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Laws & Programs for Senior Adults

• Know your rights: Michigan law requires a pharmacist to tell consumers the cost of a prescription drug when they ask in person or over the phone. Every pharmacy must also clearly display your right to know its prices with a notice at each counter where prescriptions are filled. If any pharmacy refuses to give you drug price information, you can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.
• Know where to look: If you are without a pharmacy benefit or some form of prescription drug coverage, the Michigan Drug Prices website can help you save money. Maintained by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the website helps consumers without a pharmacy benefit:
• Find legitimate online pharmacies and compare prices: It is not illegal to buy your prescription drugs online and, in some cases, you can save a lot. Legitimate online pharmacies are an easy way to provide access for the elderly and those living in remote areas. But beware 96% of all online pharmacies don’t comply with state and federal laws or patient safety standards, according to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Thus, look for websites ending in .pharmacy because those have special approval from the NABP and also for a blue and red Verified Internet Pharmacy Practices Site (VIPPS) seal from the NABP.

STOP IT: How to avoid overpaying

• Use a prescription discount card: For those who lack insurance or have very high prescription drug co-pays, the benefits of a discount drug card can outweigh the drawbacks and possible loss of privacy.
• Use a manufacturer’s coupon: Manufacturer’s coupons are issued directly by a drug manufacturer and are available from the manufacturer or at a doctor’s office. They are usually for new and brand name only drugs. They can offer significant savings, but with some limitations.

RETURN IT: How to dispose of unwanted medication

• Michigan State Police: Each of the 29 posts across the state serves as a location where residents can safely and anonymously dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused prescription drugs. This helps to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs and to reduce environmental hazards.
• Michigan Household Drug Take Back Programs: A list of national, state and regional drug disposal sites is available here. For more information on how to dispose of expired, unused or unwanted drugs the right way, or to learn more about how this practice protects people and the environment, click here.

Report Fraud

If your rights have been violated regarding prescription drug pricing, or if you would like to file a general consumer complaint, please contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

Consumer Protection Division

P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-373-1140
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form