The Start Of A Prescription Revolution

[Guest guest]

The Start Of A Prescription Revolution

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=48679

Americans are paying more and more for their medications, with many

seeing double-digit increases or more over the past decade. The

changing landscape of brand names, generics and over-the- counter

choices is confusing, and decisions about prescribing are often made

without regard to product cost. Health insurance coverage is changing

rapidly too. The trend is toward higher co-payments or co-insurance

for traditional prescription card programs and consumer-driven health

plans with high deductibles, meaning that out-of-pocket expenses are

on the rise.

With all of these changes, cost is becoming more of a factor when

consumers are ready to fill their prescriptions. Enter BidRx.com, a

free website that is changing the way prescription drugs are

marketed, sold, distributed and dispensed in the United States. As

online travel sites have revolutionized how consumers find

inexpensive airfares and hotels online, BidRx.com has created an open

and competitive marketplace for consumers to find the best

medications for their health needs at the best prices, with savings

up to 85 percent or more on prescriptions. Visitors to the site can

learn about similar medications they could be taking, receive

discounts directly from pharmaceutical companies, and then put their

prescriptions out for bid so they can compare prices and services

from various pharmacies.

Several thousand pharmacies nationwide, including neighborhood, mail-

order and specialty pharmacies, have signed contracts to bid for

business on BidRx.com. Omro Pharmacy of Omro, Wisc., is one of the

pharmacies to become a site partner. " As an independent drug store,

we're always looking for ways to serve more customers, " says Ken

Bressers, RPh, pharmacist and owner, Omro Pharmacy. " I think it's

really important that BidRx exists. It's the first real way to find

reasonable prescription pricing online. And, with BidRx.com, although

we're in a small town, our pharmacy can reach millions of American

consumers and offer them medications at honest prices. That makes us

feel good, and it keeps us in business. "

Positive feedback about the site has been overwhelming. " I first

heard about BidRx.com when I was checking a prescription price for my

mom. I went to her regular pharmacy to find out their price, which

was $26.99. For fun, I checked the same prescription on BidRx.com. I

was shocked that the bid came back at only $8.64, " says

Leatherwood, Oshkosh, Wisc. " It was a huge cost savings for my mom,

who is on a fixed income. BidRx was so easy, I really recommend it

for everyone. I'll definitely do it again for my mom and for my own

prescriptions. I had no idea that there could be such a huge range in

medication pricing; it was a real eye-opener. "

Consumers are finding BidRx.com to be an excellent tool for

comparison shopping, as well. " I'm independently employed, and pay

for my own insurance, " says LaPrest, Pickett, Wisc. " I was using

an acid reflux medication at a cost of more than $100 a month, just

too much. I went to BidRx.com to research my options, and discovered

there were several similar drugs, including an over-the-counter drug

for only about $14 a month. I asked my physician, and he told me,

sure, it's the same basic formula; it would work. Why didn't he tell

me about it before? He said, frankly, doctors don't have the time;

there's no way they can keep up with new drugs, new generic choices

or those that move to over-the-counter. If they know that a

particular brand works, that's what they prescribe. But they're not

taking cost into account. Before I fill any prescription now, I'm

going to check BidRx.com. "

It's easy to participate. Visit BidRx.com and register on the

confidential and secure site. Enter a drug name, quantity and

directions, and instantly obtain information and competition on

medications, including prices, electronic coupons for discounts from

pharmaceutical companies, and competitive bids on prescriptions and

services from everywhere, including local neighborhood pharmacies and

mail-order pharmacies around the United States.

" Consumers are demanding more information and better prices for their

prescriptions. And with the trend toward consumer-driven health

plans, including Medicare Part D, BidRx.com can help control out-of-

pocket costs and increase consumers' knowledge about prescription

drugs, " says Tom Kellenberger, Pharm.D., vice president, BidRx,

LLC. " The bottom line? Americans will save money by using BidRx.com

to shop for their prescriptions and they can still use their local

pharmacies if they are participating. But for the best results right

now, consumers should check the 'include mail order' box to compare

prices across the United States; they also can invite their local

pharmacies to join BidRx(sm). Early users are enjoying significant

savings even when compared to the co-payment on their prescription

benefit card. "

BidRx, LLC, based in Oshkosh, Wisc., connects consumers and

prescribers with pharmacies, manufacturers, and benefit sponsors to

empower them to make better, more cost-effective drug and service

purchasing decisions. Visit http://www.BidRx.com to learn more.

BidRx.com

http://www.BidRx.com