Whether you have a short-term illness or a chronic issue, your doctor may very well prescribe medicine for you. This could be a blood thinner, an anti-inflammatory, an antibiotic, or any of the many other kinds of drugs out there.
Unfortunately, many prescription medications come with expensive price tags. So much so, in fact, that nearly one out of four Americans find it hard to pay for their prescriptions, according to one poll.
Many people don’t realize that there are actually many ways to save on prescriptions.
Because of this, there are many people who have to make a tough decision. Do they fill their prescription or keep the money and risk getting sicker?
While some prescription drugs are far from cheap, it is possible to lower how much you pay and get the care that you need. Are you interested in knowing more? If so, then keep on reading and we’ll take you through the most effective ways that you can save on prescription medications.
1. Ask About Generic Medications
Did your doctor write you a prescription for a brand-name medication? If so, don’t worry. You don’t necessarily need to pay a lot of money for it.
Many brand drugs also have generic counterparts that are available at cheaper prices. These medications have the same active ingredients and they’re available in the same quantity.
Ask your doctor if they could instead write you a prescription for the generic version of the medication. You can also ask your pharmacist about generic alternatives to the brand drug.
2. Get a Larger Supply
It’s possible that you might have to take a certain medication for at least three months. If this is your situation, then you shouldn’t just get a prescription for a thirty-day supply.
Instead, talk to your healthcare provider about getting a prescription for a ninety-day supply.
You can usually save a lot of money by purchasing the drug in larger quantities. Also, you won’t need to refill the medication as often, and that can save you money on copays.
Some drug stores will have a thirty-day and ninety-day supply of certain generic drugs for just a few dollars.
3. Compare Prices
You shouldn’t just assume that all drug stores are going to make you pay the same amount for drugs. Before you get your prescription filled, you should call different drug stores and compare prices in order to save money.
You can call big box retailers and grocery stores, as well as independent drug stores. You can also compare RX drug prices online for even more convenience.
4. Use a Discount Savings Program
While you compare prices, you can also look online for instant savings and discount coupons. There are several platforms that offer this service.
You just need to enter the name of the medication and give your location and you’ll be presented with prices that nearby drug stores charge for the medication. These services will even give you a free discount prescription card sometimes.
5. Apply for Financial Assistance
In addition to utilizing a prescription discount program, you also might qualify for prescription drug assistance. This could be offered by your local or state government.
Program requirements vary by location and some even have income restrictions. In order to learn more, you should contact the State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program.
It’s also important to remember that some drug stores offer their own free prescription medication programs. You might be able to get free medications for diabetes and high blood pressure or free antibiotics. Contact your local drug store in order to get more information.
6. Get a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan
If you’re eligible for Medicare, then you should look into getting a prescription drug plan that can reduce your expenses for medicine. As long as you’re enrolled in either Medicare Part A or Part B (or both), you’ll be able to buy a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan as a policy.
You can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan that comes with Part D benefits. Medicare Advantage is just Original Medicare that’s offered via private insurance companies.
You can sign up for a Medicare Part D plan during the Medicare open enrollment period. That period runs each year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
7. Use a Mail-Order Pharmacy
Some items might be less expensive when you buy them online. And that same logic can also apply to medications.
Mail-order drug stores have less overhead compared to your local drug store. Because of this, they have the ability to sell drugs at a cheaper price.
You should reach out to your health insurance provider. See if they have any partnerships or relationships with a mail-order drug store. If they do, then ask your doctor to send the prescript to that company.
They can then deliver your prescription medications straight to your front door.
The Importance of Knowing About These Effective Ways to Save on Prescriptions
Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now have a much better idea of how you can save on prescriptions. If your doctor prescribes you a medication, then it’s important that you take it. And the price of the drug shouldn’t decide if you’re going to get better or sicker.
You should now know a variety of ways in which you can save money on prescription drugs.
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