I just applied for and recieved my Tessera Sanitaria (health card) yesterday and was given a temporary one, with the new one arriving via mail. I chose a doctor when I applied for the card. Here's my question: I'm on a prescription that is very expensive in the US (don't have US health insurance anymore). I got a small amount to bring with me, but rather than reordering and having my family ship me the RX from the US and paying a lot of money for the med, I think it might be cheaper to get it here now that I am under the health care system. Does anyone know how I go about doing that? Do I have to contact my doctor in the US first for the official name of the RX or do I take my RX bottle to my new dr. here? Just wasn't sure what the next step would be, would appreciate any help. Thanks!

When I needed a presciption for medication I'd used in the UK, I took along the original box to my new Italian Dr and got a prescription without any problems. He didn't ask to see my UK prescription. The medication itself cost €9 and change, which I think is a standard charge (unless you're receiving reciprocal EU pension benefits).

It was the same for Art...he just took all his U.S. prescription bottles to his doctor, they discussed what he was taking and why, and the doctor wrote prescriptions...for which Art pays nothing. I guess some medications my have a copay, but none of his do.

get it from the new dr. in Italy with the box or prescription you have already in hand. It will be covered and they can give you something very similar if they do not have the exact type.