Even if you are retired, managing your medications can sometimes feel like you have a full time job.  Younger seniors, age 65 to 69 years old, take an average of almost 14 prescriptions per year.  By the time seniors reach 80 to 84, the average creeps above 18 prescriptions per year.  For cost savings, seniors often use various strategies to procure their drugs including mail order, manufacturer samples provided by prescribers  and multiple retail pharmacies.  Add over the counter  products and herbal agents to the mix and keeping track of your regimen can be a challenge. 

Unfortunately, one of the top five greatest threats to your health are adverse drug reactions caused by the very drugs prescribed to improve your health.  By spending a little more time paying attention to your drug regimen, you can reduce your risk of adverse reactions.  Sometimes the cost saving measures used in an effort to afford your medications can actually increase your risk of medication related concerns.   By using several sources for your medications and having multiple prescribers results in not one health care professional being aware of all the medications you are taking. 

Duplicate therapies or significant drug interactions can be missed when providers are not aware of your complete drug regimen.  Bringing in your medications, including over the counter and herbal products, when you visit prescribers can help them identify potential concerns. 

The Medicare Part D plan has expanded the requirements of a free service that also will help you monitor your medications.  Over 7 million Medicare Part D participants qualify for this service coined ‘medication therapy management’ (MTM).  If your total annual drug costs are $3,000,  you have chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease and take several medications, you may qualify.  Your insurance representative can see if you are eligible for medication therapy management.

 In most cases a pharmacist will provide MTM.  It can be in person, by phone or through the Internet.  Some insurers contract with your local pharmacist to meet with you one on one.  In other drug plans, pharmacists contact you by phone or Internet to provide the service.  While cost savings is a goal of MTM, the session will also include a check for side effects, drug interactions and provide advice on the best way to take your medication.  Any recommendations for changes in therapy will be forwarded to your prescriber and only after his/her approval can a change occur.  A written summary of the session will be provided to you and quarterly follow-ups can be scheduled.   

Making the most of your insurance benefits is part of being a savvy consumer.  Don't forget MTM when maximizing your Medicare Part D benefits. 

 Source:  Tricia Cash, Pharm. D., Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, The PharmaCare Network , 240-529-2456 tcash@3ipc.com. Some information obtained from www.ascp.com & www.medicare.gov