With the Tough Economy - Many are Having a Hard Time Buying Their Meds

The economy effecting everything, even your health. The average citizen is even struggling to pay for their prescription drugs, drugs that are needed to keep them alive. 

Expensive prescription drugs plus a tough economy spells trouble for pharmacies and patients. Treasure Coast Pharmacy Operations Manager, Jaclyn Rubino, says, "A lot of people are coming once a week and filling in on pay day and they are not getting their full prescription filled if they don't medication insurance to cover it."

Fewer patients heading inside the Treasure Coast Pharmacy because they just don't have the money, "No insurance, no job, it's hard," says Elmer Balchunas. He says it's tough to get the meds he needs. He says, "Borrowing here and there and promising to pay them back." 

It's a trend local pharmacies are hit with. Look at these prices for necessary meds: Avodart more than $120.00, Boniva $323.00 for 3 pills. So, people are skipping doses, buying one week at a time, or quitting their meds which is a big no-no, "Don't stop taking your meds if it's maintenance or if it is something you need," says Rubino.

Pharmacies, like the one in Jensen Beach, try to help those struggling to find the dollar bills. Rubino says, "We let people do a bartering system so when they come in we tell them this is what we have, this is what we have we can't go below with price."

Jaclyn Rubino says independent companies have more wiggle room than your big named store. Therefore, helping you save more money during the rough times.

If you have any questions ask your pharmacist and don't forget to ask about generic brands for your pills.

It's not just uninsured patients struggling to pay for medications, co-pays are slowly going up for the insured which puts limitation on what you can pay for.