Are Pain Meds Like Hydrocodone Expensive Now?

I have a few chronic pain disabled Medicare beneficiaries in my Book. They've been kicked around a lot in the last year or so by our burdensome government. Last I checked, Hydrocodone was generally Tier 2 (nonpreferred generic). I'm now noticing that most, if not all of my MA carriers now have them as Tier 3 or 4 (prfd brand or non-prfrd brand). What gives? I'm going to the local discount SAM's to see if it's cheaper to pay cash.

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