BidRx combines "bids" or "auctions" with prescriptions (Rx is an abbreviation for prescription). BidRx provides a free, electronic marketplace for you to instantly obtain information and competition on drugs, services, incentives, coupons, discounts, and prices from pharmaceutical manufacturers and then get competitive bids on the prescriptions and services you need from pharmacies. BidRx includes your neighborhood pharmacies plus mail order or internet pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, and others. The BidRx secure internet website links you with pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, prescribers (doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, optometrists, podiatrists and other health professionals who can legally prescribe drugs) and payers so you can make better purchasing decisions. BidRx is the solution for an open, competitive, and transparent marketplace for prescription drugs.
BidRx is a proprietary, web-based, confidential system that brings consumers, manufacturers, and pharmacies together in an open, competitive marketplace for prescription drugs. By using BidRx, consumers and their prescribers learn about other drugs that are similar to the prescribed drug and then have pharmacies in their chosen service area compete for the privilege of filling their prescriptions. Customers see the bids from all the pharmacies and choose the pharmacy they prefer, with the services they need and the price that is satisfactory. Through the BidRx marketplace, consumers get the best in service and price, every time. Information, competition and choice: that's the BidRx marketplace.
BidRx uses the power of the internet to create an open, competitive, and transparent marketplace for prescriptions. BidRx combines two levels of competition to get consumers the best drugs for the best prices. First, BidRx provides a free, electronic marketplace for consumers and prescribers to instantly obtain information on drugs, services, incentives, coupons, discounts, and prices not only for prescribed drugs but for all drugs similar to those that are prescribed. Next, BidRx provides access to pharmacies that compete for the privilege to fill those prescriptions and provide valuable services required by consumers. BidRx includes neighborhood pharmacies plus mail order or internet pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, and others. The BidRx secure internet website links consumers with pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, prescribers (doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, optometrists, podiatrists and other health professionals who can legally prescribe drugs) and payers so the best drugs can be purchased at the best prices. BidRx is the solution for the high cost of prescription drugs: an open, competitive, and transparent marketplace.
Yes, and registration for consumers is free. Go to www.bidrx.com, choose a user ID and a password and click "enter." We require you to provide some contact information, also, but that's it. You can use BidRx immediately to start an auction for your prescription needs. Each time you access BidRx log in using your user ID and password. It's for your protection and it retrieves all of your past activities with BidRx.
Registration for consumers is free of charge and easy to complete. Simply go to www.bidrx.com, choose a user ID and a password and click "enter." We require you to provide some contact information, also, but that's it. You can use BidRx immediately to start an auction for your prescription needs. For consumers with prescription benefits from their employer, insurer, union, government, etc., additional steps are required before your benefit can be applied to BidRx prescriptions. However, even before your benefit sponsor contracts with BidRx, you can save money using the power of competition for drugs that aren't covered by your benefit plan. To get the full savings from BidRx, your benefit sponsor must contract with us. Then, you'll get a BidRx membership card from your benefit sponsor and enter it into the BidRx web-page for insurance registration. Thereafter, each time you access BidRx, log in using your user ID and password. The system matches you to your benefit plan and applies the plan to all your prescriptions. Also, the system stores all prescriptions on BidRx, simplifying the retrieval of your complete prescription record.
No one else can access your BidRx information. That's the reason for a unique user ID and password for each customer. Your information is confidential and secure. You can extend a special invitation to your prescriber, another health professional, or anyone else so they can assist you with the BidRx auction process, but that's up to you. Also, you can print a complete list of your drug auctions from the BidRx system and show the list to your prescribers and pharmacists so they can better assess potential drug conflicts and interactions. Remember, with BidRx, you are in control. Also see How do I invite an assistant to use BidRx for me?
Call your prescriber's office and get help. It's very important that your prescription is written so you can read it. Even your pharmacist sometimes struggles with illegible writing. Next time, ask your prescriber to print it or, better yet, ask your prescriber to start your BidRx auction for you. Then, when savings are available from your similar drug report, you and your prescriber can discuss less expensive alternatives. If a different drug is better for you, a new prescription can be written and a new auction started instantly.
Alternatively, you can ask your pharmacist for help reading the prescription or starting the BidRx auction for you. Other health care personnel like nurses or physicians assistants can also help.
It's as easy as 1, 2, 3. Once you log on using your unique user ID and password, you can start the process. First, prepare your BidRx order by entering the drug name, dosage form, strength, quantity, and duration in the required fields. If savings are available from similar drugs, you may want to talk to your prescriber about the appropriateness of a less expensive, similar drug for you, before you start an auction. When you are sure that your BidRx Order is for the drug you and your prescriber decide is best for you, proceed to the next step. Select any pharmacy services you want, like 24 hour service, drive-up window, pharmacy consultations, home delivery, etc. Finally, determine the length of time that pharmacies have to bid on your prescription (72 hours is the default time) and set the maximum distance (in miles) from your home or office to neighborhood pharmacies. Mail order or internet pharmacies can also bid on your prescriptions, but you must click on the "Mail Order Pharmacy" button to include them; if unchecked, mail order and internet pharmacies are excluded from your auction. You are now ready to start an auction.
Click on the button labeled "START AUCTION." Instantaneously, all pharmacies that meet the conditions you set bid for your prescription and services. Most bids will be reported immediately, but additional bids can be received until the bid time has expired. Whenever you are ready even before the bidding has ended, choose the pharmacy that meets your price and service needs. Bidding stops when you select a pharmacy. At that time, you'll get a reservation that confirms all your choices.
In order to identify your prescription order at the pharmacy you have chosen, BidRx sends a reservation number to the pharmacist. It's the same number we send to you. Print the reservation form or copy the reservation number and Key Code and bring them to your pharmacist along with your prescription.
The Key Code is needed by the pharmacist to unlock your BidRx reservation. It's additional security for you so a pharmacist can't mistakenly fill your prescription for someone else. The pharmacist can see all his reservations and prepare for filling them, but can't completely fill your prescription until you present the Key Code and a legal prescription. Also, if another party, like your employer or insurance company, is paying for all or a portion of your prescription, the Key Code allows that payment for the pharmacist to occur.
Present your reservation number, Key Code and legal prescription to the pharmacy listed on your reservation. If you don't have a written prescription from your prescriber, you can have your prescriber fax, telephone or use electronic prescribing to get your prescription to the pharmacy. If the same prescription was filled previously for you at another pharmacy, ask your new pharmacy to call the pharmacy that filled your previous prescription for a copy of that prescription. If allowed by law, a copy of the prescription from your previous pharmacy may be all the new pharmacy needs to fill your prescription. Sometimes, the pharmacist will be required to call your prescriber to get approval to fill your prescription. Since laws vary from state to state and drug to drug, rely on your pharmacist to help you learn what you need for your specific drugs. If you resolve these issues with your pharmacy by phone or email in advance of your visit, your prescription may be ready for you when you stop in.
A Similar Product Price Comparison is offered by BidRx to inform you of other drugs and their prices that are similar to the drug you entered. One or more of these drugs may be an appropriate alternative, so you and your prescriber can discuss them and make a decision. For example, aspirin, Tylenol®, and ibuprofen can all be used to treat mild to moderate pain; all may work equally well for your headache or fever, but you may prefer one of them for your back pain. For most people including prescribers this knowledge is often gained through trial and error. Therefore, if neither you nor your prescriber knows for sure which drug is best for you, it may be appropriate for you to try a low cost drug first. Remember, whenever you change to a different drug, you will need a new prescription from your prescriber. If a different drug is chosen, a new auction can be started for that drug. The Similar Product Price Comparison is another unique way that BidRx helps your prescriber and you manage your prescription drug choices and costs.
BidRx can assist you getting a new prescription from your prescriber for a similar, less expensive drug by faxing the report to your prescriber for a fee. However, you can do it yourself, too. Here are the steps you should take:
If your prescriber believes that drug would give you the same results, then get a new prescription. Alternatively, ask your prescriber to start an auction for the drug. When you choose the pharmacy to fill your prescription, an electronic prescription can be sent to the pharmacy or your prescriber can call that pharmacy with the new prescription order or write a new prescription for you.
You can start an auction for this new drug by logging on to BidRx using your ID and password. Enter all required information including drug name, dosage form, strength, quantity and duration, select the entry drug from the SPPC and continue on through choosing the pharmacy that is the best fit for you.
For a refill, you don't have to enter the drug information again. You can log on to BidRx, open "My BidRx" tab, and then click on "Completed Reservations." Click on the drug you want and start a new auction. You should always conduct an auction for each prescription you get, even for a refill, to make sure that you get the best price accompanied by the services you need, every time, and that you take advantage of changing drug prices, coupons, services, new drugs and other options. Use BidRx to get the information and competition you need to make better purchasing decisions, every time.
Manufacturers occasionally use coupons, discounts or other incentives to help consumers and prescribers choose their drug. It's similar to offering you a coupon to purchase a particular brand of cereal. When an incentive is offered by a manufacturer, through a unique relationship with BidRx, it lowers the price for your prescription. The discount or coupon is automatically applied to the cost of your prescription after the auction process so you know the "net cost" of the prescription to you. And you don't have to bring a coupon with you to the pharmacy it's handled electronically.
If your plan participates with BidRx, your deductible information will be stored on the BidRx system. Each purchase at BidRx will accumulate toward satisfaction of your deductible and, when reached, your cost will be changed to reflect your new co-pay amount.
Your prescriber can register as a user on the BidRx system in a special section for Prescribers; thereafter, your prescriber should log on using his or her personal ID and password. Your prescriber will need a special invitation code from you to act as your prescriber on the system and to see your benefit design and other prescriptions. When acting on your behalf as your proxy, your prescriber can prepare your BidRx Order, examine a Similar Product Price Comparison, if available, make necessary changes to your drug therapy, and start a BidRx auction for you. Finally, your prescriber or you can choose the pharmacy that meets your price, service and location needs. You stay in control; that's the promise of BidRx.
Every prescription is made up of several parts:
BidRx guides you through the parts of your prescription and transfer of the parts into a BidRx order. These steps may seem daunting for your first prescription, but will be easily accomplished in a short time. Don't forget to call your prescriber's office or your pharmacy for help, too, especially if your prescriber hasn't written clearly. It's your prescription and you need to understand what it says.
You do not have to provide any Credit Card information in order to register or start an auction on the BidRx website. Basic BidRx services are completely free of charge for consumers. Some personal contact information like address, phone number, and email, are required.
If you forget your user name or password, proceed to the BidRx "Log in" page. There you will see a link for "Lost Password". Simply click on the link and BidRx will ask for your email address. A special link will be emailed to you. After clicking on this link simply answer the security question provided to assure that no one but you is requesting your account information. You may then enter a new password for your BidRx account.
No one else can access your BidRx information unless you give them access to use the BidRx system on your behalf. That's the reason for a unique user ID and password for each customer. Your information is confidential and secure.
Even during the auction process, bidding pharmacies do not have access to any personal information about you. They only have access to the drug information contained on your prescription for purposes of completing a bid for you. For example, pharmacies see the drug name, strength, and quantity, but not your name, address, or billing information. Once you award the bid to a pharmacy, a reservation is created for you and a similar reservation is created for the pharmacy. At that time, the pharmacy is provided with your identification and contact information in order to properly and accurately fill your prescription and provide the services you require. You can invite others (prescribers, pharmacists, family, friends, etc.) to help you start the BidRx auction process, but that's up to you. Also, If you print your list of completed drug auctions from the BidRx system and show the list to your prescribers and pharmacists, they can better identify and resolve potential drug conflicts and interactions.
For more information, please refer to the privacy policy.
Since BidRx is strictly an web-based prescription marketplace for prescriptions, a computer with access to the web is required to participate. A trusted family member or friend may be able to assist if you do not own your own computer. You can also ask your prescriber or pharmacist to conduct the auction process on your behalf. This will require that you "invite" them to be your assistant so they can use the BidRx sytem on your behalf. See also How do I invite an assistant to use BidRx for me?
Inviting an assistant is easy. From your "My BidRx" page, locate the box on the top right side; in that box is an option called "Invite Assistant." Click on that link and note the invitation code generated by the system. By giving that code to one or more persons, they can act on your behalf to maximize the benefits from BidRx. Even after you have extended an invitation to someone, you control their access to your BidRx site and can remove their access at any time, for any reason.
Evaluate which pharmacy provides services that meet your needs best. For example, do you need your medications delivered to your door? If so, you may want to choose a mail service pharmacy, internet pharmacy, or a community pharmacy that delivers. Do you work odd or long hours? If so, you may want to choose a pharmacy with 24 hour service, or a mail service or internet pharmacy. Perhaps you are taking multiple medications and feel that you would benefit from sitting down with a pharmacist to discuss your drug therapy. If so, perhaps you should choose a pharmacy that offers drug therapy counseling. Whatever your needs, BidRx can find the right pharmacy for you.
Yes. The system allows you select Mail Service as one of the options for Pharmacy choices. The system lets you select mail order pharmacies as one of the options for Pharmacy choices; internet pharmacies are the same as mail order pharmacies in the BidRx system.
No. Canadian pharmacies are not available to select because it is not legal under U.S. law.
Yes. The system lets you select mail order pharmacies as one of the options for Pharmacy choices; internet pharmacies are the same as mail order pharmacies in the BidRx system.
You and your prescriber will decide if a generic alternative is appropriate for you. If a generic is okay for you, ask your prescriber to write the generic drug name and enter this when setting up the auction. This will ensure that the bids will be for generic products. If you enter the brand name, the system will prompt you if the brand drug is required. If you leave the box unchecked, the BidRx system changes your entry drug to the generic and the Similar Product Price Comparison (SPPC) report compares similar drugs to the generic. If you check the box (stating that you require the brand drug) the Similar Product Price Comparison (SPPC) report compares similar drugs to the brand drug. Either way, you can learn about similar drugs and, with your prescriber, select the best drug for your use.
You and your prescriber will decide if a generic alternative is appropriate for you. Generally speaking, generics are subject to the same rigorous testing as their brand name counterparts and offer the same therapeutic effect at a lower price. More detailed questions and/or concerns should be directed to your prescriber or pharmacist.
When similar drugs are available, a "Similar Product Price Comparison" report is displayed for you and your prescriber to review. This report identifies drugs that are similar to the prescribed drug. You may want to talk to your prescriber about the appropriateness of the alternatives suggested on the SPPC report before you continue with the auction. When you are sure that your BidRx Order is for the drug you and your prescriber decide is best for you, continue on the BidRx system to find the best pharmacy to fill your prescription needs.
Some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are listed in the SPPC reports when they are appropriate similar drugs for entered drugs. At this time, only select OTC drugs are available on BidRx, however.
Presently, a BidRx auction is only for prescription medications. When Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs are listed in an SPPC report, each can be filled by pharmacies participating in the BidRx marketplace, but prescriptions are required even for OTC drugs -- by benefit sponsors when these drugs are covered under the benefit design.
Specialty medications include, but are not limited to, expensive injectable products such as those drugs used to treat arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and hepatitis. Often, but not always, these drugs are dispensed by "Specialty Pharmacies" that are uniquely equipped to handle the specialized storage, distribution, and patient support required to assure maximum therapeutic effect and safety. If you have a prescription for one of these drugs, simply enter it as you would any other drug; only those pharmacies that sell your specialty drug will compete for the privilege to provide these medications to you through BidRx.
Prescriptions for controlled substances may be available through BidRx. Enter the prescription as you would any drug. When participating pharmacies are able to dispense controlled substances through the BidRx system, you will get bids from them. State laws vary regarding the dispensing and handling of these prescriptions however. For example, in most states, Schedule II medications, the most tightly controlled drugs, require a written prescription to be presented to the pharmacy prior to dispensing, and electronic transmission may not be allowed (email, fax, etc.). Your prescriber and pharmacist know these rules in your state, so check with them if you have any questions. Once you award the bid to a particular pharmacy, simply bring the prescription with you along with your reservation form provided by BidRx.
State laws vary regarding the dispensing and handling of these prescriptions. For most states, refills of Schedule II medications, the most tightly controlled drugs, are not allowed, whereas limited refills are generally allowed for Schedule III through V medications. Your prescriber and pharmacist know the rules in your state, so check with them if you have any questions.
Presently, bids are available through BidRx for most prescription drugs and select Over-The-Counter (non-prescription) drugs. Some drugs that require compounding (e.g. a mixture of drugs requiring preparation by a pharmacist) may not be available through the BidRx system. The system will inform you when drugs are available or not; rarely will prescription drugs be unavailable through BidRx.
The initial bidding process is completed instantaneously and presented to you immediately. When you wish, you can wait up to 72 hours to complete your auction to learn if competing pharmacies will bid lower prices and offer more services than those submitted immediately. It's your choice.
If you can't wait very long for your prescription medication, then simply set the time period for the auction for a shorter period of time. Or, you can leave the default time period of 72 hours, but you can choose your pharmacy whenever you like, even as soon as the initial competitive bids from pharmacies are shown on the website. Of course, you will want to choose a local community pharmacy rather than a mail service or internet pharmacy if you need the medication right away.
Yes, but each auction is an individual event on the BidRx system. So, enter each drug as directed and start the auction. Before selecting the pharmacy to fill that prescription, enter each other drug one at a time and start each auction. You can then print out the results of the pharmacy competition for each drug, compile the service and price data and choose one or more pharmacies to fill your prescriptions. It's your choice, but remember to give your entire prescription record to each pharmacy so they can do a thorough review for potential drug interactions or conflicts.
You can bid for another family member as long as you have been invited by that person to access their unique and private BidRx site. It is important that you protect each member's access information so unauthorized individuals do not have access to personal health information. BidRx has created "Invite Assistant" for just that reason, so any consumer can give another trusted person access to their private site for the purpose of receiving or providing assistance. See How do I invite an assistant to use BidRx for me?
You can choose a different pharmacy for each prescription if you choose. Many people choose one pharmacy that provides consistent, convenient service and competitive bids. Because of competition for your prescriptions through BidRx, it's very likely that more and better services will be offered. And lower prices. With BidRx, it's your choice. Regardless of your decision, it is very important that your prescriber(s) and pharmacist(s) know all the medications you are currently taking in order to avoid potentially harmful drug interactions and drug conflicts.
No, you are under no obligation to choose a pharmacy once you have completed an auction. You may have your prescription filled anywhere you like. However, only BidRx provides electronic coupons from manufacturers and pharmacies. Furthermore, these coupons can be redeemed only when a prescription is filled by a pharmacy through the BidRx auction process. BidRx is where manufacturers and pharmacies compete to provide the best medicines and the best services at the best prices.
Present your reservation number and key code to the new winning pharmacy as you would normally do for a new prescription. Ask pharmacist at the new pharmacy to initiate a transfer of your prescription from the pharmacy that filled the prescription last time. State laws vary regarding the transfer of prescriptions, and in some states or for certain drugs, the pharmacist may be required to contact your prescriber for approval to fill your medication. Pharmacists know the laws in your state, so rely on them for this information. It may be helpful to contact your pharmacist by phone or email prior to visiting the pharmacy, so your prescription is ready when you arrive.
Your prescriber can register as a user on the BidRx system in a special section for Prescribers; thereafter, your prescriber should log on using his or her personal ID and password. When you have invited your prescriber to be an assistant (See How do I invite an assistant to use BidRx for me? for more details) for you, he or she will have access to your confidential and private information and can start and complete auctions on your behalf. When acting as your proxy, your prescriber can enter your product name, dosage form, strength, and prescription details, examine a "Similar Product Price Comparison" report, if available, select the final drug therapy, choose pharmacy services and other criteria that are important to you, and start a BidRx auction for you. Finally, either your prescriber or you can choose the pharmacy that meets your price, service and location needs. BidRx recommends that all these choices meet your specific needs so you stay in control; that's the promise of BidRx.
BidRx offers direct links to the manufacturer and to one or more independent sources of information for each drug. Just click on these links and get immediate access to information you need. In addition, you can ask your pharmacist or prescriber to answer any questions about your medications. When your prescriber orders a medication for you, ask for information. Also, when you pick up your prescription at the pharmacy ask questions at that time. If using a mail-service or internet pharmacy, you can usually reach a pharmacist by calling that pharmacy's customer service phone line or via email.
Contact your prescriber or pharmacist immediately if you are experiencing any unusual reaction or unpleasant side effects from your medication. Some side effects can be relatively mild and disappear over time, but others can be much more serious and require you to stop taking the medication. Only your prescriber or pharmacist can help you understand the nature of your particular reaction or side effect and provide direction for the best course of action.
You can present a written, original copy of the prescription directly to your pharmacy, or you can mail it to your pharmacy. State laws vary regarding electronic delivery of prescription information. Most states now allow a facsimile (e.g. fax) copy as a legally acceptable prescription, but it depends on the type of drug. For example, some controlled substances may still require a hand-written prescription by your prescriber. Your prescrber and pharmacist know the laws in your state, so rely on them to provide you with a legally acceptable format for your prescriptions
Yes! You can either select a mail order pharmacy that will mail or ship your prescription to your home or office, or a local community pharmacy that can deliver directly to your home or office. When setting up an auction, the BidRx system will give you the option of selecting Home or Office Delivery as one of your service requirements; Mail order is also an option that you can choose.
Many pharmacies are able to offer additional services beyond just filling your prescription. These may include convenience services such as customer convenience (24-hour service, home delivery, and drive-up windows), drug therapy counseling, disease screening, disease management, compliance packaging, and long-term care packaging . Some of these services are free of charge while others may carry a fee. Either way, you choose those services that are important to you. All available services from pharmacies are listed on the BidRx system.
If using a community pharmacy, you will generally pay for the prescription when you pick it up. If your medications are covered through a prescription drug plan, you may only be responsible for a fixed or flat co-pay amount or a percentage of the prescription expense. If using a mail service or internet pharmacy, you will generally be asked to provide credit card information or send a check in the mail. Your pharmacy will let you know when payment is required and what your choices are for payment. You will not be asked to make a payment through the BidRx system.
No. The benefits and services of BidRx are free for consumers.
You are responsible for the co-payment, co-insurance, or total payment for the drug as shown when you or your prescriber makes the final drug selection. Many pharmacies are able to offer additional services such as home delivery, counseling, etc., beyond just filling your prescription. Some of these services are free of charge while others may cost you money. All services are completely optional, and as always with BidRx, the choice is yours. You are only responsible for charges for services that you choose and get provided.
If your benefit sponsor has contracted with BidRx to provide your drug benefit, you will get a BidRx Membership Card. Enter the membership information on the registration page for that purpose. Thereafter, the system will automatically calculate what portion of the cost of the prescription you must pay, if any, and what portion will be paid by your benefit sponsor. Both amounts are printed on your reservation form. The pharmacy will collect your portion when you get your prescription; BidRx will collect the amount paid by your benefit sponsor and pay the pharmacy.
The new Medicare Part D plan pays for prescriptions for eligible beneficiaries. For Medicare eligibles that do not participate in Medicare Part D and who pay cash for their prescriptions, BidRx is the best marketplace for getting your drugs. Medicare Part D members should watch for announcements from their insurer about the availability of BidRx for their prescriptions. When available, you, too, can maximize the benefit of BidRx where manufacturers and pharmacies compete to offer the best medicines and best services at the best prices.
Many pharmacies offer additional services beyond just filling your prescription. Some of these services are free of charge while others may carry a fee: for example, clinical services such as blood pressure monitoring, medication counseling, and diabetes education. These services are completely optional, and as always with BidRx, the choice is yours.