Are you trying to figure out the best ways to save money on prescriptions? Read this article to learn the top things you need to know.
Each year, Americans spend about $1,200 on prescription drugs.
The pharmaceutical companies are known for selling extremely expensive prescriptions, which can make it harder for people and families to get the medication they need.
Are you trying to figure out the best ways to save money on prescriptions? Read this article to learn the top things you need to know.
1. Search Around and Compare Prices
One thing you should do is to search around and compare prices before you buy your medication.
When you shop for other things like airplane tickets or cars, you do your research to make sure that you buy the best option that you can find. You should make sure you do the same thing for your prescription medications.
While you may think that the medications cost the same in all of the pharmacies, but once you do your research, you’ll notice that some pharmacies are cheaper than others.
The price may even differ if you have recurring prescriptions to pick up. You could even try getting a big-box store to get even more savings.
2. Use an App to Find Cheaper Prices
You won’t have to go to every store to try and find the cheapest prices because there are many apps and websites that let you compare prices so that you can make sure that you get the best ones.
There are even some apps that offer coupons that you can use to find cheaper prices.
Using your insurance doesn’t always guarantee that you will get the best price out there. There are some apps and websites that will help you find cheaper prices though.
Some of these websites include GoodRx or RetailMeNot. These are all free services and are offered as apps that you can download on your phone. These are actually fairly easy to use as well.
3. Try a Generic Brand
If you can’t find a cheaper price at a different pharmacy, you can also try getting a generic brand.
Generic drugs normally have the same active ingredients that the name-brand medications do. However, the generic brands are normally less expensive, which means that you’re just paying for the brand name.
For example, Lipitor, which is a drug to lower your cholesterol, costs about $390 for a supply for 30 days.
However, the generic brand can be bought around $10 for the same supply.
You should always ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is a generic version available, and they may be able to tailor the prescription.
4. Use a Pharmacy Savings Card
If you have a pharmacy savings card, you may also be able to use that to reduce the price that you have to pay for medication. In some cases, it could help save you 80% on your prescription.
Most of these are easy to use and also free to sign up for.
There are many different programs that will offer them to you. However, you should make sure that you filter out what medications you need or don’t need on the website.
Before you sign up for some services, check to see if there is a membership fee or not.
5. Find out If You Really Need That Medication
You should also ask your doctor if you really need the medication that they’re prescribing you.
If the medication is just oo expensive, you may have to consider whether or not it’s really crucial for your health.
You may have been taking some medication for years, and you may not even need it anymore. That could be some extra money saved every month.
That’s why it’s important to have follow-up appointments with your doctor to make sure that the medication is working or to see if you need a new one. It never hurts to ask.
6. Get a Larger Dose
Getting a larger dose of medication may also save you money. Just like buying things in bulk at Costco or Sam’s Club can help, so can buying larger prescriptions.
You can buy a pill splitter and split some of the medications so that you can get a double dose.
However, before you start doing this, make sure that you ask your pharmacist or doctor if it’s safe to do so. Some medications can’t be split because they are designed to release medicine over time.
For example, if you get a 10-milligram pill, you may be able to split it into a 5mg pill.
7. Get Mail-Order Drugs or Shop at an Online Pharmacy
Lastly, buying drugs online or through the mail may be another cheaper option.
When you buy medicine online, you have access to all kinds of Canadian pharmacies as well.
The prices are normally cheaper online than in a pharmacy, and you can find all kinds of legitimate businesses online.
However, you should make sure that you do your research to make sure you are buying from a legit online pharmacy.
You should also check with your health insurance through your employer. Some health insurance will partner with online pharmacies or a mail-order pharmacy program to help save you money.
Learn More About How to Save Money on Prescriptions
These are only a few ways to save money on prescriptions, but there are so many more.
If you really can’t afford the prescription despite these tips, talk to your doctor and explain your situation. It’s their job to take care of you, and they’ll help you find an alternative.
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I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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