Use this checklist before making a decision

Find official medication labels, recalls, shortages, coverage questions, lower-cost assistance, and safety information without replacing professional medical advice. A checklist cannot decide an individual case, but it can prevent missed questions, missing records, and avoidable deadlines.

Decision checklist

  • Write down the exact drug name, strength, dosage form, directions, prescriber, pharmacy, and reason for use.
  • Check the plan formulary, tier, restrictions, preferred pharmacy, deductible, and estimated yearly cost.
  • Ask whether an equivalent generic, therapeutic alternative, 90-day supply, mail order, or assistance program is appropriate.
  • Use official FDA and DailyMed information to confirm labels, recalls, warnings, and product identity.
  • Maintain one current medication list and share it with every treating clinician and pharmacist.
  • Call a pharmacist or prescriber before changing, splitting, stopping, or substituting a medication.

Information to write down

  • The exact program, provider, company, service, product, or legal document involved.
  • The person’s state, county, ZIP code, coverage, deadlines, accessibility needs, and preferred contact method.
  • Names, dates, confirmation numbers, written notices, estimates, contracts, and appeal instructions.
  • The original source used to verify each important claim.

Questions to ask

  • Which rule or program applies to this exact situation?
  • What is the deadline, and what proves that the request was received?
  • What costs are excluded from the quoted amount?
  • What changes by state, plan, provider, or household?
  • Is there an appeal, grievance, correction, or second-review process?
  • Where is the answer published by the responsible agency?

Official sources

  • FDA Drugs — official or established source for current details.
  • FDA Drug Shortages — official or established source for current details.
  • DailyMed — official or established source for current details.
  • Medicare Part D — official or established source for current details.

Related information

Within this subject: Updates and Official Changes, Official Help and Trusted Starting Points, Common Mistakes and Warning Signs, State-by-State Differences.

Also review: Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Health Coverage, Chronic Conditions, Prevention, and Healthy Aging, Medical Bills, Debt, Appeals, and Financial Assistance.

Last reviewed

This checklist was reviewed on 2026-07-30. Verify current rules before acting.