These plans serve the same function as a Medicare supplement for persons with Medicare. Enrollees still pay their Medicare part B premiums in addition to any coinsurance or monthly premiums associated with the managed care plan. In North Carolina, these plans are currently only available in specific geographic locations. Some persons with large prescription bills save on their costs by shopping around for the best price. There is great variance in what the same prescription costs at pharmacies.
Many people also save by switching to a generic brand of a drug when possible.
Another cost saving strategy that is utilized by some persons is to purchase prescriptions, particularly maintenance drugs, from mail order companies. The Division's contact person in this area is Mary Bethel . An important part of most drug assistance programs is the education of consumers about the safe use of medications. The Center on Minority Aging Research at the University of North Carolina's Institute on Aging offers information on Using Medications Safely . This includes general information on medication management, important questions for individuals about their medications, and forms to use for a daily personal medication schedule and a personal health record.