The cost of prescription drugs can make it very difficult for many to get the medications they need. There are ways to lower costs of prescription medications even if you have health insurance.
Instructions
1. Talk to your doctor about all of your prescription drugs and see if any are available in generic formulas that would be suitable for your needs. If generic medications are available for a lower co-pay, consider switching.
2. Talk to your pharmacist about the cost of your medication. I recently had a generic medication that cost $4.96 for a 30 day supply without insurance. However, with my insurance it was a $15.00 copay for generic medication. Luckily, my pharmacist caught the cost difference and I made use of the savings.
3. Compare pharmacies. If your pharmacy has a prescription plan, see what benefits they offer. Some have fixed rate low cost antibiotics during flu season. Others offer incentives to switch prescriptions to their pharmacy. Wholesale buying clubs also have pharmacies with competitive rates.
4. If your prescription plan has a mail-order or online pharmacy that will mail a 2-3 month supply for a one month copay, make use of that service.
5. Every pharmaceutical company has a low cost/free drug program for those in need. Find out the manufacturer of your medication and contact the company to see if you qualify for their program.
6. Ask your doctor for drug samples, even a few will help over time.
7. If you have a chronic medical condition or rare disease there are grants prescription programs out there. Contact the social worker or patient advocate at the hospital where you are treated to see which programs you qualify for.
8. If you have a health savings plan, find out what is covered on it. Many people overlook contact solution, vitamins, and supplies that are deductible under these plans.
Tags: generic medication, have health, prescription drugs, prescription plan, Talk your
