Frugal Friday – Free Epi-pens

Earlier this month, when we learned Jed is still allergic to egg, we received a new prescription for Epi-pen, Jr.’s for him.

In fact, I requested 3 packages of the Epi-pens: one for our house, one for my parents house, and one to stay in his Thomas the Train backpack that goes everywhere with him. That way, no matter where Jed is, there are at least 2 Epi-pen’s with him. If he’s home or at my parents house, he’ll have 4!

Be prepared. That’s my motto. 

Only, even with insurance, Epi-pen’s aren’t cheap. We were looking at well over $100 for those worthwhile little fellas!

Altogether now: OUCH!

These little fellas are pricey!!

Not for nothing, though, do I spend many waking hours online in the Food Allergy Mama world. I knew I’d heard or read that Mylan (the company that manufactures Epi-pen) had some sort of deal going on for discounted or free co-pays for Epi-pen prescriptions.

So, prescription in hand, I hit the internet.

Most of you are also FAM’s, so you probably already know this. On the off chance that someone out there isn’t aware of this nifty little program, I knew I had to share it with you to save some serious moolah.

Mylan IS offering an Epi-pen Savings Program right now. It covers up to $100 per Epi-pen prescription** for citizens of the U.S. and its territories.

Unfortunately, it won’t help if you are on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, or any other federal or state health care plan.

But, if you have private insurance, get ready to do a happy dance! I got all three packages of Epi-pen, Jr.’s for Jed for ZERO out-of-pocket dollars.

Even better? This program is in effect until the end of the year, so I can use it again for refills before 12/31/2014.

Sa-weet!

If you use or need Epi-pens for yourself or your children, go HERE to fill out the form.

It’s really simple; you can print out the card, have them text or email it to you for instant gratification, or mail you a card if you’re so inclined.

Also, I can’t imagine anyone reading this is unwilling to use online access, but just in case, you can also call the company and give your information over the phone to have a card mailed to you. They can be reached at 1-800-395-3376.

You can use the card as often as you like throughout the year for as many Epi-pens as your little heart desires, but it will only work for 3 Epi-pen 2-packs per prescription. So if, say, you want one pack for at home, one for your purse, one for Grandma’s, one for pre-school, and one for Sunday School, ask your doctor for 2 separate prescriptions.

For more information about the program, read HERE.

Just take the nifty little card (whether electronic or printed) and your prescription to the pharmacist and do a little Prescription Drive-Thru Happy Dance in your car when you pick up your very expensive package without opening your wallet!**

And, as always, READ about the medications you are taking. For example, did you know that getting dizzy, feeling anxious, being confused and/or having stomach pain are now listed as symptoms of anaphylaxis? They’re learning all sorts of new things about allergies; IgE’s are not just swelling up and getting hives any more!

So that’s today’s Frugal Friday tip: keep your wallet closed and your medicine cabinet stocked with Epi-pens…just in case.

Hope that helps!

**This will only cover up to $100 per package, so the Epi-pen’s might NOT be free for you. It depends on how much your co-pay will be based on your insurance plan. You’ll  shave $100 per package off the price, though, and that’s still worthy of a Prescription Drive-Thru Happy Dance. Don’t you agree?