How To Save Money On Prescription Drugs

Paying for prescription medication is expensive even for those with health insurance plans that help off set the cost. As more and more Americans struggle with unemployment and depleted savings accounts, paying for high cost prescriptions is becoming more difficult. Unfortunately many people with health conditions have taken dangerous risks by skipping doses, not filling their prescription or cutting their pills in an effort to save money. If you or someone you know has trouble paying for prescription medicine there is good news out there. The following tips can help you save money buying prescription medication to ensure everyone has a chance to get the medicine they need.

Don’t Discount Generic Brands- One of the single easiest ways to save money is by switching to generic drugs. In fact savings could reach up to 80% per prescription. For many years consumers have been leery of buying generic brands because they believed lower cost meant lower quality, however this is not necessarily the case with medication. In fact manufacturers of generic drugs must prove to the FDA that their medication has the same ingredients and effects of the brand name drug.

Talk To Your Doctor- Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed to speak to your doctor about your ability to pay for medication. Many doctors are simply unaware of the fact that some of their patients cannot easily afford their medicine which makes it all the more important for you to bring it to their attention. To avoid undue embarrassment you can simply say, “Are there other options that will cost me less?” or “Is there a generic equivalent available?” could do the trick. Most doctors are willing to help find an affordable solution to ensure you get the medication you need.

Prescription Assistance Programs- Pharmaceutical companies have developed programs to help qualified consumers who do not have health insurance or prescription coverage pay for their medication. Eligibility is based on income levels and your specific medical needs. To learn more about prescription assistance programs you can talk to your doctor, pharmacist or visit The Partnership for Prescription Assistance for more information.

Shop Around- A common misconception regarding the cost of medicine is that the price remains the same regardless of where you fill the prescription. Consumer Reports found that in some cases the price for the same medicine can vary by as much as $100. Keep in mind just because one prescription is cheaper at a particular store doesn’t mean all your prescriptions will be cheaper. Finding the best price may require a bit of research and legwork on your part however the benefits are worth it if you see significant savings.

Get Healthy- Obviously there are some conditions that require medical treatment and no amount of lifestyle adjustments will change that. There are of course other factors that can reduce your medical expenses in the short and long term scheme of things. If you smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or have other unhealthy habits, seek help to quit. Not only will you feel better but your wallet will thank you as well.