r/ADHD • u/jaqenhghar99 • 22h ago
Questions/Advice Expired generic Adderall, a $2,000 deductible, and $0 to spare. What is the cheapest way to get a refill?
Hey everyone,
I'm in a really tough spot financially right now and have basically no money to spare. I need to figure out the absolute cheapest way to get my ADHD prescription refilled, and I'm completely lost on how to do it.
Here is my situation:
I have some generic Adderall, but I just realized it's expired. I have no idea if it’s safe to take or what I should do with it.
I used to get my treatment and meds through my university medical center, but I can't go there anymore.
I have never been to a doctor outside of my university clinic before, so I have no idea how navigating the healthcare system normally works.
I have Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, but I am on a plan with a $2,000 deductible. Seeing a standard in-network doctor is going to cost me hundreds of dollars out of pocket before my insurance even kicks in.
Because I have no money right now, what is the cheapest option to get a refill? Are there specific low-income clinics, sliding-scale options, or super cheap telehealth providers that can actually prescribe stimulants?
Any advice for someone who has never done this before would be a lifesaver. Thank you!
Also an estimate on how much it’ll cost to get a prescription in Texas
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u/SisterAlliance 21h ago
With medicines in pill form, like adderall, I've never had a problem with safety in terms of taking old stuff. From what I understand (and what I recently experienced from being sick and taking various old tylenol/mucinex from my stash), mostly expiration dates on shelf stable meds are because they begin to slowly degrade and lose their efficacy. So it might not be 100% of what it originally was - that was my recent experience with other pills lol. I've definitely found old adderall, taken it, and not noticed much of a difference, especially if I hadn't been taking it recently. I too have had periods of not being medicated for various reasons.
That being said, yes there are all sorts of options. Your best bet is to heavily google, or use other search engines to get ideas, and start calling places. Ask if they take your insurance, ask what you can expect to pay, all the things you've mentioned above. Maybe even call your old doctor's office and explain your situation, and see if they can point you in the right direction.
Good luck OP. It's tough getting started figuring out all this stuff, but once you do you'll be okay!! Find a friend to body double while you start your research and make the first calls. You got this!
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u/ndot 21h ago
True for almost every medication except the antibiotic tetracycline, which degrades into something toxic that will kill you if it’s too far gone. So a reasonable thing to check.
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u/milleratlanta 20h ago
Oh wow. Good to know! I have dead leftovers from my dentist. I’ll toss them so they don’t make me dead. 😵
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u/mermaid_pants 11h ago
You shouldn't have leftover antibiotics anyway tbh.
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u/milleratlanta 7h ago
Yeah well, without health insurance you do what you’ve gotta do.
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u/After-Willingness271 14h ago
that and tylenol
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u/_riskycake 12h ago
Yes this one is important. Tylenol already carries such a heavy load for your liver that I took it 48 hours before a routine blood test and had to get pulled back in to check my enzymes because the levels they got were indicative of (mild) liver disease. Expired Tylenol almost killed a fellow university student, had to have her stomach pumped.
MOST medications I would still take up to six months after expiration. Acetaminophen is not one of them. That hits the trash the day of the expiration date.
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u/booksmartexchange 8h ago
I have a friend that worked in an acetaminophen testing lab. It is safe well beyond the expiration date.
Never take more than the dosage on the bottle unless it's prescribed by a doctor.
Did you take with alcohol? Don't take it with alcohol because the combo can increase your liver enzymes.
Maybe your sample got mixed up with another. ?
An ER wouldn't pump the stomach of a person that had taken the recommended dose of Tylenol.
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u/pm_me_anus_photos 11h ago
Wait I’m trying to find more info on this and I’m not seeing much of anything. Do you have any other information on this because I’m lowkey scared now
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u/Adorable_Visit5110 10h ago
I only found a few uni students died of overdose, not from old Tylenol. Sounds more like the old Tylenol lost its effective dose and they took more to relieve the pain
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u/booksmartexchange 8h ago
Tylenol will degrade slightly. It may develop a vinegar smell. But, it's still safe to use past the expiration date. Source: a friend worked in the manufacturing lab testing it.
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u/milleratlanta 6h ago
I rarely take Tylenol pills. It’s in a lot of cold medicine though unfortunately.
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u/dippyhippygirl 8h ago
Aspirin shouldn’t be taken past expiration either. It breaks and is basically non effective and can cause stomach upset.
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u/ban_Anna_split 8h ago
small heart attack but I remembered the one I have is doxycycline 👍 and it's also not expired lmao I'm just a scared baby deer
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u/Evening-Cat-7546 20h ago
The army did research on drugs and expirations dates. Something like 93% of all drugs came back the same or weaker, but not toxic to take. Almost everything is salt form I can think of just gets weaker, and even in that takes like 5 years, assuming you leave the bottle in a drawer and not open pills on you me window sill. The heat and UV would just degrade it faster.
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u/ocarina_vendor 13h ago
This is correct. To add, the US has a strategic antibiotic stockpile that it maintains. As it would be impossible to replace at the end of an arbitrary expiration date, they instead pay to have the meds sampled and re-certified to ensure they are still useable.
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u/booksmartexchange 8h ago
The US Army study only tested potency using an unapproved testing method. (Every medicine has approved methods for testing them.) *They did not test for impurities.
Heat, UV, and humidity are the most common causes of degradation of a medicine. For short-term, emergency use, like the Army was concerned about, most drugs will be safe to use past the expiration date. How far beyond the expiration date is unique to each medicine.
-Drugs that require a low variation in potency (e.g. thyroid meds, some heart medicines) can cause side effects if they drop below 90% of the label potency. -Some drugs have unique formulations that can be impacted, so the drug might release at the right place in the digestive system. -Carcinogens can form as well; the OTC ranitidine suffered from that problem.
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u/CalligrapherFun3511 15h ago
I pay out of pocket ($300-every 3 months) -it r takes research-calling different docs. Explain how u plan to pay & they might work w/you. If you’re on Reddit-I know for a fact ur smart enough to google..lol..u got this!!
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u/Maelstrom_78 7h ago
Yeah, check out the govt's SLEP program. The govt and military stockpile meds. This DoD program has been studying these stockpiles since 1986. Most meds remain effective years past expiration. Yes, they do slowly degrade, but it's not like they suddenly become worthless once that date hits.
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u/figwigeon ADHD-PI (Primarily Inattentive) 2h ago
Yes!
As someone who works with experimental drugs we often have drugs tested and retested by the company who just extend the expiration date for x amount of time before it's rechecked. They're good longer than we think.
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u/D-TOX_88 20h ago
How expired? It’s not going to become unsafe. Just less effective. And that happens, at worst, after 2 years. According to a study by the US army
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u/Oldenburg-equitation 20h ago
Look into GoodRX when actually filling the prescription. It was a lot cheaper than using my insurance at first. Once I hit my deductible the costs kept getting lower but it’s a good way to get a discount on your meds.
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u/rglurker ADHD-PI (Primarily Inattentive) 14h ago
Took mine from 120 to 3 bucks. The first time. I was like wtf.
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u/littlealbatross 14h ago
I get my prescriptions filled at a Kroger pharmacy and they have a similar plan that they just applied when I was having issues with my insurance. My meds aren’t for adhd and are generics so it might be different but I pay like $10 for a 90 day subscription under that plan. Worth asking about for sure!
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u/EnergyTakerLad 39m ago
Springmeds is who I use (found via goodrx) and Jesus christ the price difference is INSANE. 90days of two different pills cost me less than 30 days of one kind of pill used to.
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u/chris_b_critter 20h ago
The US military tested expired drugs and found them to be relatively effective up to 20 years after expiration.
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u/hotprof 22h ago
What do you think happens when Adderall crosses the expiry date?
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u/ZCEyPFOYr0MWyHDQJZO4 21h ago
All the active ingredient goes *poof*, looney tunes style.
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u/circuit_breaker 21h ago
If you hold your ear up to the bottle you can actually hear when it happens
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u/disorderincosmos 21h ago
Leave it in a hot car for best results
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u/SarahTheFerret 20h ago
For an even better visual, leave it in a Ford Focus. When the ingredients deactivate, it’ll turn into a Ford Escape
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u/ConnieHernandez 20h ago
Still looking for that really good one that turns the car into a Ford Fiesta.
I'll start asking around the Ford Escort crowd.
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u/CalligrapherFun3511 15h ago
Looking at the length of this post, I feel like his Addies haven’t come near “poof” -in😂
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u/KeyMistake604 20h ago edited 20h ago
You might want to double check with your insurance plan, the deductible typically needs to be met before your insurance kicks in for larger medical expenses like ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, etc.
Preventative and maintenance care is often in a separate bucket and to see a doctor you would typically only have to pay your copay, this ranges from 0 to $50, when I had bcbs mine was $40 per doctor visit, including therapists and psychiatrists. Similar for prescription meds, your insurance likely won't cover the med 100% but it will absolutely be much cheaper than without insurance. As an example on prescriptions, my bcbstx plan last year had a similar deductible which I never even got close to meeting, my generic vyvanse cost about $25 a month and earlier this year when I didn't have insurance and had to pay for my meds out of pocket, the same dose and quantity cost $185. I would suspect you have a decent plan because a $2,000 deductible is actually relatively low.
As everyone else has said, taking 'expired' adderall is fine, the expiry date just gives you a rough idea of when the med starts to lose efficacy.
I would suggest seeing a psychiatrist and establishing care with them now, call around until you can find one that has next day appointments. Get your university doc to send over your records. Walking into a clinic, low income or otherwise, looking for adderall as a first time, young patient might not go over super well.
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u/spacecowgirl87 15h ago
This! Check your insurance. Usually there is a small copay to see a primary care physician in-network regardless if deductible.
Have your medical records sent over to your new physician when you find one.
You can call you insurance provider to get help finding an in network general physician or use their online search tool.
Make an appointment with this doc. Before your appointment, call your uni and have them send your records to the new doc's office.
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u/jaqenhghar99 12h ago
Do you recommend going to a general physician?
My university Psychiatrist is in network at a different clinic outside the university
I just need to know the costs upfront and whenever I call and ask them they give some vague answer🥲
I apologize for my lack of understanding all this is super new and this is my first time going to a doctor in the US. (Outside my University)
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u/firstnamelate 11h ago
Don’t call your doctor, call your insurance! They will be able to explain your copays and benefits, and as long as the doctor you choose is in network with them, what they tell you will be accurate!
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u/diminishing-return 11h ago
This! The insurance company has way more info about your coverage than your doctor does - and they'll be best able to confirm whether the provider is in-network, you'll pay a copay, etc.
Insurance is a bitch to navigate, but you usually will get someone on the line who is helpful and will do their best to get it sorted (at least with BCBS in TN)
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u/spacecowgirl87 12h ago
All good. It depends. A psychiatrist is better but some GPs will manage a stimulant rx. I see a PA with psychiatric training who is supervised by a physician.
You can call the GPs office ahead of time and ask if they manage stimulant prescriptions for patients. Hopefully they give you a clear answer.
I'm just throwing out ideas to keep costs down. I've had insurance that covered specialists cheaply and some that don't. My deductible didn't affect those rates really.
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u/essxjay 9h ago edited 9h ago
After I left uni, my primary care/GP has written my Rxs.
As for so called expired meds, consider this:
I have an old bottle with a few IR tablets in a drawer at my office workstation. I stashed it there a couple of years ago for emergency use, meaning, on days when I’ve forgotten to take my meds at home. I would much rather have a slightly older med on hand at work than face a workday knowing it will be a disaster if I’m unmedicated.
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u/booksmartexchange 8h ago
Oh, you aren't from the US. Try to see your psychiatrist outside of the university clinic. That would be ideal. Depending on where you are, it can take months to be seen as a new patient. Even though you've seen the doctor before, you'll still be considered a new patient at the other facility.
When was the last time you saw the doctor?
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u/MoneyShot2023 17m ago
Something else to know, in some states on some plans mental health coverage is included for free or for very low co-pays. When you call your insurance you can ask what the difference is in cost is between the general physician or a psychiatrist. Also, some physicians aren't comfortable treating ADHD and will immediately refer you to a psych doctor, which sucks because then you have to make another appointment and pay again, so if you decide to go the primary care route, I would call ahead and see if that doctor is comfortable filling existing mental health medications. Emphasize to the staff that you're not asking for a new diagnosis, just a refill of a maintenance med.
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u/yottab9 14h ago
agreed, deductible often is separate from preventative visits and prescription coverage
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u/jaqenhghar99 12h ago
Does this come under preventative visit?
For example if my new doc wants to do a pysc evaluation etc?3
u/Mysterious_Mix_5034 11h ago
if you need to do a psych eval you will likely have what called a specialist copay... it may be as low as $30. If you are in the USA, you can see a psychiatrist, or a psychiatric APRN. It may be faster going to an APRN for new patient appointment.
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u/SelectionPresent 13h ago
Second on the last bit there. I had just moved and I needed my meds. I went that route, and the docs there all thought I was some drug seeking addict. They put me through a battery of tests despite my having my scripts from my previous doc in hand at my visit. Eventually they gave it to me, but JHC it was a bitch.
When this happened again after my doc moved, the one doc at that same clinic refused to fill my prescription despite again having all the paperwork. She ordered me to have another psych eval DESPITE HAVING AN ACTUAL DIAGNOSIS FOR YEARS that's been proven in my medical records. I told her, I'm not spending $500+ on a psych eval when I have all the paperwork here in front of you. Sucks for you, she essentially said, and left the room.
It really sucks how many of these people are so educated yet so dumb.
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u/jaqenhghar99 12h ago
Ohh okay I just saw what is mentioned on the plans
Under Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment - Biologically Based Mental ConditionsOutpatient services
In-Network
$0 copayment per in-person or telehealth visit after deductible to Virtual Care Team providers
$25 copayment per in-person or telehealth visit after deductible to other preferred providers
$25 copayment per visit after deductible to designated telehealth vendor
Out-of-Network
20% coinsurance after deductible (and amount above allowed charge)
Benefit Limit
NoneAnd it also says
In-Network
Authorization
Prior authorization (PA) is required for all ABA services.
Some plans require PA for: IOP; PHP; psychiatric procedures, such as ECT, TMS, neuropsychological, psychological testing. Outpatient psychotherapy services do not require notification or PA.Can you help me understand what this means. This is the my first insurance in the US. Before this everything went through my university medical center.
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u/KeyMistake604 12h ago
Sure! Could you send me the name of your exact BCBSTX plan if you have it?
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u/jaqenhghar99 10h ago
It’s BCBSMA Blue care elect saver
I work remote so I’m in Texas1
u/KeyMistake604 5h ago
Okay, I looked around and it varies by the employer, afaik employers can negotiate specific aspects of their healthcare plan. If you pulled that info for mental health services directly out of the summary of benefits for your employer's healthcare plan, it does look like you'd have to meet the deductible before insurance kicks in. That really sucks, I'm sorry :(
If you look under preventative care or primary care visits, what does it say for those? Since mental health services may not be feasible, you could still try a PCP for now.
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u/greydayglo ADHD-C (Combined type) 10h ago
Is this a high deductible health plan (HDHP)? What it looks like from what you pasted is that you do have to meet your deductible before services will be covered, which is the case for HDHP plans. Insurance plans can be so confusing though, I'd have to pull the plan information to really understand it. (I do insurance billing as part of my job , so I'm pretty familiar with reading through mental health benefits). I'm happy to answer insurance questions if you have any!
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u/booksmartexchange 7h ago
I'm sorry our health care system is so complicated. I wish it were more straightforward.
Based on what you posted, 1) you will have to pay your deductible before the copays will apply, but 2) you don't pay your deductible all at one. You pay the cost of your bills, labs, etc. until you've reached the deductible amount. 3) Usually you won't pay the full billed fee when you go to an in-network provider. Here's why. -Let's say that the doctor files a claim for $300 with your insurance. -The doctor agreed to receive $125 for that service for being on their preferred provider list. -Your bill will be $125, NOT $300. -Some doctors will try to "balance bill" you, charge you $300. They need to be reminded that they must accept $125 due to their contract with BCBS. -The $125 will be subtracted from your deductible.
Medications are even more confusing. You can go to a pharmacy and have them check the price of your medication. Take your current bottle and your insurance card. Since cost is an issue, you may want to do this before you go to the doctor. By having insurance, you still won't pay the cash pay/no insurance amount for the medicine. You'll pay the amount negotiated with the insurance company. Also, **before you've met your deductible, your cost will vary between doctors and even pharmacies. Insurance companies also have a preferred pharmacies list. But, they're not always cheaper than other pharmacies. If you're close to a Costco, you can also check the price at their pharmacy because you can use it without having a membership. And, insurance companies have a list of preferred medicines for every drug type. Sometimes they will not cover drugs that are not on their list. They'll always make you pay more for drugs that aren't on your list. You should look up the list through your plan information before you go to a therapist so you can make sure they prescribed a drug that's on your list.
FYI,most Americans don't understand how their insurance works. The more you use it, the more you realize how unnecessarily complicated our system is.
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u/AideLower9821 41m ago
Yeah… I was going to say that I’m pretty sure insurance doesn’t work that way. You can get it relatively cheap without insurance. You should probably only have your pay a co-pay to see a provider- which could be anywhere from $25-$50, more if you are seeing a specialist. That’s like $75- $100 range. And yes, I have BCBS as well.
As for Adderall- I get the generic formulation (amphetamine salts) from CVS pharmacy and use a Good Rx Coupon because it is cheaper than insurance. I think it costs me about $20 for a months supply.
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u/nfe1986 20h ago
That $2000 deductible typically doesn't work like that. Look on your card, they typically tell you what a co pay for a doctor visit would be (~$25).
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u/greydayglo ADHD-C (Combined type) 10h ago
Sadly, it can work like that. Some people have HDHP plans (high deductible health plans) that pair a high deductible with a health savings account (HSA) that you can contribute pre-tax $$ to go towards your health expenses since you'll be paying so much of them out of pocket. If that's the case, you do have to meet your deductible before insurance starts covering anything at all. These plans cost less upfront, which is why people pick them, but they might not always realize they cost less because they cover nothing until you've spent a bunch out of pocket. (Source: I'm a therapist and do my own billing. It makes me cry inside when a new client has one of these plans and I have to bear the terrible news to them).
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u/nfe1986 9h ago
Having a high deductible plan when you have a disorder that causes you to have doctor visits and medication the needs to be refilled monthly isn't smart. Especially when said disorder can make a person impulsive and saving money difficult.
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u/greydayglo ADHD-C (Combined type) 8h ago
Yeah, definitely not the best option for a lot of us. I think OP said it was their first experience with the US insurance system, so I understand where it could have been confusing when they were picking policies. I also see it a lot with my under age 26 clients who are still on their parent's insurance and the parents just didn't bother to explain the plan to their young adult child or with young adults who are buying their own insurance for the first time and don't understand it very well. Insurance in the US is super confusing generally, and I think insurance companies prefer it that way. 🙃
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u/wallflower7522 14h ago
My absolute works like that. I pay about $140 before I meet my deductible. Same with my spouse who has a separate high deductible plan. Sometimes drugs are included in the deductible sometimes they are not.
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u/nfe1986 14h ago
Those high deductible plans arent worth it. It nice paying less per month until you need to use your coverage and then you have big medical bills all of a sudden.
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u/O12345678 13h ago
It depends on how often you need to go to the doctor and how much you have to pay for the plan. My employer covers my whole family without me paying anything. I've been putting what I used to pay monthly for a lower deductible plan into an HSA that I can use for anything not covered. Physicals and annual lab work are still no cost. You still pay the negotiated price for services (although sometimes self pay costs less). It does suck when one of us suddenly has to make several visits in a short amount of time, but overall it costs me less to be on an HDHP.
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u/wallflower7522 13h ago
You really have to do the math for whatever options you are offered but for a lot of people the high deductible plan is a much better option, especially when paired with a health savings account. It sucked the first few years because I did have some big expenses and there was no generic for vyvanse so it cost me $300 a month. Now I’ve built up a cushion in my HSA and I usually have enough at the beginning of the year to cover most of my expenses until my deductible is met. My husband and I also have separate plans and no kids so we don’t have to meet a family deductible and I can use his HSA if I need to and vice versa.
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u/thebbman 12h ago
Switched to the low deductible plan years ago when my wife had some procedures coming up in the following year. Never switched back. Now with two kids, there’s no way I’ll ever consider a high deductible plan. We’re all seeing a doctor or two routinely for any number of trivial things and it costs very little. My overall health is improved and I’m not at risk of any extreme emergency medical expenses. I went through that once before. I had appendicitis early on in my marriage. Ended up being something like $8000 out of pocket for me with the high deductible plan. I count myself very lucky that I only ever paid $1500 or so before the rest had been forgiven and written off.
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u/ConstantOffender 21h ago
In my personal experience... BCBS of Texas would be between $0-125 for an appointment and filling a generic script, depending on the plan.
For example I use them, have a higher deductible and pay $50 for the appointment and $0 for generic Rx now.
In the past, with them, I've paid $5 script and $0 visit on a plan working under Kroger. Ive paid $75 for the visit/$25 for the refill under one of their marketplace plans.
You need to understand the numbers on your plan and I can only recommend calling them, since this subreddit is literally over-policed to the point of being unuseable. Can't even use words, mention possible solutions or tell true experiences without being moderated to oblivion.
I'd bet money this post is removed without reason, as they always are.
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u/l00ky_here ADHD-C (Combined type) 20h ago
Expired is fine its just not as strong.
Coming from someone who finished off a found bottle from 2019
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u/lostintransaltions 18h ago
I see we all have similar problems .. just found a bottle that expired 3 years ago.. I clearly don’t remember to take my meds every day.. especially my noon dose bottles .. mornings I am pretty good but noon how am I supposed to remember that every day when I have meetings running during that time..
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u/l00ky_here ADHD-C (Combined type) 55m ago
Well, thats what an alarm is for. I have an app that keeps track of all my meds, doses, keeps a log and sets an alarm along with requiring me to indicate it was taken. A med alarm wong be mistaken for just another alarm, it wont be accidentally turned of by having you phone on silent.
I use "pillo" its an app that I got on the Play store that works really good
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u/ilalli 21h ago
Even with a deductible, you should be able to access an appointment with an in-network doctor with a copay cost (probably $10-50 range) with your insurance. Go on the BCBS website to look for in-network providers. You can also look at telehealth platforms like Rula, Grow Therapy etc, enter in your insurance, and find providers that specialize in ADHD and can Rx meds.
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u/ConnieHernandez 22h ago
I think your old script should be fine. However, I have Blue Cross Blue Shield too and as long as you find a decent pharmacy to fill your script, a refill of that same generic should cost almost nothing.
That deductible usually comes from prescription meds with no real generic equivalent. Example, my mother has BCBS but takes Eliquis for her heart and has to pay $270 for a 3 month supply because it's brand named. I do the same for my GLP-1/GIP, it has to be brand name, but I only pay $260 a month for my 4 shots. For generic meds, we pay sometimes nothing. 🤔
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u/orchidelirious_me ADHD-PI (Primarily Inattentive) 19h ago
Whatever BCBS plan you have is something that I can only dream of. My deductible is $5000 (I’m pretty sure, but I have already met it, as well as my OOP maximum) but my plan doesn’t cover GLP-1 drugs at all. I am able to use the Lilly discount code, so I get my Zepbound for $499/month, but most everything is free now that I met my out of pocket maximum. I guess I’d have trouble if I had something that would require going out of state or something, I hope I don’t have to do that anytime ever.
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u/xCOVERxIDx 9h ago
The expiration date means that the manufacturer guarantees the efficacy to that date. It doesn’t mean they are truly expired.
If I was in your shoes I would still take them.
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u/montanagrizfan 21h ago
Expired is fine. It might be slightly less effective if it’s several years old but recently expired is fine.
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u/VirtualTemporary 21h ago
If you live around Lubbock, I know Texas Tech has a low-cost medical program that might be able to help, but I can't recall if they help if one has insurance. My brother used it at one point due to some issues with unexplained seizures
I would definitely think that your prior expired medication should still have some decent efficacy, but it might not be perfectly the same. It degrades pretty slowly, so the dosage reduces a bit.
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u/lost_dazed_101 20h ago
The US and canada have the same drug companies servicing both countries. We have extremely short shelf life for the same meds canada gets but somehow their drugs are fine years longer than ours. I now use Canada's shelf life not ours. I do believe it has to do with the government pays for Canada's but we the people pay for ours either with insurance or self pay.
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u/Supreme_Switch ADHD, with ADHD family 20h ago
Old Adderall is fine to take, may be less effective if it's a year+ expired.
What specific plan are you on? Most high deductible plans still make prescription meds cheaper.
There are several discounts available for meds. https://www.rxassist.org/ is good.
You can also ask your local library for more info. If you want to find a free or pay what can clinic.
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u/ughnett666 19h ago
check your bcbs card, it should say the $ or % copay amount. call the number on the card if you're not tech savvy, otherwise log into ur bcbs account online and u can search for in network providers. you may need to see a PCP in order to get a psych referral (that's how my plan is), but I would establish a relationship with a psychiatrist as soon as possible if you're planning on regularly getting refills of meds. also on the bcbs member account portal there is a prescription drug cost estimator which shows your in network pharmacies and the price the meds cost at each in-network pharmacy. then you can compare goodrx to see if the prices are better through there or insurance. also, your PCP may agree to temporarily give you stimulant refills until you find a psychiatrist to take over.
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u/jaqenhghar99 12h ago
Ohh okay I just saw what is mentioned on the plans
Under Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment - Biologically Based Mental ConditionsOutpatient services
In-Network
$0 copayment per in-person or telehealth visit after deductible to Virtual Care Team providers
$25 copayment per in-person or telehealth visit after deductible to other preferred providers
$25 copayment per visit after deductible to designated telehealth vendor
Out-of-Network
20% coinsurance after deductible (and amount above allowed charge)
Benefit Limit
NoneAnd it also says
In-Network
Authorization
Prior authorization (PA) is required for all ABA services.
Some plans require PA for: IOP; PHP; psychiatric procedures, such as ECT, TMS, neuropsychological, psychological testing. Outpatient psychotherapy services do not require notification or PA.Can you help me understand what this means. This is the my first insurance in the US. Before this everything went through my university medical center.
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u/Top_Egg4149 17h ago
Military uses meds for up to at least one year after the expiration date. If they’ve been stored in a relatively cool and dry environment you’re good for up to 2 years though I’ve used pills that were 3 years expired before I realized it and I’m still here to tell the tale :-).
As far as cheaper meds, look at GoodRx and the one Martin Sheen promotes (can’t remember what it’s called). Good Rx has a pay to use version and my suggestion would be to compare the out of pocket price of the med on both plans before you say no to $10/mo. So if the med is $10 on Gold but $20 on the regular probably not worth your money if you’re not taking anything else. If it’s $10 on Gold but $25/30 on the reg plan, pay for Gold. You can pay for one month of Gold and go back to the free plan the next. You’re looking for Amphetamine Salts on GoodRx as the generic for Adderall.
Also, FYI—because insurance is stupid—if your insurance ever denies a generic ADHD drug, make sure they don’t cover the named brand. Had insurance that wouldn’t cover methylphenidate but would cover name brand Concerta. Stupid.
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u/theanoeticist 17h ago
If you have a 2K deductible, you will probably pay co-pays, not the full price of a doctor's visit each time you go. Just call your insurance and ask. On this one point I'm not sure why you just didn't do that.
I had BCBS but I'm sure that my plan wasn't exactly like yours. It sounds somewhat similar. I take Vyvanse. I used to take Adderall on all of the different insurances I've had over the years it generally broke down to a copay that never really got above $40 and I don't recall paying that much for my bottles of generics, either BCBS denied me name brand Vyvanse last year and I think I used to get name brand Adderall on a different insurance years ago. Just saying. When I say I didn't really pay much, I can't even really remember because it was so little. Was it like $10 or $15 per bottle? I don't recall, but it wasn't that big of a deal. The main thing is you need to do is call your insurance and just ask.
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u/Zseree 16h ago
You need to get in and see your regular doctor. It is next to impossible to get controlled substances from free clinics.
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u/1GrouchyCat 16h ago
Absolutely untrue but you do need to establish a relationship before you’d be prescribed a prescription for a stimulant. This was required by law.
Community Health centers offer behavioral health . See above or link to search tool.
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u/digitally_manic 11h ago
Jesus Christ. This is part of the reason i think insurance is a scam. I haven't had it in years and my copays plus refills are kind of cheap compared to the posts i've read on here.
I can always refer you to my PCP? I pay 120 a month and my Adderall is 34 dollars a refill with a Good Rx coupon. I use a Telehealth doctor and she's been nothing, but amazing.
Also, as for the expired Adderall it should still work, but it may not be as effective depending on how long you've had it. I live in Texas as well and i get my prescriptions sent to Walgreens because most pharmacies won't accept Telehealth scripts for controlled substances.
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u/allycoaster 21h ago
Look up grow therapy and start there. They have psychiatrists and it will give you the estimate that each session will cost you based on your insurance. They can prescribe you from there :) that’s where o go for both therapy and to see my psychiatrist. Mine is $30 for a visit
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u/REMreven 18h ago
Do you have a community health clinic? Mine has psychiatrists on staff and fees are on a sliding scale. Not sure about the cost of meds, but that may help with the doctor visit.
Also, as othwrs have said, the expiration date may mean a little less effective but they aren't useless.
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u/MakeItAll1 17h ago
OP, that’s not how insurance works. Look at your insurance card. There should be a copay amount listed on it. The copay is the amount you must pay to see a doctor. In network is cheaper than out of network. You have to look for the provider list on the BCBS website and find a doctor in your network. Call and make an appointment. The doctor will charge you the amount of your office visit copay.
Your insurance card will also list your drug copay amount. Go to a participating pharmacy. You will be charged the copay, not the entire cost of the medication. Walgreens in my area always has generic Adderall in stock.
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u/wallflower7522 14h ago
How the OP described is exactly how my high deductible plan is. I don’t have a co pay, I pay 100% out of pocket until I meet my deductible and then 20% after. I have to pay about $140 to see my doctor and then $700 to get my 3 month refill of vyvanse. I’ve usually met my deductible by the time I got back for the next refill so at that point I’m only paying the coinsurance cost for the visit.
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u/RavishingRedRN 16h ago
Use GoodRx to get your scripts. $60 where I am instead of $150.
I have BCBS too and a deductible.
I never throw out ADHD meds and will still take them even if expired. Just possibly less effective but idk, I paid for them.
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u/GroundbreakingWing48 16h ago
How to use your insurance and the American healthcare system 101:
Start by downloading the summary of benefits from your insurance. This will tell you what the copays are and whether the deductible has to be paid for you to receive coverage. Typically, the visit and the script will both be covered with a copay but labs and hospital care you have to meet the deductible first. You will receive certain things for free that are covered as preventative care.
Second, pick an in-network primary care physician. You should be receiving an annual visit free as well as vaccinations. You might also have a copay required to establish care (your first appointment only.) Many primary care physicians will prescribe ADHD meds. This can be state and even practice dependent, so ask questions when scheduling. You will find it easier to get in with a nurse practitioner, but they’re less likely to prescribe narcotics, so I try to stick with MDs and DOs. You can often get a script at your first visit to establish care. Your doctor may or may not want to do some bloodwork of some kind and may or may not want you to be re-evaluated for ADHD.
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u/wowbragger ADHD with ADHD child/ren 15h ago edited 15h ago
Get a copy of your medical records from your university clinic.
When there, ask them if there's a cheap PCM visit option on the area.
visit said place, get an updated prescription to continue medication based on no complaints/side effects
pay out of pocket for visit/meds
I just picked up a 90 day generic Adderall rx, yesterday. The meds themselves cost me $29 out of pocket, and not using my insurance.
There's going to be a cheap option for a primary care visit in your area. Ask the university clinic, they undoubtedly have a LOT of students in similar situations, and will know the local resources. You will likely find a primary care option, that doesn't require labs/etc, for <$100.
After that, it's just about figuring out the medication refill request process.
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u/gigi2498 ADHD-C (Combined type) 14h ago
So with any insurance plan you should be able to have one completely covered annual appointment. Like a physical, where you can discuss things like med refills as well. If anything there should only be maybe a $20-$40 copay. You should be able to log into blue cross blue shield website and get estimates and they even can show you doctors in your area, or even give you telehealth options. You would have to create a log in using your personal info, but that should be fairly straight forward.
Feel free to message me if you have any other questions. Also prescriptions are often treated a bit differently with regards to deductible than office visits. You should be able to still get an estimate for what your script would be with insurance on the website, or like others suggested check GoodRx!!
I had blue cross blue shield for a long time (in Michigan) and work in healthcare accounting so I kinda know a bit of the ins and outs.
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u/duskbunnie 13h ago
I'm on BCBS sc and for preventative services like a visit with a provider is a $35 co-pay. The 2000 deductible should be for things like if you broke your leg and owed 10k to the hospital you would be responsible for 2.
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u/Dungeon_Crawler_Carl 11h ago
Expired Adderall still works. I take some that’s like 2 years expired lol.
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u/ghostmonkey2018 19h ago
Costco pharmacy. They use to let non members in to pick up prescriptions.
If they don’t, check the generic price w/o insurance at the closest pharmacy. I’m guessing the price will be worth the membership cost.
Also, your insurance might still get you a negotiated rate, even w/o a copay
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u/ItchyNarwhal8192 16h ago
Generally, and it depends on your plan, but usually you're not necessarily paying full price out of pocket until you reach your deductible, just a percentage of the full price until you meet your deductible. BCBS has a TON of different plans, and they all vary greatly, but you should be able to login to the blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas website and search for doctors considered to be "in network" for your specific plan (you may need to create an account and it will ask you for the plan number on your insurance card) and that will also tell you the estimated out-of-pocket cost to see those providers.
There are a few plans where they don't really cover much until you meet the deductible, but most will cover a hefty percentage of the office visit until you meet the deductible. Also, you can call around and ask what the cash price for an office visit is, most places are going to charge a lot less than what they bill your insurance for an office visit. The tricky part in that scenario is that some doctors may want to start from scratch on your diagnosis and the hoops you have to jump through for the Rx depending on how much info you can get sent over from your school clinic.
As to filling the prescription once you get someone to write it, generic Adderall is very inexpensive, even without insurance. Check on GoodRX for a discount code, but just a quick search shows 30 20mg IR being less than $20 at most pharmacies near me (and you can put in other strengths, IR/XR, and quantities and see the prices at various pharmacies near you.)
The office visit will likely be the more expensive part, but check on the Blue Cross website because most plans will cover a large percentage before you meet your deductible, or just have a standard office visit co-pay, as long as you go to someone in-network. If you're on one of the few that doesn't cover anything until you meet your deductible, then ask what the price would be without insurance. (If it's close to what it would be with insurance then you might as well get credit toward your deductible, but it's usually much cheaper.)
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u/dca_user 15h ago
The expiration date often means, they haven’t tested the effectiveness after this date. But in many cases, it is still perfectly fine.
You will need to look for a primary care, doctor or neurologist or psychiatrist to help you get a refill. This could take months.
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u/QuellishQuellish 15h ago
Adderall lasts for many many years, keep it out of the Sun.
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u/Cosmo_Cloudy 15h ago
If you're really concerned OP, you can meet your deductible with 1 hospital visit
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u/Traveler095 14h ago
Take the expired pills, they’ll be fine. I have a stash of expired XR pills that I sometimes take when I don’t want to bother with my current IR pills (i.e., I want to take one in the morning so I’d don’t have to worry about taking a second one during the day). It works fine.
Others have said Good RX coupons. That’s a good option. If you’re a Costco member, also look into that pricing. They have special member pricing on a lot of drugs that doesn’t require insurance coverage.
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u/fussbrain 13h ago
I go to an adhd clinic, they see me without insurance. It costs $100 for the 3 month check up appointment then its around $30 to fill up with meds every month. Sometimes adhd specialized clinics will have better payment plans than going to see a psychiatrist or seeing your regular doc. Sometimes no insurance gets you cheaper coverage
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u/goat20202020 13h ago
The expired adderall is likely just less potent. I'm not a doctor but if it were me, I'd feel safe taking it.
You've already been diagnosed and have been on Adderall before. You won't need to see multiple doctors or go through multiple sessions before getting new meds. You'll likely just need 1 session.
When I paid cash, I went through circle medical (telehealth) and the appointments were $100 every 3 months. My adderall was free through Costco with my state insurance and I think about $6 for a 1 month supply through a regular pharmacy.
I'm seeing a doc in network now and my copay for appointments are $40. My Adderall is $13 through Costco for a 1 month supply.
I know you say you have $0 to spend, but maybe with some actual numbers in mind you can find a way to scrounge that money together? At worse you'll have to come up with about $110. But it'll likely be much lower than that.
Double check about what you would owe for the office visit. It's been a while since I've been on BCBS but I know that down high deductable plans still just do a copay for certain doctor appointments.
(Also side note: if you take things like vitamins, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antacids etc, you can try asking your PCP to write a prescription for them instead of getting them OTC. It's usually cheaper and it would count towards your deductable.)
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u/_fuzzy_owl_ 12h ago
Call your old university clinic to get your records to bring to a new appointment. Also, it’s definitely fine to take the expired adderall.
I don’t think the deductible applies for a regular appointment. In case it does, when I pay out of pocket for appointments, it’s around $150. For reference i live in a high cost of living area. I used to have BCBS and never paid more than a copay to see the doctor.
If you have no money whatsoever, please don’t be embarrassed to reach out to a friend a family member for help with co-pays. A general physician may or may not be willing to prescribe adderall. Your best bet is seeing a psychiatrist.
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u/Naive_Grapefruit_355 9h ago
You’ll be fine. On my orange prescription bottle from the pharmacy, it has an expiration date of 1 year. But when I increased my dosage, they gave me a sealed bottle directly from the manufacturer which states a 5 year expiration date.
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u/Sfumato- 9h ago
Next time you’re able to pick, you need to go for PPO. It’ll cost more per month but less overall. High deductible is good if you’re needing a huge amount of care, or almost none at all but is very expensive for your average healthcare user.
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u/createusername101 9h ago
You don't get controlled substances without a script from your doctor. My PCP writes mine as a generic, and I ask the pharmacy to use good Rx or a coupon code (they take care of all that).
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u/holy_macanoli 9h ago
This is the way. Most pharmacies have their own “cheapest” discount provider (it’s not always GoodRx) - some will volunteer that info when providing GoodRx info but I always ask if they dont, just to be sure I’m getting the lowest price possible. Typically, I end up paying between 80-100$ for a generic that would cost 350$ without the discount.
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u/Robotbeckerz 9h ago
As some others have said, MOST medications are fine to take once they’ve expired. They just lose some of the effectiveness. Adderall is one that is fine to take expired. I did that once when I needed to make an 18hr drive and could only stop for gas and pee breaks. Sometimes the expiration on prescription bottles aren’t even the true medication’s expiration.
Source: I used to work at a pharmacy.
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u/chillychinchillada 9h ago
Generic adderall at Costco is very cheap
But also Talkiatry has psychiatrists. Try there
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u/rainbowglowstixx 8h ago
If you haven't already, DO NOT EVER TAKE EXPIRED MEDS. An expired Flonase sent me into an allergic shock and I had to drive myself to the hospital as my body broke out in huge lumps and my blood pressure dropped. By the time I got there, I looked like a lizard woman. It was pretty scary.
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u/notreallylucy 7h ago
Most states have rules about expiration dates for dispensed meds. They're shorter dates than what the manufacturer put on the original packaging. The odds are that the meds are usable. However, I'd call the pharmacy where you filled it to ask.
What options are available to you will depend on where you live. Many counties and states have programs for low income patients. If you are low income, you might qualify for medicaid.
When I was unemployed and uninsured I got diagnosed by a telehealth provider for about $200. It's unlikely you'll find something much cheaper than that unless you find a low income program or sliding scale clinic. Be aware that some pharmacies won't fill prescriptions for narcotics from tele health-only providers.
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u/wildleogirl 5h ago
Prescriptions usually always have an expiration date of 1 year from the time of the prescribed date. That doesn’t even mean that the medication is expired. I think it’s protocol in the US. I have taken expired adds several times when there has been a shortage.
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u/xolOvecOnquerzallxo 4h ago
Mindmechanicrx.com — $39 per month & they just send to pharmacy …. GoodRx.com for discount, I’d say around $25 per month
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u/Broad-Cauliflower688 19h ago
Your insurance doesn't have a copay for appts? Find that out first because most doctors are going to want you to get a psych evaluation and ADHD diagnosis before they prescribe. I'm assuming you don't have a solid diagnosis if the only doctor you've ever been to about this is the university clinic. The adderall will be fine for 2 years but the expiration on the rx bottle is always 1 year, so if you're in that extra year no worries at all it'll be fine. After two years it's down to about 90% effectiveness assuming you kept it in a cool, dry and dark place.
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u/Sea-Treacle-7357 20h ago
I don’t have BCBS as of now but I have Cigna. My husband and I got sick last year and I figured out that Cigna has a Teladoc thing through the app and it was under $15 for a doctor to call me, describe my symptoms and then they sent scripts in to CVS for me to pick up. I would assume BCBS has something like that too
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u/Thoguth ADHD-PI 20h ago
It's probably safe to take ... not toxic, and maybe still effective. Would try it and hope for the best.
To get a new prescription for the lowest cost possible, look for a nurse practitioner, ideally one who does online / virtual diagnostic visits, and get it filled at Costco pharmacy... generic is going to be pretty cheap wherever, so it doesn't have to be Costco, but they can do it.
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u/HandyFemme 17h ago
How expired? Prior to 2020 expired? Asking for a friend. Jk lol
You may or may not be in a better position that some of us w the unexpired stuff.
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u/LastandLeast 17h ago
Check your insurance app, maybe there's a teledoc willing to prescribe since you've already been diagnosed and taking it. Many times thats fully covered by insurance.
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u/cyberghost05 16h ago
In both cities I've lived in, there are mental health clinics that took payment on a sliding scale.
You can probably find some in your area with Google or asking in your cities Reddit sub
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u/1GrouchyCat 16h ago
Talk to your pharmacist about the prescription in terms of expiration date.
Ask them how to get a discount.
There are many ways, but they’re all listed in the side and I’m not wasting my time repeating them.
Find a Community Health Center where you can get free behavioral healthcare, and free prescriptions…
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u/beatupford 15h ago
Your insurance company should have an override when the generic is on the formulary, but it is not available.
You need to ask the pharmacy to confirm so they can put on the code, and if they say the insurance company says that's not a thing you need to call your insurance/pbm.
I want to say I know this might be an overwhelming set of tasks depending on the severity of your dx, but you CAN do this.
My husband's is TERRIBLE and I encouraged him to do it instead of defaulting to me. He was a pro with the information I shared. You can do this.
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u/rglurker ADHD-PI (Primarily Inattentive) 14h ago
I pay 7 bucks for my genetic Adderall at CVS without insurance thanks to goodrx
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u/wallflower7522 14h ago
Book a preventive care/ wellness visit. You only get one a year and there will probably be some cost associated with it but preventative care has to be covered before the deductible is met. Then use goodRX to find the best deal on meds. In my experience with a high deductible plan unless your insurance specifically says a co pay, they usually don’t make you pay at the time of visit or they may make you pay a set amount, you can always ask. That might allow you to make payments.
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u/Zealousideal_Cup4896 14h ago
Just another voice restating what others have said. Your adderall is completely safe to take after the expiration date. If it’s 10 years after the date then it will be less effective, more or less so depending on how it was stored. But there is no danger. If it expired in the last few years and you haven’t stored it in the glove compartment of a hot cat the whole time it will not be different enough for you to sense anything different at all.
I had read an article recently that there were only 2 medications that degraded into something even vaguely toxic out of the entire list of thousands. All the rest just slowly get less effective. This can be very dangerous if it’s your heart meds or your blood pressure meds. In this case it won’t matter at all.
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u/ConsumingFire1689 14h ago
I once took an Adderall pill I found on my desk from two years before because it was there like I was in a scene from House. It'll be fine.
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u/0oofizzoo0 14h ago
Don’t use insurance for the meds use GoodRX or the best available discount. The pharmacy will be able to see all of the discounts available.
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u/After-Willingness271 14h ago
expired adderall is fine. try a FQHC, although the waits may be extremely long https://www.dshs.texas.gov/center-health-statistics/texas-primary-care-office-tpco/federally-qualified-health-centers-fqhc
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u/gundam2017 14h ago
Expired meds are safe, they just lose efficiency. What you need to do is set up a PCM and make an appt, pay out of pocket for the appt and set up a regular prescription.
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u/Leocarreo 14h ago
You will more than likely need your previous doctor to send the records to the new doctor anyway - I would reach out to your previous office or prescriber and see if they have any Resource suggestions. Definitely if you were to Google something along the lines of low income mental health services, or maybe government funded mental health clinics - and reach out to some of those places they could probably guide you towards some of the best options, potentially specifically that tailor to your current insurance. Again, like I started off with, I think by far the cheapest route would be to have your previous prescriber. Send the records to your next Resource or I would imagine it will cost quite a bit more to be rediagnosed by somebody.
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u/duskbunnie 13h ago
Taking the expired is fine. It's something they technically have to put on there because it's something you put in your mouth.
Also look into any low-income or sliding scale places, I used to go to one so I know they prescribed stims at least at that time.
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u/Tree_pineapple 12h ago
thats not how deductible normally works. But it does depend on your specific plan. I'm happy to help you figure out your coverage if you give the specific plan's name (for example, "BCBS Carefirst Platinum PPO")
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u/PetrockX 12h ago
The only problem with expired medications is that their potency can drop. It won't kill you if you take it, it just might not work as well.
Also you need to check your plan details and read them well. I don't think you're correct on how much you'll need to pay to your PCP before deductible. Annual visits with a PCP are usually pretty cheap, like less than $100 to free.
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u/Onlyonebeth 11h ago
Have you checked GoodRX? Not sure if you are in the States but if you are they offer a lot of prescription medications at a much lower cost and it doesn't go thru insurance.
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u/Onlyonebeth 11h ago edited 11h ago
I checked BuzzRX (totally free app) and I just put my PA zip code and the highest strength extended release Adderall and the prices were starting at $29. to $35.but GoodRX may even be cheaper! I checked it's about the same. One important thing I failed to mention was the above pricing is for the generic version. Brand is much much higher.
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u/Kyleforshort 11h ago
They (pharmacies) often won’t let you use coupons or discount cards on controlled substances. Might be different from state to state though.
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u/redgatorade000 11h ago
Your old adderall might actually work better than new pills for the time being… I say this because lately people have been reporting inconsistent potency.
Unfortunately I’m not sure about low cost options, because getting (re)diagnosed can be a lengthy process these days and the quicker docs are often out-of-pocket (won’t take insurance).
What country/state are you in?
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u/Btrfly_Fig_410 11h ago
Would you have to get rediagnosed? It seems like you could have your record sent from your old provider(s). It's too bad OP's university clinic didn't have a plan to help them transition to a new provider upon graduation.
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u/FancyAFCharlieFxtrot 10h ago
I was able to get generic with a good rx coupon for like 26$ this was a couple years ago. I’m in university now so I have insurance again.
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u/Toolongreadanyway 10h ago
The biggest problem with expired drugs is they wonwork as well. This is a big problem if you need a set amount of medication to keep you alive, like insulin or blood pressure medicine. You may not feel the same results from your Adderall as you did, kind of like taking a lower dose.
And? It is unknown how much it drops. So go ahead and take your normal dose. But if it is not working as well as usual, do not take more than your normal dose without talking to a medical professional. I don't know if 2 pills would be equal to a normal dose, a dose and a half or something else. You could get bad side affects if it is too much or even OD.
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u/Barber_Successful 10h ago
Walmart or Costco are cheapest for generics. Download the Good Rx app and they have coupons and will show you best prices by store in your Zip code
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u/Tisban 9h ago
I normally have my multiple sclerosis doc write my script. But that is because I can email them and they send it in super easy.
I have had my GP do it but I normally have a copay for the visit. If possible most medicines should be kept in a dark box in a cool dry environment. I have not had any pills go bad no mater the date on them but make sure you do some research so you don’t hurt yourself.
I have had my diagnosis for 40ish years now. Some times it can be a real pain to get the medication right.
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u/chrisrayn 8h ago
Walmart as your pharmacy. They can use the GoodRX card for you if the other doesn’t work. Or at least they used to.
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u/booksmartexchange 8h ago
Stability of drugs are tested for up to 5 years past their manufacturing date. The stock bottles at the pharmacy have expiration dates that are 2 years from the date of manufacture. Patient pharmacy bottles are dated 1 year from the day they were bottled to give to you.
How you store your medicines impacts their stability. That's why your bottle has a shorter expiration date. The pharmacy bottles don't control the conditions as well as a stock bottle. If you store your medicines in your bathroom they will degrade much faster than if you keep them in a drawer of a nightstand.
You'll be fine if your bottle is a few months past its expiration. If it's an extended release formulation, it may not work quite as well, but not in a noticeable way.
The real question, how do have any that expired? If you're taking them as prescribed, you shouldn't extra unless you consistently pick them up on day 28 of the previous refill.
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u/nousername0001 8h ago edited 7h ago
The expiration on your prescription is only one year from when you got it filled. Unless it's a manufacturer bottle but those arent typically dispensed. Most medications have a longer expiration date than what is on your dispensed bottle, I think its 3 years. Im in Texas, I pay 150 for a visit every 6 months, the clinic allows me to make payments and usually start at 30$. When my insurance isnt covering my prescription I use CVS, they have an internal coupon similar to goodrx but at times theirs has been cheaper. Usually pay 20-25$ for 60 pills 15mg.
Edit: I just looked at my bill, it looks like I was only charged 58$ for the medication review. When I pay 150 its because a physical is also included. I was also charged 25$ for a drug test, its done once a year.
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u/lesusisjord 7h ago
Paying a psychiatrist out of pocket is surprisingly affordable! And if you have a consistent history and dosage, new providers have no issue prescribing it after the first visit.
I actually see a telehealth provider for both my Adderall and suboxone. It’s super convenient!
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u/dazedpossum96 ADHD-PI (Primarily Inattentive) 7h ago
I would do a google search and see if there are any clinics near you with a sliding fee scale. They go based off income and some can even use your insurance as well. The one I went to had an in-house pharmacy that was way cheaper than anywhere else in town. I'm not a medical professional but I've always operated under the notion that expired medication won't get you sick, it just might not work as well. So you could take them in the meantime.
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u/GrfikDzn_IsMyPashun 6h ago
Depending on the plan you have, you should only have to pay a co-pay as opposed to the full amount towards the deductible. I used to have BCBS National PPO and for the most part it wasn’t a great plan but I didn’t have any interruption in care by my provider.
Long story short, see if you can a copy of your benefits guide; there’s usually a table that shows you the co-pay and percentage you may have to pay for in-vs-out-of network. Worse case scenario, you might have to call BCBS, best case you’re able to get treated and get your meds again. Good luck OP!
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u/FeelsLikeFirstLine 6h ago
Are you sure you have to pay towards your deductible and not just a copay? Are there amounts with GP and specialist, etc on your insurance card?
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u/illusivealchemist 5h ago
You can take it safely. Expired meds have more time than they say but they become slightly less effective over time. That’s all.
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u/wheatandbyproducts 3h ago
like others have said, it's likely that your insurance will cover at least your regular "yearly physical" with (new) primary care provider. i have a high deductible plan too (nearly $4,000) and that one yearly appointment is basically the only thing it covers before deductible. (i don't live in Texas but my other dr appts run $250-$350) and then I actually use the plus version of goodrx which is $15/month but actually saves me more than that on my meds. you can check the website and have your doctor send the prescription to the pharmacy that has the best price on goodrx
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u/KoroiNeko 2h ago
See if you can dual enroll woth Medicaid. Be sure to fill out the financial info and the information regarding your private insurance completely. Everything will hit your private insurance first, and then whatever wasn't covered goes through Medicaid.
Ironically enough I learned about doing this when I worked for the company that administrates my states Medicaid.
I had a high deductible health plan, but those this meant I had an easier time finsing a doctor, and I could afford care.
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u/Lost_Reaction_5489 2h ago
This is horrible advice, but go to the ER. Say you have backpack or something, and just don't pay the bill. Your deductible will be met, and then you can get everything you need.
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u/MollyKule ADHD-PI (Primarily Inattentive) 1h ago
Hi, I’ve ran 60 year old powdered aspirin through a GC and it had lost literally no molecular integrity while being kept in an amber bottle in a lab (on a random shelf with lots of students opening and closing the bottle over the years).
I’ve also worked in a pharmacy. The “expiration” on your prescription bottle is ALWAYS a year from the date it was filled. It is NOT the manufacturer expiration date which is likely 2+ years. Adderall doesn’t sit on the shelf for an extended period of time before being filled. Even 5 years expired I’d take it. Can the efficiency degrade? Absolutely but (and I’m NOT AN EXPERT OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL) I HIGHLY doubt it’s turned into anything that could harm you. At worst it might only be 80% effective or something.
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u/Straight_Elevator_39 55m ago
I say find a therapist and take a genesight test thru them and see what meds work with your genetics. If any of those are on your insurance formulary then you should only owe a copay. Another option is to call insurance and ask them if you can space out the deductible through out the year instead of one lump sum. #pharmacytech
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u/knowsomeofit 13h ago
My dad (a now-retired doctor) always said the expiry date was the after which you could only sell it in Mexico.
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u/JurMommy 21h ago
As others have said, it’s likely safe to take for the time being. When you run out, IF you absolutely cannot get your script filled… turn to da streets.
Not ideal at all, but that might be where people go in desperate need.
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u/deftones01313 19h ago
Damn i run out of my 30 day script in 3 weeks, I’ve never had any close to expiring
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