Even if insurance won't pay for it, and I have two refills on my med., can it be filled?

Question

Meaning, if I pay for the refill out of my own pocket, what would be the problem with my RX being filled "early"? My doctor did not specify that I had to make it last "x" amount of days (i.e. "Must Last 30 Days") and I realize that Blue Cross won't pay for it yet (75% of the time must pass before they will PAY for a refill) and I do have refills, so shouldn't Walgreens (or any other pharmacy) fill my medication?

Answer 1

talk to your doctor - why aren't the meds lasting the length of time they are supposed to - if you want them filled early, you will have to pay the full prescription price - the pharmacy might refuse to refill if really too early for safety reasons - never had that problem so I can't be positive

Answer 2

they might not fill it till they know the Rx is possibly empty.  I think it would depend of the drug. If its a controled substance, whether or not insurance pays for it, they can't legally give it to you till the Rx is empty.

Answer 3

Yes, they should, but sometimes they will balk at it.  

I've found Walgreens in particular, will charge me my copay for prescriptions, even if THEIR cost is actually less.   My thyroid meds, for example - Walgreens charges me $25 per month.  Sam's Club, not using my insurance, charges me $11.  HUGE difference.  

My DH is on a medication that he takes once every two weeks.  Walgreens wants to issue two pills, and charge the copay.  We'd rather buy it off of insurance, a full year's worth (24 pills) for about $75.  It will save a TON in the long run.

Answer 4

Tell the pharmacy to switch the prescription to a cash pay.

Answer 5

Yes, but since most people won't want their meds if the insurance won't cover it, you need to tell them you want to pay for it.

If you need them because you are going away, (vacation, business) sometimes the insurance will pay for them, ask the pharmacist or call the company.  If you lost them, accidentally threw them out, left them in another state, etc, again, talk to the pharmacist or the insurance company. People make mistakes, and sometimes they will help you.

The only reason I would say that the pharmacy would flat out refuse a refill, no matter who pays, would be if the medicine is a controlled substance. Again in the situations above, you can talk to them, maybe even call your doctor about it. If there has never been a problem before they will usually make allowances. If this is a continuing problem, they will assume you are selling or have an addiction problem.  Some people get addicted through no fault of their own, this happened with oxycontin. People just took it as directed, and they got hooked. If you seem to be taking more than prescribed, talk to your doctor. He can give you something else, or clear you for the Rx at the pharmacy.

Answer 6

yeah but you sound like a junkie what kind of meds do you take to fast except for pain pills it's gonna hurt withdrawling from them I suggest you wait a little bit they will put that in you MIB file and doctors won't perscribe that med or type anymore.

Answer 7

It depends on the medication-if it is a narcotic or regulated medication the pharmacy will  refillll it only if it is within 7 days or a week of your running out of medication. I found this out by trying to refil a narcotic to take on a trip.I would have run out on the trip and wanted to make sure I had enough to last.The pharmacy would not refil it, so I had them call a pharmacy in the area I was going to be-- to make sure the medication would be there.It was all very frustrating and demeaning.