Web site helps Missourians find least-expensive prescriptions

“This resource will help hold down the cost of prescription drugs for Missourians by making it easier for people to compare prices for the medicine they need to stay healthy,” Blunt said in a news release.

“It also demonstrates how we can use technology and transparency to improve our health care system for Missourians.”

Managing coverage gaps

MoRx offers a supplemental wrap-around benefit to the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Price Compare is another tool to help seniors manage the any coverage gaps left by Part D Prescription Drug Plans, but it is available to all Missourians for comparing drug prices at different pharmacies.

“Price Compare’s user-friendly Web site will enable Missourians to better manage their budgets with easy-to-read cost comparisons, as well as fostering increased competition,” said Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.

Price Compare is a service provided through the Division of Medical Services contractor, ACS Heritage, which bills approximately 10 million prescriptions to the state’s Medicaid program each year. President Pro Tem Michael R. Gibbons, R-St. Louis, sponsored Senate legislation to create the online tool.

“People have a right to know about the quality and cost of their health care, and this Web site is a step that empowers them to choose their own options,” Gibbons said.

How it works

Visitors are asked to enter the names of their prescription medications, dosage amounts and the county where they live. Once the information is entered, pharmacy names and prescription costs are listed. Consumers are then able to use that information to find the best price at the nearest pharmacy. Prices on the Web site are not guaranteed, but are to be used for comparison.

The Web site is managed by the Department of Social Services.