The Prescription Cost Crisis Nobody Talks About
US prescription prices are absolutely insane, highest in the world by far. People in Canada pay 1/10th what we pay for the SAME medication from the SAME manufacturer. It's a broken system. And who suffers? You do. Queens residents skip doses to stretch prescriptions. Split pills. Go without treatment entirely because they can't afford $200/month for insulin or blood pressure meds.
AV Chemist can't fix America's broken pharmaceutical pricing system. But we CAN help you save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year through generic alternatives, insurance optimization, patient assistance programs, and strategies that CVS/Walgreens pharmacists are too busy to bother with.
How AV Chemist Reduces Your Medication Costs
1. Generic Medication Substitution:
Generic medications are FDA-approved equivalents costing 60-90% less than brand names. We proactively recommend generics and coordinate with your doctor for substitution.
Example: Lipitor $175/month → Generic atorvastatin $10/month = $1,980/year savings
2. Insurance Formulary Optimization:
Your insurance plan prefers certain medications (formulary). We check your plan's formulary and recommend covered alternatives instead of expensive non-preferred drugs.
Example: Non-preferred insulin $140/month → Preferred insulin $15/month = $1,500/year savings
3. Patient Assistance Programs:
Drug manufacturers offer patient assistance programs (PAPs) providing free or low-cost medications to eligible patients. We help you apply and navigate these programs.
Example: Expensive specialty drug $800/month → PAP coverage $0/month = $9,600/year savings
4. Therapeutic Substitution:
Similar medications in the same class can have vastly different prices. We work with your doctor to switch to lower-cost alternatives that work the same way.
Example: Nexium $200/month → Omeprazole $8/month = $2,304/year savings
5. Duplicate Therapy Elimination:
Sometimes patients take two medications that do the same thing (from different doctors). We identify duplicates and coordinate with doctors to eliminate unnecessary costs.
Example: Two cholesterol meds $130/month → One medication $10/month = $1,440/year savings
6. 90-Day Supply Discounts:
Insurance plans often charge less per dose for 90-day supplies vs 30-day. We help transition chronic medications to 90-day fills for automatic savings.
Example: 30-day fills $30 copay x 12 = $360/year → 90-day fills $60 copay x 4 = $240/year
Why Independent Pharmacies Save You More Money
❌ Chain Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid):
- • No time for cost reviews: Pharmacists too busy to review insurance formularies
- • Don't suggest generics: Unless you specifically ask
- • No PAP assistance: Don't help with patient assistance program applications
- • Higher prices on some meds: Corporate pricing structures
- • Profit-driven: No incentive to reduce your costs
✅ AV Chemist (Independent Pharmacy):
- • Proactive cost reviews: We actively look for ways to save you money
- • Automatic generic recommendations: We suggest cheaper alternatives
- • Full PAP support: Help with applications, follow-ups, renewals
- • Competitive pricing: Often beat chain pharmacy prices
- • Patient-first: Your health AND affordability matter to us
Real Cost Savings Stories
Saved $1,500/Year on Insulin
"I was paying $140/month for Lantus insulin at CVS, $1,680 per year. When I transferred to AV Chemist, the pharmacist checked my insurance formulary and found that my plan preferred Basaglar (equivalent insulin) at $15 copay. He called my doctor, got the prescription switched, and now I pay $180/year instead of $1,680. That's $1,500 saved annually! CVS never bothered to check this in 3 years."
– Michael D., Glendale (Diabetic patient)
Free Specialty Medication Through PAP
"My rheumatoid arthritis medication was $800/month and my insurance wouldn't cover it. I couldn't afford it and was going without treatment. AV Chemist's pharmacist helped me apply for the manufacturer's patient assistance program. Now I get the medication 100% FREE. That's $9,600/year that would have bankrupted me. Chain pharmacies never mentioned this option."
– Sarah M., Forest Hills
Eliminated Duplicate Medications
"My cardiologist and primary doctor both prescribed cholesterol medications, I was taking TWO statins costing $130/month combined. AV Chemist's medication review caught this dangerous duplication. They coordinated with both doctors and I now take just one generic statin for $10/month. Saved $1,440/year AND avoided potential liver damage from duplication."
– Robert K., Rego Park
Additional Cost-Saving Resources
Programs We Help You Access:
- • GoodRx & discount cards: Compare cash prices when insurance costs more
- • Medicare Extra Help: Low-income subsidy for Part D
- • Manufacturer copay cards: Reduce brand-name copays
- • State pharmaceutical assistance: NY EPIC and other state programs
- • 340B program: Discounted medications for eligible patients
- • Charity care programs: Hospital and foundation assistance
How to Start Saving on Prescriptions
Get Cost-Saving Review:
- 1. Call AV Chemist: (929) 387-8111
Tell us you want help reducing medication costs
- 2. Transfer Prescriptions
We transfer from your current pharmacy
- 3. Comprehensive Cost Review
Pharmacist reviews all medications and insurance to identify savings
- 4. Implement Cost-Saving Strategies
Generic substitutions, insurance optimization, PAP applications, etc.
- 5. Ongoing Monitoring
We continuously look for new cost-saving opportunities
Serving All Queens Neighborhoods
Affordable pharmacy service with FREE delivery throughout Queens:
- • Glendale
- • Ridgewood
- • Middle Village
- • Maspeth
- • Forest Hills
- • Rego Park
- • Elmhurst
- • Corona
- • Flushing
- • Astoria
- • All Queens!
Affordable Pharmacy FAQ
How much can I save by switching to AV Chemist?
Savings vary by patient, but most patients save $400-1,500 per year through generic substitutions, insurance optimization, and patient assistance programs. Some save even more with specialty medications.
Do you charge for cost-saving consultations?
No! Cost-saving reviews are FREE. We proactively look for ways to reduce your medication costs as part of our standard pharmacy service.
Will my insurance work at AV Chemist?
Yes! We accept all major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, and all commercial insurances. Your copays will be the same or less than at chain pharmacies.
What are generic medications?
Generic medications are FDA-approved equivalents of brand-name drugs containing the same active ingredients, dosage, and effectiveness, but cost 60-90% less. They're equally safe and effective.