Another constant reminder I recommend all my Medicare clients do is to always ask about prescription alternatives.   A recent study showed that doctors are easily influenced by drug company reps in what they should prescribe.  In many cases, these prescriptions are for costly Brand name drugs in which there is a lower cost alternative.  The study found that in many cases, a $12 complimentary meal to the doctor could end up costing patients hundreds of dollars more than the cost of a suitable equivalent.  I am not against the free market and how a company chooses to promote its products, but I want my clients to be aware of their choices.  If you want to read more about this study, you can click on the following link:  http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/06/20/drug-company-lunches-have-big-payoffs/?_r=0

So, my recommendation to my clients anytime their doctor prescribes something, is to always ask the doctor if there is a generic or lower cost drug available, do they have any samples they can provide and if the drug is totally necessary.

Based in the Richmond, Va area, David Higgs of Choices In Medicare specializes in helping seniors transition to Medicare.  He can be reached at email:  David@ChoicesInMedicare.com or go to website:  www.ChoicesInMedicare.com