By: Dr. Jo Ann Santiago, Associate Medical Director of Triple-S
As a Triple-S Advantage member, your health is our priority. Following the medication plan prescribed by your doctor is one of the most important factors for good health. We know it can be hard to remember the many medications you need to take each day. That’s why we want to help you adopt good habits for your well-being.
Why is it so important to follow your medication plan?
Following a medication plan means taking your medicines exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right dose, at the right time, and for the right length of time. When we fail to follow these instructions, we are not giving our body the treatment it needs. This can lead to health problems, unnecessary hospital stays, and higher medical costs.
This commitment is especially important for our Advantage members who may live with chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. If you don’t take your medication regularly, it will not work as well, similar to not taking it at all.
Tips to help you remember your medications
Establish a daily routine: Combine taking your medication with things you already do every day, such as eating breakfast, brushing your teeth, or watching the evening news. This mental link will help you form an automatic habit.
Use pill organizers: Weekly pill organizers are very helpful for anyone who takes more than one medicine. Fill them up every Sunday for the entire week, so you can easily tell if you’ve already taken your daily dose.
Set alarms on your cell phone: Most cell phones let you set different alarms with custom labels. Schedule specific alarms for each medication with its corresponding name.
Get your family involved: Ask a close family member to help you remember your medications, especially during the first few weeks while you are settling into your routine. They can also help you set the alarms if you’re not very familiar with your cell phone’s technology.
Stay on top of your refills
Don’t wait until you run out of a medication to ask for a refill. It is best to order your next refill when you have 7 to 10 days of medication left. This gives you enough time for the prescription to be processed, especially if it requires prior authorization.
Keep a current list of all your medications. Include the dose and how often you take them. This will be useful for doctor visits or emergencies. You can also take photos of your medicine bottles with your phone as a backup.
Communicating with your healthcare team
If you show side effects or cannot afford your medication, contact your doctor right away. Never stop taking a medication without first asking your doctor.
Keep an open line of communication with your pharmacist. They can help you with questions about drug interactions, side effects, or how to take your medicine the right way.
Your commitment to health
Remember, taking your medications as prescribed is an active way to invest in your future health. At Triple-S Advantage, we are here to support you. If you have questions about your pharmacy benefits or need help accessing your treatments, please call our member services at 1-888-620-1919 (TTY/TDD users, call 1-888-620-2520), Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
When you follow your medication plan, your quality of life improves, and it also helps keep healthcare costs affordable for our entire community of members. Together, we can work toward a healthier, more fulfilling life for you.