How to Save Money on Prescription Drugs
We all try to stay within our household budget. If you live on a limited income, it can be a challenge. There are ways to save money on certain things you may not be aware of.
If you have a lot of health issues, there are real ways to save money on drugs. You may need a lot of medicine, but it doesn’t mean you need to pay inflated prices for them.
Getting discounts means more money for other things you need in your life. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can save money on your prescriptions.
How to Save on Drugs
With a little effort, you can find many different ways to save money with all your prescription drugs.
No Name
Ask about medications in generic form. These can save you a lot of money. The medicine contains the exact same ingredients as the brand name. The price is not for the pill, but the name.
You can save up to 50% in some cases, so always ask about the no-name medications. If the pharmacist doesn’t offer it, be sure to ask when you give them your prescription.
Over The Counter
There are many over-the-counter medications available without a prescription. This includes salves, lotions, medicine for indigestion, pain medication and other topicals. Ask your doctor and at the pharmacy if these are available.
These medications are all made the same and by law, have all the same active ingredients. The only difference is what the manufacturer adds to make it their own brand. They all do the same thing.
Big Box Stores
Getting your prescription filled at the bigger store can also save you a lot of money. The smaller store close to you may be more convenient but can cost more.
The bigger store will have a lot more options, a lot more supplies and also offer other types of incentives, like membership discounts or frequent shopper discount points.
Buy in Bulk
Often with an ongoing prescription, buying in bulk can cut the cost of the drugs. getting a three months supply can cut the cost considerably. It also saves you time to keep returning to fill the prescription.
Insurance Suggestions
Check with your insurance company to find out what drugs they cover. Or don’t cover. This can make a big difference in price. Many insurance companies have a deal with drug manufacturers where they make a profit but don’t always pass that saving on to you.
Just because they offer a drug doesn’t mean you have to choose it. Ask them about the drugs available. Also, rather than using your insurance to pay for the drugs, paying cash can also cut the cost and save you higher insurance premiums.
Buy Online
Buying your medications online can save you a great deal of money and time. This is great for not only saving money but for those who can’t get around very well or need to depend on someone to drive them around.
You simply put in your prescription and they fill the order and it gets delivered right to your door. Because they don’t pay as much in overhead expenses, they have access to many more medications, for less.
You can find deals for all your prescriptions and over-the-counter needs, as well. Be sure to make sure it is a reputable online pharmacy, as they will have their license number available. Check out this pharmacy for more information.
Incentive Programs
There are plenty of incentive and discount programs available. These can be loyalty discounts for certain stores, discounts for certain age groups and government discount programs.
Check online for any of these programs and always ask your health provider. Ask your friends and family about what they do to save money. There may al several programs you qualify for and don’t know about.
Ask for Samples
Doctors’ offices and pharmacies have plenty of free samples given to them by drug reps all the time. They often end up in a drawer or storage closet. Ask about these samples, as it may cover your entire supply for free.
Manufacturer Direct
Not just for mattresses. Go directly to the manufacturer. They can easily be contacted online. They not only offer cheaper drugs but give out free samples and have massive discounts.
They may also have a few different options not available in the drugstore yet. They can offer an incentive for buying direct and in larger quantities. This is a great way to get your medicine and save a bundle.
Skip a Day
You can often ask for a stronger potency and cut the pills in half or only take them every other day, or less often. Some medications are prescribed for every day, but there is a build-up of the active ingredients already working hard.
Cutting up stronger dosages and taking a smaller portion can save money and even help with unpleasant side-effects from the drugs. Check with your medical professional before doing this.
Prevention
A proper diet, exercise, losing some weight and regular check-ups can decrease the need for many medications you take. High blood pressure, heart disease and other preventable diseases start with education and self-control.
“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” – Gandhi
Jagged Little Pill
When you need to take a lot of medications, it can really add up. Our health needs to take first place in our priorities. Your access to health care and your health insurance may be changing and making it more difficult for you to keep yourself healthy.
It’s important to find ways to cut costs in all aspects of our lives and still enjoy ourselves. Worrying about how you are going to pay for your prescriptions shouldn’t be what consumes your day.
Take care of yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts, available incentives and other ways to save on drugs. For more helpful, healthful tips, please continue reading here.