A free online tool could potentially avoid wasting prostate cancer patients greater than $9,000 in out-of-pocket drug costs, a brand new study finds.

For patients enrolled in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, out-of-pocket costs can vary significantly. But through the use of a web based Medicare plan finder tool, patients can compare pricing amongst all Part D drug plans offered of their area and choose probably the most reasonably priced plan.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center found that the Medicare Part D Plan Finder, which is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, can discover significant savings for patients taking abiraterone or enzalutamide, two common prescribed drugs for advanced prostate cancer.

Patients with Medicare Part D have dozens of various drug plans available to select from, but most patients unfortunately usually are not aware of this. In the event that they compare estimated costs, they might save 1000’s of dollars every year in drug costs. This might make a big impact for patients with limited resources.”

Benjamin Pockros, M.D., M.B.A., lead study creator, urology resident at Michigan Medicine

The researchers checked out out-of-pocket costs for abiraterone and enzalutamide, using the Medicare Part D Plan Finder to match inside 12 different regions across the country which have distinguished prostate cancer programs.

Out-of-pocket costs for abiraterone prescriptions ranged from $1,379 to $13,274 amongst all Part D plans. The median potential cost savings amongst all 12 cities was $9,321.

For enzalutamide, out-of-pocket cost ranged from $9,854 to $13,061. The median potential cost savings amongst all 12 cities was $1,839. The study is published in Urology Practice.

“We all know cancer can take a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on patients. For those enrolled in Medicare Part D, this plan finder is free and straightforward to make use of, and hopefully one small step in improving cancer care in our country,” Pockros said.

The plan finder is obtainable online at medicare.gov/plan-compare. Patients enter their zip code and prescribed drugs; the finder displays estimated annual out-of-pocket costs for local retail and mail order pharmacies.

Medicare offers an annual open enrollment period from Oct. 15-Dec. 7, during which individuals can switch plans. Greater than 49 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare Part D, and some patients have as much as 50 different plans to select from. Despite significant cost differences, fewer than 30% of patients report comparing drug plan pricing.

The study authors urge providers to talk to patients about using the plan finder. They at the moment are leading a project funded by the Rogel Cancer Center and U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation to assist make cancer patients more aware of the Medicare Part D Plan Finder to assist minimize out-of-pocket drug costs.

Additional authors: Christina Shabet; Kristian Stensland, M.D., M.P.H., M.S.; Lindsey Herrel, M.D., M.S.