Medicare began offering prescription drug coverage (known as Medicare Part D) in 2006. Until then, people on Medicare had to pay out-of-pocket for all their prescription drugs. Since its beginning Medicare Part D has had favorable ratings, with beneficiaries finding it easy to use and understand, and generally affordable. Of course, the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs is adding a new twist to affordability, and that’s true for both
All around the nation, local, independent pharmacies are closing their doors. This has been happening for some years now, and many of you may have experienced it personally. Independent pharmacies are being squeezed out of business by big chain pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers, some of which don’t put patient care at the top of their priority list. What’s going on? How does it affect you? Family-owned Dexter Pharmacy closes
Did you know that pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers? Pharmacies are often open six or seven days a week, and most maintain hours that make them available to nearly everyone. Appointments aren’t needed for most services and products provided by pharmacists and their well-trained staff members. Not only that, but of all the professionals on your healthcare team, pharmacists are known as the Medication Experts. Pharmacists graduate with
What medications should be tapered rather than abruptly stopped? This is a common question among people who take prescription medications. And there’s good reason for that. There are many prescription medications that should be tapered to prevent uncomfortable or even life-threatening consequences. There’s a lot of information available to help you decide if you’re at risk of problems from stopping prescription medications abruptly, including this recent article. And be sure