Couple warns against Texas company that claims to help with prescriptions

Couple warns against Texas company that claims to help with prescriptions

By DON DARE
6 On Your Side Reporter

KINGSTON (WATE) -- Some companies are using high price of prescription drugs as a sales come-on, claiming they provide free prescriptions through their service.

Dave and Rhonda Bell, of Kingston, say a Texas-based company called Select Care Benefits Network convinced them to buy a prescription service. But the couple is advising others to avoid Select Care.

Without enough health insurance, lots of people have trouble getting the prescription medications they need.

However, different partnerships, or patient assistance programs associated with pharmaceutical companies, offer medications for free or at a discount to those who qualify. It may be as simple as asking your doctor to make a recommendation.

Rhonda says maintaining her health is expensive. She suffered an aneurysm last June.

Without prescription drug insurance, the Bells turned to the Internet for help.

Rhonda found Select Care's Web site, which touts a solution for high prescription medication, so the couple bought in.

"Ninety dollars is what I had to pay up front for them to send me a packet, with the understanding within 30 days I could call and cancel it," Rhonda said.

Once signed up, they paid a $90 fee and three more monthly payments were withdrawn as the Bells became part of a membership club.

"They want you to start paying that immediately, but you don't see any medications for 60 to 90 days," Dave said. 

But what Rhonda needed immediately was a drug called Plavix.

"You think someone is out there trying to help you out. Instead, they're scamming you. They're taking your money," she said.

The Bells had believed they could secure medication for Rhonda directly through Select Care, but it doesn't work that way.

"They send me the information from different companies that anyone can get themselves," Rhonda said.

Better Business Bureau President Jerry Tipton says Select Care Benefits Network has a "D" rating with over 160 complaints from people across the country. "What people are led to believe is that they are getting prescriptions from them."

The complaints indicate people like the Bells were unaware the information sent by Select Care  for a fee can be obtained free, if you qualify.

"In fact, they're paying for information that they can obtain themselves from the medical companies," Tipton said. 

With the help of her doctor a few weeks ago, Rhonda received Plavix free through a patience assistance service.

"They have a program set up for people who don't have the medication or they don't have the money. It's a blessing really," Dave said.

6 On Your Side contacted Select Care Benefits Network and were told representatives don't  know why the Bells haven't been sent a refund because they're working on it.

The Bells received help through their doctor who lead them to the Partnership for Prescription Assistance.

It helps qualified patients without drug coverage get the medications they need at reduced rates, or at no cost, through individual patience assistance programs.