Rising pharmaceutical prices proved a source of frustration and scandal in 2016.
Overall, drug prices rose 10 percent between May 2015 and May 2016, well outpacing inflation and most other industries, according to Time Magazine.
This year, the price of the EpiPen, a treatment that slows or halts life-threatening allergic reactions, climbed above $600 per two-pack. In 2008, they cost about $100 per two-pack. The price of insulin is climbing, too, with research from the Washington Post showing it had increased by 200 percent since 2002, while non-insulin treatments for diabetes dropped in price.
"We are concerned that these drastic price increases could have a serious effect on the health and well-being of everyday Americans," said Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., in a letter penned to the CEO of EpiPen manufacturer Mylan. "There have been numerous accounts of individuals who are simply unable to afford this lifesaving medication and as a consequence have gone without."
The letter was cosigned by other members of the Senate's Special Committee on Aging.
While time will tell whether pressure put on drug companies by senators, charities and concerned citizens will actually succeed in bringing prices back down, many must simply live with the current prices - or go without essential drugs.
So, what do you do if you can't afford today's high prices?
Here are seven tips to help you save money on meds.
1. Look into GoodRx
No, it's not some sketchy online pharmacy. GoodRx is an online resource and app that compares prices between pharmacies and finds free coupons to help you get medications at the lowest possible price. The service is free to use and often recommended by physicians.
Online: goodrx.com.
2. Talk to your doc
Your doctor may be able to recommend a generic alternative to a pricey drug. While no generic forms of insulin are currently on the market in the U.S., some brands cost more than others.
Adrenaclick is an EpiPen alternative that typically costs far less. However, in Missouri pharmacies won't fill a prescription for EpiPen with an Adrenaclick - you must have a prescription for any epinephrine auto-injector, or Adrenaclick specifically.
Your doctor might be able to help in other ways, such as pointing you towards programs that can help, finding a coupon or acquiring a free sample of a medication from the manufacturer.
3. Comparison shop
Even if you don't use GoodRx, it's wise to call around to nearby pharmacies and get an idea of the price before and after insurance. As you can see from the table (see graphic), prices can vary widely even within a single town.
Our table compares the prices of four drugs, before insurance, among five Callaway County pharmacies. Humalog and Lantus are common insulin brands. EpiPen and Adrenaclick are both epinephrine auto-injectors, with Adrenaclick being the generic.
The difference between the highest and lowest price on a two-pack of EpiPens, before insurance, is about $126.
4. Search for Patient Assistance Programs
Many pharmaceutical companies offer programs to help individuals who can't afford their prices - though you'll likely have to meet certain eligibility requirements that the company itself sets.
For example, EpiPen's maker Mylan offers a $300-off coupon to eligible insured patients. They also have a patient assistance program which individuals can apply for by filling out a form with their physician. See here for details: bit.ly/2ez2gOL
Lilly, maker of Humalog and many other drugs, also has an assistance program called Lilly Cares. Criteria are listed here: bit.ly/2g8UVXx
5. Seek out local and national charities
SERVE, Inc. offers prescription assistance through its benevolence fund.
"That specific account is mainly based on community donations," Outreach Director Brittany Abbott said. "They may have a lot some months and not so much other months."
Those hoping to receive assistance have to go through an application process with SERVE and prove things like income, residence in Callaway County and so on.
"We have to look it over and make sure everything's kosher," Abbott said.
At the national level, there are charities that offer assistance with treatment for specific conditions.
For example, CR3 Diabetes Association, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit focused on providing insulin pumps at greatly reduced costs to uninsured and underinsured individuals. Visit their website here: cr3diabetes.org.
6. Weigh local and chain options
Local and national chain pharmacies each have advantages and disadvantages.
For example, a local pharmacy might be able to offer a discount to someone in a really tight spot (though of course that's not guaranteed).
National chain pharmacies, like the ones at Walmart, sometimes have arrangements with pharmaceuticals manufacturers to provide generic versions of common drugs at lower costs.
7. Get insured
While not all medications are covered by insurance, it helps with some of them. Don't think you can afford insurance? You may be eligible for tax credits under the Affordable Care Act that you can apply towards your insurance premium. Visit here to assess your eligibility: bit.ly/1vGizMe
Open enrollment through the Health Insurance Marketplace started on Nov. 1. Apply by Dec. 15 to make sure you have coverage starting the first of the year. The hard deadline for 2017 coverage is Jan. 31, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Check out healthcare.gov to learn more.