Meds Blog Archives| Simplefill Prescription Assistance

How Simplefill Can Help With High Generic Prescription Drug Prices

by Simplefill Help My Meds Prescription Assistance Program

For many people, buying generic products is a great way to save money. That’s why people buy grocery store branded butter and knockoff shoes. But even though many people still think of generic drugs as cheaper prescription alternatives, the healthcare industry has seen a recent trend of generic drugs becoming increasingly expensive.

What is a Generic Drug?

A generic prescription drug is a medication designed to be the same as an already marketed brand-name prescription in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics, and intended use. In other words, a generic drug should work in the same way, with the same proven clinical benefits as its brand-name version. In terms of their popularity, generic drugs constitute nearly nine out of every 10 prescriptions filled in the U.S.

Why Generic Prescription Drug Prices Are Rising

The rise in drug prices for generic prescriptions can’t be traced to one specific cause, especially since the prices are not necessarily inflated across all generic prescriptions. Here are two of the main factors that contribute to rising generic prescription drug prices.

Industry Consolidation

While numerous factors can cause price increases, consolidations within the generic-drug industry play a large role. In 2015, for example, the world’s largest generic-drug company acquired the third-largest manufacturer. These consolidations decrease market competition and prevent natural price regulation. In other words, when only one drug company is making a specific type of prescription drug, there’s no incentive to keep the price as low as possible since customers have no other options.

Supply Shortages

One reason for inflated generic prescription drug prices is drug shortages. If, for example, a generic drug has a safety-related drug recall and FDA inspections to clear, the decrease in production can lead to inflated drug prices. The same goes for any manufacturing slow-downs that prevent a drug from being quickly made.

How Simplefill Can Help People Who Can’t Afford Their Generic Prescriptions

Whether you’re trying to figure out how to pay for your prescriptions without insurance or you can no longer afford the rising costs of your generic prescriptions with insurance, Simplefill Prescription Assistance can help. We understand how complicated the healthcare system is to navigate, which is why we do everything we can to simplify the process. In fact, in addition to learning about your specific medical and financial situation, we also complete all the research and paperwork in order to find the best possible option for you. Whether it’s finding alternative funding programs, working with pharmacies that offer the best discounts, or researching brand name medications with assistance availability, Simplefill does whatever we can to help you afford your medications. Give Simplefill a call today or start an application online!

Medication Management Tips for Seniors

by Simplefill Help My Meds Medication Assistance

Whether you’re a senior trying to keep track of a long list of prescriptions or a caregiver trying to help, these medication management tips can help you save time, eliminate confusion, and stay on top of prescribed (and over-the-counter) medications.

Keep a Detailed List

While your doctor should be aware of all the medications you’ve been prescribed, it’s best to keep your own detailed list of which medications you’re currently taking, including prescriptions, vitamins, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements. Not only can this prevent you from taking medications with bad interactions, but it also allows you and your doctor to see a more comprehensive view of your treatment. When making your list, include information about what the medication is for and any side effects you notice, including if and when they go away.

Try a Pill Organizer

It may seem obvious but using a pill organizer can be a great way to ensure that you aren’t missing any doses of your medications. Not only can you separate pills by day of the week, but some pill organizers have separate compartments for morning and evening medications, making it even easier to track which pills you’re supposed to take when. One added benefit of pill organization is that if you fill your organizer at the beginning of the week, this can alert you to any medications that need to be refilled, giving you plenty of time to contact your doctor or pharmacy.

Set Reminders

We can all use reminders, and setting a smartphone, watch, or alarm clock with daily alarms is a great way to make sure you don’t miss any doses of your medications. If you don’t like setting reminders, try tying the action of taking a pill to something that’s part of your daily routine. You might, for example, take your morning medications while you wait for your coffee to brew or take your nighttime meds right after you brush your teeth.

Pay Attention to Instructions

Different medications have different instructions that can be very important for the effectiveness of the medication and for preventing side effects. Some prescriptions should be taken food with food or water, and certain medications can be negatively affected by the active ingredients in other medications. Depending on which medications you take, you might not realize that many doses have storage recommendations. Insulin, for example, requires refrigeration, and many medications do best in dry, cool rooms, which means you may want to avoid storing them in steamy bathrooms.

Avoid Pharmacy Hopping

While many people think of pharmacists as someone who hands them a pill bottle, they have a wealth of knowledge and information which can be incredibly helpful in maintaining your health. If you get most or all your medications at the same pharmacy, the pharmacist gets to know you better and has a more comprehensive view of your overall health. Plus, having your prescriptions at the same pharmacy can help prevent confusion and help ensure that you’re always getting everything you need.

While these medication management tips can help keep you healthy and organized, if you can’t afford your medication, all the organization in the world won’t help. That’s where Simplefill prescription assistance comes in. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to pay for your prescriptions without insurance or you can no longer afford the rising costs of your generic prescriptions, start an application today to find out if Simplefill can help. In the meantime, check out our blog where we cover everything from tips for family caregivers to what you need to know about the 2019 changes to Medicare Part D coverage.

The Facts About Colorectal Cancer

by Simplefill blog Cancer Assistance Help My Meds Medication Assistance Prescription Assistance Prescription Assistance Program

By Ryan Waterfield

Colorectal cancer (the term used to describe both colon and rectal cancer) is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States and the third leading cause of cancer death (excluding skin cancers). The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 97,220 new cases of colon cancer and 43,030 new cases of rectal cancer in the United States in 2018, and it’s expected to cause about 50,630 deaths this year.

Risk Factors

Many of the risk factors for colorectal cancers are outside of our control including age, race (African Americans have a greater risk of colon cancer than other races), inflammatory intestinal conditions, genetics, and radiation therapy directed at abdomen. Other risk factors are lifestyle related such as low-fiber, high-fat diets, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption.

To Decrease Your Risk

Exercise most days of the week.
Stop smoking.
Practice moderation in alcohol consumption.
Avoid red meat.
Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Maintain a healthy weight.

Prevention is key

Regular screening for colorectal cancer is one of the most powerful weapons for prevention. The most common and effective form of screening is colonoscopy—especially for those with a family history or other high-risk factors.

To learn about screening options (in addition to colonoscopy) for colorectal cancer: https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/screening-fact-sheet

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms that might indicate colorectal cancer:

A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool, that lasts longer than four weeks
Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
Weakness or fatigue
Unexplained weight loss

If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or you have signs or symptoms that may indicate colorectal cancer, speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection means a higher likelihood of survival.

To learn about the stages of colorectal cancer: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/staged.html

Treatment Options

There are a number of treatment options for colorectal cancer including: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy—a form of treatment that uses monoclonal antibodies to help treat metastatic (cancer that spreads) colorectal cancer.

Medications such as Xeloda, Avastin, and Cytoxan are commonly prescribed to help fight the spread of colorectal cancer. If you need prescription assistance to help afford the cost of Xeloda, Avastin, or Cytoxan, contact a SimplFill representative. Simpelfill provides expert patient assistance and helps patients and their families understand and access the appropriate medications.

Call Simplefill at 1.877.386.0206 or go to www.simplefill.com to start the application process online.

Top 10 Medical Issues for Baby Boomers

by Simplefill blog Help My Meds Prescription Assistance Program

By Ryan Waterfield

Baby Boomers are a powerful demographic group

About 76 million people were born during the baby boom years—1946-1964. As more Baby Boomers are leaving the work force and enrolling in Medicare for their insurance needs; healthcare providers are focusing on the most common health concerns this generation is facing. Here’s the lowdown:

Certainly, the risk of chronic illness increases with age, but there are behavioral factors that can mitigate many of these issues. A healthy diet, physical activity, and avoiding tobacco use are three key factors in reducing the risk of chronic diseases associated with aging.

Many of these illnesses require a plethora of medications. Simplefill’s Prescription Assistance programs can help you get the right medications for the right price. There’s no need to overspend on your medications. Simplefill will make the process easy, advocate on your behalf, and give you peace of mind.

The more aware you are of the potential health risks that you face as you age (and their potential costs), the more proactive you can be about preventative care and seeking medical attention when you show signs or symptoms. So, here’s to knowing what might ail you.

1.TYPE 2 DIABETES: In a 2011 study by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) showed that people ages 65-74 were diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes 13 times more often than people 45 years or younger. Because Diabetes increases the risk of other serious health problems, it is of significant concern. Other problems include: high blood pressure, vision loss, nerve damage, foot problems, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.

2. HEART DISEASE: is the leading cause of death for both men and women over the age of 60. Coronary artery disease (when the arteries that deliver the blood to the heart are narrowed or blocked) is the most common type of heart disease. How do you avoid heart disease? Avoid tobacco, control your blood pressure and cholesterol, exercise and eat a low-fat, low-sodium diet. Maintaining a healthy body weight is also important.

3. CANCER: Once you hit a certain age, it seems like some type of cancer is affecting someone you know or love. And no wonder, it is the second-leading cause of death for people over 65. Cancer screenings and early detection can save lives so don’t avoid tests like colonoscopies and mammograms.

4.DEPRESSION: More than 6.5 million Americans 65 or over are affected by depression. While depression is not a typical process of aging, there are many realities about getting older that can lead to depression: changes in work status, changes in family dynamics, health concerns/struggles etc. It is important to know that it is not a sign of weakness to seek help for depression and baby boomers are a generation less likely to admit to feeling depressed than many of the generations that follow. If you are feeling down, lethargic, sad, talk to your doctors, they can help you get the treatments you need.

5.ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: The sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S., Alzheimer’s is most common in people over 65, but people can experience symptoms in their 40s or 50s. Recent studies have shown that there is a connection between the general health of the heart and blood vessels and the health of the brain. Avoid tobacco, eat a healthy diet, and stay physically active.

6.ARTHRITIS & JOINT PAIN: Much of the joint pain that people over 60 experience is due to the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. When the cartilage breaks down, bones rub on bones and that causes swelling, pain, and stiffness called osteoarthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight decreases the stress on joints and physical actively like walking, yoga, swimming can keep joints flexible.

7. CAREGIVER STRESS: As partners take ill with chronic diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases, the spouse becomes the caretaker. Baby Boomers are also sometimes caring for their aging parents and can be susceptible to caregiver stress in that relationship. Being a caregiver will often redefine the roles in a marriage or long-time family relationship. Those suffering from chronic and incurable illnesses will see a significant change in quality of life that is recognized and often treated as part of the overall medical treatment plan for the illness; but the quality of life of caregivers also drastically changes and they are often isolated in their ability to talk about the changes. It is important for caretakers to care for themselves as well, seek treatment if depression develops, and seek a community of others dealing with the same caregiving issues.

8. EYE ISSUES: In our 40s, many people recognize that they need a little help seeing the words on the page and they find their way to the readers in the pharmacy. But by the time you hit 65 or older, the eye problems can be much more severe. Cataracts (a clouding of the lens of the eye) affect nearly 20.5 million Americans age 40 and over and the likelihood of developing cataracts increases significantly over 60 years of age. By the age of 80, over half of all Americans are dealing with cataracts. The science and surgical techniques have improved the surgeries to make them more efficient (less time in surgery) with quicker recovery times. All of that equals more successful surgeries. Macular degeneration (a progressive disease of the eye) is the leading cause of blindness for people over 55. Annual eye exams help catch vision issues before they get too bad. With treatment, the progression of macular degeneration can be halted or slowed.

9. OBESITY: Americans in particular struggle with obesity. Diet, exercise, sleep, and healthy lifestyle choices (limiting alcohol, limiting the amount of screen time) can help people lose weight, but it takes commitment and educating oneself on risks and consequences of dietary and lifestyle choices. Doctors like to begin intervention in patients who are overweight, not yet obese. One is considered “overweight” with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9; intervention at this stage can help prevent the development of obesity and reduce risk factors for many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart attack, stroke, sleep apnea, etc. A person with a BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese.

10. HEPATITIS C: Baby boomers born between 1945 through 1965 are five times more likely than other adults to be infected with this virus. People infected with Hepatitis C may not even be aware they have it. Hep C can cause liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death. If you test positive for the virus, there are treatments that can cure you.

People who are at risk of getting or having hepatitis C and who should be tested include:

Those who currently share or have shared needles in the past.
Anyone who received a blood transfusion, blood product, or donor organ prior to the availability of screening in the United States in 1992.
People who are on kidney dialysis.
Anyone who received tattoos or body piercings with non-sterile instruments.
People infected with HIV.
Anyone who was ever in jail or prison.
Babies born to mothers infected with hepatitis C.
Anyone who received a blood product for clotting problems made before 1987.
Healthcare workers who have been accidentally stuck with a contaminated needle

Most of these illnesses require a number of expensive prescription medications and treatment. Simplefill is a full-service prescription assistance company dedicated to helping our members get their medicines at affordable prices. Call Simplefill today to speak with one of their friendly representatives who can discuss your situation in detail and guide you through all of your options.

Call Simplefill at 1.877.386.0206 or go to www.simplefill.com to start the application process online.

Hey Baby Boomers, Listen Up!

by Simplefill blog Help My Meds Medicare Medication Assistance Prescription Assistance

Hey Baby Boomers Listen Up!

What can you buy for $3.00? Not much.

Social Security Administration recently announced the cost of living adjustment for 2017 is only 0.3%. That equates to roughly $3.00 a month. These days that might get you a cup of coffee but don’t expect the sugar or the cream. Meanwhile, your Part B premium which is your medical portion of your plan will increase and will take the entire amount. All three dollars!

At Simplefill, we believe this increase amount is “no increase.” It’s been 3 years since retirees have had a benefit increase. However, prices for goods and services continue to rise, along with the cost of medications.

The chance that the cost of your drug price will go down is about the same chance of you getting struck by lightning. It can happen, but it sure isn’t very likely.

Here at Simplefill, we suggest you take the time to review your coverage with an insurance representative. Open enrollment has started and will end December 7, 2016. It is wise to compare different plans and choose the plan that is best for you. If you cannot find a plan that covers your medications or you will hit your coverage gap, also known as “The Donut Hole”, be sure to call Simplefill so you are not stuck paying the full retail cost of your expensive medications.

Simplefill’s mission is to find solutions for retirees who have been prescribed expensive medications that they simply cannot afford.

When you call; you will speak with a Simplefill Care Coordinator who will review your medication list and find ways to help you save money. We pride ourselves by not only saving money for retirees, but also offering exceptional customer service. Our members can always speak with a live person and not a machine. We also have the latest technology where you can check your order and enrollment information using the Patient Portal at any time.

Call us today! 1-877-386-0206

June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

by Simplefill blog Help My Meds Medication Assistance Prescription Assistance

My uncle, Francois, was kind, sweet and always had something to say. Always. He was a quirky man with an adventurous spirit which is what made it difficult for us to identify what was happening to Francois.

Francois lived in North Miami, Florida with my aunt. When my aunt asked him to run to the store to pick up a few items, she thought nothing of it. After all, he had done it 100 times in the past. Hours later my uncle was still not back. We began to panic. We filed a missing person report and was told that all we could do at that time was wait. We waited and waited for that phone to ring. Hours after we filed the report, the phone rang. It was not Francois on the other line, it was the state police department.
Instead of going to the store, Francois got on I-95 North and drove 200 miles to the Georgia state line. He drove until he literally ran out of gas. The state police picked him up and saw he was on the missing person’s report. The state police kept him at the station until we got there to pick him up. They enjoyed my uncle, they even gave him a jacket to coronet his adventure! When we asked my uncle why he drove so far he had no answer. He did not remember. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s later that month.

June is Alzheimer’s awareness month. At Simplefill, we believe it is important to help spread the awareness.

I watched my uncle struggle with this disease and what seemed harder was watching my aunt manage his illness. She went from having a best friend and partner in life, to having a full time caregiving job that left her financially and emotionally exhausted. My aunt is not alone. There is an estimated 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer’s and over 15 million caretakers that tend to Alzheimer patients.

Notable Facts
1. Every 66 seconds someone in the United States develops the disease
2. Family caregivers spend more than $5,000.00 a year caring for someone with Alzheimer’s
3. In 2016, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $236 Billion
4. Alzheimer’s kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined

Sometimes the signs of Alzheimers are not noticed until the disease has advanced. Keep in mind these 10 warning signs and contact your doctor if these behavior patterns become more common.

10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving simple problems
3. Difficulty in completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
4. Confusion with time
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Changes in mood and personality
10. Withdrawal from work and social activities

The team at Simplefill hopes to spread the awareness of this debilitating disease and let people know we can help alleviate some of the financial burden that falls onto families of Alzheimer’s patients. There are several medications that have been developed to slow down the progression of the disease. Unfortunately, these medications come with a high price tag. Often the medication(s) are unaffordable for patients. If you know of someone who needs assistance paying for their Alzheimer medication which includes but is not limited to Namzaric, Exelon Patch, or Namenda please call Simplefill today (1-877-386-0206). We look forward to helping you.

Simplefill: Why We Decided to Help Provide Medication Assistance

by Simplefill Help My Meds Medication Assistance Prescription Assistance

Many Americans are facing an impossible choice: Should they go into debt to get the medications they need, or should they risk their lives to spare their wallet? At Simplefill, we don’t believe anyone should have to struggle with this dilemma. Americans are feeling crippled by the escalating price of medications and they don’t know where to turn. Simplefill offers a solution with our response to increasing medical costs.

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Help Paying For Prescription Drug Medications

by Simplefill blog Help My Meds Medication Assistance Prescription Assistance Program

Too often good health comes with a price. Our health is something we take for granted until we lose it. Then the cold truth hits home, and it may seem like without a full insurance plan, good health is downright unattainable. At Simplefill, we understand losing your health is a big enough challenge and the added financial obligations should not burden you more.

According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 70 percent of American citizens use prescription medication every day. There is no “formula” that determines who needs regular medical attention. People of all ages and backgrounds are affected by health issues, and proper medication can be the difference between unbearable and manageable pain, between a worsening condition or treatment, and even between life and death.

For under or uninsured Americans, the cost of prescription medication isn’t just expensive: it can be impossible. If you are one of these people, remember you aren’t alone. There is a solution, and that solution is Simplefill, an advocacy group committed to providing patients with access to affordable medications.

Simplefill was formed on the belief that access to good health should be available to everyone, not just those with strong insurance plans. We are proud to provide our members with assistance paying for prescription drug medication, and support hundreds of patients each month. We provide a link between qualified patients and Prescription Assistance Programs (PAPs), which can radically reduce the cost of medications.

If you are part of a prescription drug plan that you cannot afford, then apply to join our program today. Simplefill offers support and a strong knowledge of the medical industry to ensure you can get the medication you need – without going into debt in the process.

Free or Low Cost Prescription Medication Options

by Simplefill blog Help My Meds Medication Assistance Prescription Assistance Prescription Assistance Program

According to the National Health Council, an estimated 133 million Americans (45% of the country’s total population) are living with a chronic disease or health issue. Illnesses not only make everyday life more complicated, but they also create a major financial strain for patients.

Many uninsured or underinsured Americans are faced with three options: Go into debt paying for treatment they can’t afford, go untreated, or settle for subpar medications. The first choice leads to financial hardship, the second two can lead to worsening symptoms and even death.

There is good news. Free or low cost prescription medication options are available, and Simplefill is driven to provide as many people with the medication they need.

Prescription Assistance Programs (PAPs) are offered by pharmaceutical companies to provide qualified patients with affordable treatment options. However, the system is complex, and many patients miss out on low cost prescriptions because they don’t know how to navigate each PAP.

Simplefill is an advocacy group providing low income prescription assistance to patients across the country. We guide patients throughout the process to ensure they get access to the medications they need at a fraction of the cost. By offering expert advice, tailored support, and a knowledgeable customer service network, Simplefill aims to provide a “simple solution to a complex problem.”

Patients should not have to forfeit their health due to limited or lack of a prescription coverage. To get access to the free or low cost medications you deserve, fill out our application or chat with one of our representatives to get started. If you have any questions, we’re just a phone call, email, or live chat away to talk you through the process. Simplefill takes the hardship out of staying healthy, and we’re proud to help hundreds of patients every month. Join us today!

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