I am definitely not an expert on prescription drug costs, but I am an educated consumer, and with all the healthcare reform pending, I feel obligated to be informed on how I can get the best possible price for my medication. Since we can’t clip coupons for our prescription medication, our only line of defense is to educate ourselves.
Here are a few suggestions for saving money on prescription drugs:
Here are a few suggestions for saving money on prescription drugs:
- When the doctor issues you a prescription that you aren’t familiar with, ask if it is an expensive drug. That way he may be able to prescribe a comparable drug that is more affordable. If you don’t have insurance, ask for samples.
- Many group insurance plans have a flat dollar amount for prescriptions and are priced on a tier basis. Every year these amounts keep going up. If your prescription insurance is a flat amount, price comparison probably won’t apply. However, many insurance plans base the co-payment on a percentage basis. If that is the case, then price comparison can benefit your bottom line.
- You are under no obligation to purchase a prescription that has been filled. If it costs more than you are willing to pay, tell that to the pharmacist. They may be able to call the doctor and see if there is another less expensive medication that can be substituted.
- It takes a little effort, but call the pharmacies in the area where you live, and ask for the retail price for the prescribed medication, including the strength and dosage.
- In recent years, the drug companies finally allowed numerous generic prescription medications to be priced at $4.00 for a 30 day supply. Some pharmacies offer a price of $9.00 for a 90 day supply that is dispensed. This has been an enormous benefit for consumers.
- Check advertised flyers for incentives a pharmacy may have for a new or transferred prescription.