When the FDA approved Sildenafil Citrate, the first oral medication specifically designed for men with erectile dysfunction, many people thought that ED medications would no longer be considered “rare treats” reserved only for special occasions. Thanks to the incredible pricing practices made possible by the Affordable Care Act, however, it is now possible to buy ED medication every day including weekends.
The Politics of Expensive Medications
The politics of expensive medications is a complicated one. To begin with, erectile dysfunction medication is a unique product in that it is both prescription and OTC at the same time. This dual status means that manufacturers don’t have to choose between the two, and can instead promote their products toward both markets. Theoretically, this should result in lower drug prices for everyone.
The reality is that pharmaceutical companies often charge higher prices for OTC drugs than they do for their prescriptions counterparts because they don’t have to provide rebates or discounts for the latter. In fact, some experts have estimated that rebates, discounts, and other price reductions account for only a minority of the total cost of medication acquisition.
Even when accounting for this, however, it’s still possible for OTC medications to cost significantly more than their prescription counterparts. One of the reasons is that many OTC drugs are sold in large quantities to cash-strapped small businesses that then reprice them as needed. This can lead to some very creative accounting, with OTC drugstores in some cases charging more than twice as much as their prescription counterparts.
Lowering the Cost of ED Medications
Many people with erectile dysfunction simply cannot afford the high cost of drugs and devices required to treat the condition. Fortunately, as noted above, the FDA recently approved a new generation of ED medications called SNAC (Sildenafil Natural Acid Capsules). The price of these is expected to be competitive with prescription versions and even lower than that due to their OTC status. This could result in more people being able to afford treatment for erectile dysfunction and ultimately lower healthcare costs for everyone.
When Is Cheap Medication Not Such a Good Thing?
It is important to remember that while cheaper can be equal to or better than pricier options in many cases, it can also be worse. If you are facing a particularly expensive medication regimen, there are a number of things that you can do to make it more affordable. One option is to contact your local dispenser and see if they are offering any kind of special negotiated rate or discount. If not, then you should ask them if they know of anyone who is willing to give you a special deal for in-house medication.
Another possibility is to contact your insurance company and ask them if there is anything that they can do to help you get a lower premium. If you have Medicare, you can also ask them to look into your options for in-network therapy or see if they can get you a deal for out-of-network care. In some cases, insurance companies will even pay for the cost of a generic alternative if it is more affordable. Remember to ask for this benefit when you call them, as it is often not stated in the fine print of the insurance contract.
In some cases, the cost of medication can be so high that it is either impossible or highly impractical to pay for it out of pocket. In these situations, you should ask your doctor about possible medical credit cards that you can apply for. These are often times arranged through a bank or healthcare institution and can help people with poor credit scores or no credit history get approved and begin to pay off their debts. In most cases, there is an acceptable credit score of around 650 to 700 to be approved for these types of credit cards. Keep in mind that this is not a loan, but a credit line that you can use to pay for your medications directly.
What About Deregulation?
Many people are still wondering whether or not healthcare reform will result in the overall lowering of pharmaceutical prices. While it is true that pharmaceutical companies will be required to disclose lots of information about their pricing strategies, limiting their ability to protect their intellectual property and increase prices, it is also true that the reform legislation contains many incentives that could make a difference. Namely, it allows patients to purchase medication that is prescribed for them by their physicians and it provides for the creation of so-called “global brands” that can span both OTC and prescription markets. All of this could contribute to lower drug prices in the long term.
What about Viagra? Is it still a good deal if you are in the USA?
How To Compare Viagra Prices
When you are shopping for Viagra at a pharmacy or online retailer, you will most likely be presented with several different price options. Like most other medications, this drug comes with many different price tiers, ranging from very expensive to just a tad more affordable. If you decide to buy Viagra, it is important to know how to compare prices so that you can get the best deal possible without being tricked by any unfair pricing schemes. If you follow these simple guidelines, you will have no problem getting the best price possible for this medication.
The first step is to search for all available offers using the price filters at the top of the page. Once you click the search button, the website will perform a price comparison for you and show you all the available offers with the most affordable ones at the top. From here, you can decide which one is the best for your needs. Do not be afraid to consult with the pharmacist for advice on whether or not this medication is right for you. They can give you a detailed explanation of how it works and its risks before advising you on whether or not to purchase it. If you decide that it is not right for you, you can always go back and compare prices once more before making a purchase. Sometimes the most affordable option is not exactly what you want, but it is still considerably cheaper than paying out of pocket for the same drug. In these cases, you will have to make the decision whether or not to buy it on your own. If you decide that the savings is worth it, you can give the pharmacy your credit card and they will gladly process your purchase. Once you have paid for the drug, you can ask the pharmacist about any possible discounts that you may be eligible for based on your insurance coverage. In most cases, people with Medicare or Medicaid will be accepted for such discounts regardless of their credit score. In addition, some people with medical credit cards will be eligible for some additional discounts based on the type of insurance that they have.
Getting a good deal on medication is something that most people with Medicare or Medicaid can rely on. In most cases, this will provide them with some relief from the high cost of treatment. If you are eligible for this insurance coverage but do not want to purchase the medication because it is too expensive, there are a variety of options available to you. Most pharmacies and medical institutions will not charge you for an insurance copayment, and at least in some cases, they will even give you a discount. In addition, you can contact your insurance provider directly to see if they can get you a better deal. Sometimes, they can offer you a prescription drug for free or with a lower copayment if you meet certain criteria. In some cases, they may be able to provide you with an in-office physical therapy session as well for free or with a significantly reduced copayment. This may be more convenient for you since it means that you do not have to go to a different location to receive treatment. Contact your local healthcare provider to see what options they have to help you get a good deal on treatment.