If you’re charging prescriptions to a credit card or digging for change in your car and couch every month to scrounge up enough money to pay for prescriptions, you’re not alone.
Around seven percent of U.S. adults can’t pay for prescription drugs they need, according to a 2021 Gallup poll. That’s an estimated 18 million people who say they had to go without at least one prescribed medication in the last three months, according to the poll.
If you struggle to pay for your meds or even worse, go without necessary medications, here’s some good news. With a bit of research and a strategy for finding discounts, you can save on prescription drugs.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
1. Look into Discount cards
Drug discount cards have been saving consumers money on prescriptions for decades. If your insurance doesn’t cover a prescribed drug or you’re saddled with a high copay, check the price on these drug discount sites to see how much you can save.
- GoodRX
- Blink Health
- SingleCare
- WellRX
Not up to the research? Ask your pharmacist if they have information on how much you can save with certain prescription discount cards.
Find out: 5 Strategies to Minimize Health Insurance and Medical Costs
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
2. Comparison shop
Just because you’ve filled your prescriptions at CVS for the last 10 years doesn’t mean that pharmacy is the only game in town. Check prices at other local pharmacies, including your grocery store. If you can save enough to make the switch worthwhile, dole out your prescriptions among more than one pharmacy.
Image Credit: Gligatron / istockphoto.
3. Ask for generic
Ask your doctor if the prescribed medication has a generic version to save big bucks. “Generic drugs have exactly the same active ingredients and effects as brand-name drugs, but they can cost 30 percent to 80 percent less,” according to the Food & Drug Administration.
Related: These apps can cut your prescription drug costs by 75%
Image Credit: BCFC / istockphoto.
4. Order a 90-day supply
Ordering a 90-day vs. a 30-day supply may save money on certain drugs. Check prices for both quantities before you fill a prescription. You’ll pay more upfront but the savings over three months may be worth it.
Related: Does buying in bulk save money?
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
5. Sign up for drug store discount programs
Check with local pharmacies for any discount programs they offer. For example, when you pay $20 (or $35 for a family plan) to join Walgreens’ Prescription Savings Club, you can get discounts on more than 8,000 medications. Plus, you can fill 90-day prescriptions on select generic drugs for the price you’d pay for two 30-day prescriptions.
Bonus: Walgreens’ program also provides discounts on prescriptions for your pets.
Find out: 9 Things You’re Probably Paying Too Much for at the Drugstore
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
6. Shop Online pharmacies
Save money by comparing prices at online pharmacies that deliver prescription drugs right to your doorstep. You may save a lot by ordering online.
Plus, you’ll save on gas and time by not having to drive to the pharmacy and wait in line.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
7. Check into manufacturer programs
Many drug manufacturers offer patient assistance programs if you meet income eligibility requirements. Contact the manufacturer for that pricey drug to find out if you’re eligible for deep discounts on a medication. To get an idea of how patient assistance programs work, visit RxAssist, which lists a comprehensive directory of patient assistance programs.
Image Credit: Weedezign/ istockphoto.
8. Choose health insurance wisely
It is important to choose your health insurance wisely. Brokers are trained professionals that can assist you in finding the best plans for your unique needs. If possible, find a broker that is familiar with plans in your area and that is certified to sell ACA plans.
“The least expensive plan is not always the best or the most cost-effective option. Sometimes, a silver or gold plan may cost you less due to lower copays on brand name prescriptions. For those on Medicare, always have a broker review your part D (drug) coverage annually. Even if your monthly premium is not set to increase, there is no way to know that your prescriptions are still covered the same way for the next year unless you do an analysis of this plan,” says Analisa Cleland, an insurance and financial advisor at Coto Insurance.
If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, have a certified broker review your coverage annually to ensure that your plan is still a good fit for your individual needs.
Related:
- The shocking ways money problems can affect your health
- Financial planner vs retirement planner: What’s the difference?
- How to find a financial planner
This article originally appeared on Debt.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Image Credit: depositphotos.com.
More from MediaFeed
25 things about adulting your parents really should’ve told you
Image Credit: stefanamer / istockphoto.
