5 Smart Tips to Lower Your Prescription Drug Costs

Times are tight.  We’re all trying to find new ways to stretch our budgets to save even a buck or two. One frequently over-looked area is how and where we buy our meds.  “Prudent pill poppers” willing to invest a little time, and do a bit of research are rewarded with tremendous savings when buying over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs.

Here are five things you need to know to help rein in your costs.

Have a Heart-to-Heart With Your Physician.  Your doctors may not be as concerned as you are about the high cost of meds. They may simply prescribe the newest available treatments.  Let your physician know that you prefer generics or equivalent older medications that don’t cost as much as haute couture drugs. According to Andi Reese, a North Carolina, Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselor, “There are plenty of other [generic] medications that cost much less, and are equally effective.”

Buy in Bulk. It’s more expensive for drugstores to process small quantities of pills. This cost is passed on to you.  Reduce your out-of-pocket expense by asking your doctor for a 90-day Rx.

Split Pills in Half.Ask your physician to prescribe a higher dosage than you take; then split these pills in half. Combine this tip with a 90-day Rx, and you get 180 days of meds for the price of one copay. It’s not safe to divide all meds.  Ask your doctor or pharmacist first.

Shop Around Online.  Even if you have prescription drug insurance, it truly pays to shop the web. A quick online search for a 30-day supply of 10 mg of Ambien at Destination RX, a site that helps consumers compare drug prices, shows the price fluctuates from $155.24 to $173.45 – a potential savings of $218.52 a year! Combine your choice with a manufacturer’s coupon from Needy RX (save $240 over 12 months or receive a Free 4-night trial), to increase your savings.

Explore Drug Company Websites.  Opt-in to receive e-newsletters while you browse. You’ll receive a lot of good-to-know information, and opportunities to participate in surveys to earn cash.  I recently received $40 by giving feedback on Excelon, a medication an extended family member takes. Pharmaceutical companies value your feedback.

“Rock” your economy by taking advantage of these prescription drug hacks.

How do you save on OTC or Prescription Meds?

Additional Resources:

Rx USA  On-line Pharmacy

PPA – Partnership for Prescription Assistance

Shopper’s Guide to Prescription Drugs Issue No.5 –  Assistance Programs – Consumers Reports