How to Save on Prescription Medications
As many of us look for new ways to cut costs and budget better in the New Year, prescription medication costs, and the possibility of raising prices, can be an area of concern.
Your BBB® would like to share with consumers some tips found online to help consumers gain savings, or better costs safely, on their prescription medications.
1. Before you fill your prescription – Ask your doctor if they can provide a couple of different options for the medication and consider calling your health insurance provider before filling, to find out the cost and the coverage on each. If a medication prescribed is a name brand, ask if there is a generic or if another medication in the same drug category might also be an option. Make sure to discuss all options with your physician to make sure that one is recommended over another for your specific health needs and ask if a sample might be available to try before committing to long term dosages.
2. Be sure to shop around – Due to variations in cost, the standard out-of-pocket cost may sometimes be less than your designated health insurance co-pay. It’s always worth checking into these costs before making your purchase. You may also want to compare the price of several pharmacies too, as prices can vary widely.
3. Ask about available discounts – Whether by offered loyalty programs, contracted relationships with health insurance providers or patient assistance programs offered by manufacturers, it’s always wise to ask if discounts are available. Some pharmacies may even have the ability to adjust their medication pricing. You can check with your doctor’s office, pharmacist, medication manufacturer and health insurance provider to determine best costs and methods for medication purchases.
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