Quick Test:
- Are you — or someone you’re caring for — on Medicare and suffering from a variety of chronic health conditions?
- Do you worry about taking all those meds: are they more than you need; are they even necessary?
- Are you concerned about side effects or drug interactions?
If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the above questions, it’s time for answers. And you won’t have to search high and low to find them. Help is available through a federal program called Medical Therapy Management (MTM), offered by your Medicare Part D or Advantage prescription plan.
With MTM, a clinical pharmacist will:
- evaluate your conditions and medications to ensure safe, appropriate, and cost-effective use.
- contact your doctor(s) about any problems and work to help resolve them.
- meet with you several times a year to help you keep track of all of your medicines and conditions and monitor your progress.
- be available for questions and problems as they arise.
The best part? If you qualify, this service is free!
Why is this important?
The more medicines you take, the greater the risk for dangerous interactions, adverse side effects and mismanagement (not taking them as directed), leading to serious consequences. In fact, this is a growing public problem across the United States. Experts estimate that 1.5 million preventable adverse events occur each year, resulting in $177 billion in injury and death.
Find out if you qualify.
Contact your Medicare Part D prescription plan or your Medicare Advantage Plan; ask about their MTM services and how to qualify. Also ask for the names of clinical pharmacists in your area. It’s that simple.
Do this for yourself. Be Informed. And stay healthy!