Choosing the proper medication and getting the most out of it is essential in treating any illness. However, getting the most out of your money is also a crucial consideration in treating your condition.
Saving money on medication can be a tough task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are ten tips on how to save money on your prescription medications:
1) Ask for Generic Medications
Generic medications contain the same active ingredients as brand-name medications and work in the same way. The significant difference is that they are sold at a lower price because you don’t have to pay for the brand name. So if you’re paying $500 out of pocket for your medication, switching to a generic could save you up to 50%, or around $250.
2) Split Pills in Half
If you need to take a larger medication dosage, ask your doctor if it’s okay to split the pill in half. This is considered an effective and safe way to get smaller dosages of your medication for more extended periods. So, whether you’re taking a pill every six hours or every four hours, you’re still saving yourself money by splitting the pills in half.
Consumer Reports has a list of drugs that can be split. Information regarding splitting is indicated in the “HOW SUPPLIED” section of the professional label or patient package insert. These medicines also have a mark indicating where to split them. To find out more about pill splitting, you can check out FDA’s best practices here.
3) Ask Your Doctor About Prescription Savings Programs
Prescription savings programs provide additional ways for consumers to save on their medications. For example, they offer prescription coupons that can be used at pharmacies or sent directly to your home, discounts when buying certain brands, and free memberships so that customers don’t have to pay co-pays at their pharmacy when they use their savings card.
4) Mail Order Medications
Many people who are taking multiple medications have the option to switch to mail-order pharmacies. This is a convenient way to save money on your prescriptions by avoiding extra trips to pick up your medication. It also provides savings on some of your co-pays, which can help you cut down on prescription costs.
5) Find Out if You Can Get Medication Samples
Some pharmaceutical companies provide free samples of their medications for consumers before they start prescribing them so that patients can test out the drug first and ensure it’ll work for them. Check with your doctor’s office or the patient assistance programs through the company that makes your medication to see if this is an option available to you. If not, ask if they know of any other ways that you could get your hands on some free samples.
6) Compare Prices at Different Pharmacies
Medication prices vary widely across different pharmacies in the area, so it’s essential to shop around before heading to the drugstore with your prescription. Start by comparing prices online, checking weekly ads, and calling local pharmacies to ask about their rates. You may be surprised how much you can save just by shopping around a bit.
7) Get the Most from Your Insurance
Ensure you understand what your benefits coverage is so that you can use it to get the most out of your insurance. For example, if you have a $3 copay for generic medications but only pay $5 to refill them through mail order, making sure you fill all of your medicines via mail order could save you money in the long run. Also, know the difference between preferred pharmacies and other pharmacies. Sometimes purchasing at a preferred pharmacy can save you money.
8) Seek Out Free or Low-Cost Community Resources
Many community organizations work hard to provide free or low-cost medical supplies and medication to those who may not afford them otherwise. These organizations typically provide medicines to those who cannot afford them for free. Also, some local agencies offer prescription co-pay assistance for those who qualify.
9) Check out special discount programs and pharmacies
Many pharmacies and manufacturers offer discounts to consumers, especially those who are loyal customers. Many provide discounts on medications for paying cash or participating in monthly savings programs. Also, some manufacturers offer coupons so their drugs are more affordable when you buy them at a particular pharmacy.
10) Ask if Government Programs Cover the Drug
If you have little or no health insurance and cannot afford your medication, ask your doctor to check if your drug is covered under Medicaid or other government-funded programs. If so, then taking it would be free for you. This can also help you avoid going without medications that may be necessary for your health.
Conclusion
Medications can give us the ability to live life with less pain and more comfort, but they are often unaffordable. That’s why it’s crucial to take advantage of every possible resource you have to ensure that your prescriptions are getting filled as cheaply as possible. We hope this article has given you some ideas on how to find out if there is a way that you could save money on medications in the future.