For years now, the prices of prescription drugs have been rising at a steady rate, and they’re not showing any signs of slowing down.
People who are regularly being asked to pay more for the medications they need to improve their health and manage their symptoms are almost twice as likely to avoid filling their prescriptions, skip important treatments and tests, or cut down on other expenses in their life, such as groceries, to help make up for the added costs.
Increasing prescription drug prices can definitely be a burden. There are ways around them, though. Listed below are some effective tips and tricks those who are trying to save on prescription drugs can try today.
Compare Pharmacy Prices
As with any other type of purchase, it pays to do some comparison before moving forward with getting prescriptions from a particular pharmacy.
Pharmacy prices for the same drugs can vary quite a bit, and taking the time to compare can save shoppers a lot of money. Luckily, there are lots of websites and apps, including WellRx and Save on My Meds, out there that make it easy to compare the cost of different drugs at a variety of locations.
Folks might have to drive a bit out of their way once they find the lowest price, but it’ll be worth it if it helps them keep more money in their pocket where it belongs.
Look for Online Discounts
Many websites and apps, such as GoodRx and RxSaver can also hook people up with additional discounts on certain medications. Before going to have a prescription filled, it’s a good idea to check and see if there are any coupons or discount codes available for it.
Keep in mind that, when one uses a coupon when filling a prescription, it won’t be run through your insurance. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though. Some medications can end up being cheaper when the shopper pays cash and uses a coupon than if they were to rely on their insurance alone.
Go Generic When Possible
When talking to their doctor about getting a specific prescription, folks should be sure to specify that they want the generic version if one exists.
Generic prescriptions have the same active compounds as their name brand counterparts, and they’re just as effective in most cases. However, they often cost a fraction of the price.
Simply switching to generic could save consumers a significant amount of money right away.
Branch Out
Some folks who have been filling their prescriptions at one pharmacy for a long time and feel very comfortable there. The pharmacists and technicians might even know them by name.
When this is the case, it can sometimes be difficult to branch out and try an alternative approach. It can make a big difference in the amount of money a person has to spend on their prescriptions, though.
Switching from a traditional pharmacy to the pharmacy at Costco or Sam’s Club can yield big savings. Online pharmacies (as long as they’re accredited) can also be a good money-saving option that a lot of people haven’t yet considered.
Choose Online Pharmacies with Care
When choosing an online pharmacy (either an American pharmacy or a Canadian one), it’s important for consumers to exercise caution. Online pharmacies can help them save a lot of money, but they need to ensure they’re legitimate before using them to fill their prescriptions.
Some key steps to take when verifying an online pharmacy include the following:
- Only using websites that require a prescription from a doctor
- Checking to see if a licensed pharmacist is available to discuss one’s prescription with them
- Checking the pharmacist’s credentials and making sure their license is up to date
- Avoiding online pharmacies that don’t have a physical address and contact information listed
- Looking for seals of approval from national certifying bodies (such as the National Association of State Boards of Pharmacy)
Taking these steps can help people ensure they’re getting legitimate prescriptions while also saving money.
Buy in Bulk
This isn’t a viable option for all prescription drugs. Sometimes, though, doctors can write a prescription for a larger quantity, such as a 60 or 90-day supply instead of 30 days.
This saves shoppers from having to pay a separate co-pay every month when they go to have their prescriptions filled. As an added bonus, it also saves them from having to spend money on gas driving to and from the pharmacy.
Look into Assistance Programs
There are some assistance programs out there designed to help people who are struggling to afford their prescription drugs. Some drug companies have patient assistance programs that provide free or low-cost medications to those who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn’t cover a particular drug. Folks who are already on Medicare may also qualify for additional assistance depending on their income level.
It’s worth looking into these programs even if you’re not sure you qualify. It doesn’t hurt to check, and you might be surprised at what kind of help is available to you.
Check for Rebates
Some drug companies also offer rebates for certain medications. You can check the manufacturer’s website before having a prescription filled to see if any rebates exist. This simple step can save you a lot of money (hundreds of dollars in some cases), and it only takes a few minutes of your time.
Start Saving on Prescription Drugs Today
Consumers shouldn’t let high prescription drug prices stop them from prioritizing their health and getting the care they need.
With these strategies, folks can save money on prescription drugs without having to sacrifice quality or go to extreme measures. Even trying just one or two of these tips could have a significant impact on the final price they pay at the pharmacy.
For additional information or if you have any questions, please call our office at 314-282-7013.