6 Ways to Cut the Cost of Prescriptions

Health

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As you may already know, medical care is expensive

This is not only true for hospital visits but prescriptions as well. Unfortunately, this includes life-saving medicine that should be more affordable. It’d be nice if healthcare costs were lower, but for now, there are tips and tricks to help you save money on your prescription medication. Add: It’d be nice if healthcare costs were lower, but for now, there are tips and tricks such as a prescription delivery app to help you save money on your prescription medication. 

Although these are all great ways to potentially save money, remember to do your research. You don’t want to end up getting a prescription that ends up making you sicker. Use common sense, and you’ll end up with some extra cash in your pocket.

Keep reading to learn more.

1. Use a Pharmacy Saving Card

Did you know that there are discount cards designed to lower your prescription medicine cost? It’s a little secret to getting discounts on prescription meds. 

The best part of all is there is no cost to use these cards, and you can get one even if you don’t have health insurance. Bet you’re wondering how that works.

Well, those saving programs negotiate discounts on bulk drug purchases with pharmacy owners. Then consumers, like you, can obtain lower medication prices at nearby pharmacies using the savings card.

Using that card to fill your prescription causes the pharmacy to compensate for the discount program. It might also help to think of it as a referral fee paid by the pharmacy to the savings program. 

Pharmacies benefit from the items you’re purchasing, but it also attracts new patients who otherwise could not afford their prescription. 

2. Compare Different Prices 

The classic way to save money on prescriptions is pretty simple, but it takes some effort. 

You likely already compare prices when making other purchases, like booking a flight or shopping for clothes, so why not apply that same logic to prescriptions? Many people aren’t aware that prices vary between pharmacies, even if it’s for the same prescription. 

Choosing one pharmacy over the other is what can help you cut costs, particularly for any recurring prescriptions. You could also try a big-box store for even greater savings. 

Don’t think you need to visit every pharmacy in your area to start comparing. You can look online and compare prices. 

3. Look for the Generic Version

Your name-brand prescription has the same active ingredients as the generic brand. This means they’ll both be equally effective in treating your ailment. The difference, of course, is the cost. 

Brand-name medicine tends to be more expensive because of the drug development process. Manufacturers end up charging more to recover those costs. Once the patent expires, other manufacturers create that same drug, and it drives the price down. 

Don’t be afraid of the generic version. They aren’t too different from the name-brand, and you’ll love the price differences. 

4. Use Coupons

It’s time to feel inspired by your favorite extreme couponing television show. 

Although it isn’t as common to be clipping them from a newspaper on your dining room table, you can still use coupons to lower the cost of your prescription meds. This is particularly true when it comes to new drugs. They’re expensive, and there is no generic option, so drug manufacturers will offer coupons for people who meet certain criteria. 

This can mean anyone who provides medical information or has insurance. 

Be sure to look for pharmacies that offer coupons for you to fill prescriptions with them. You could get a certain amount off your first prescription as a new customer.

5. Apply for Assistance 

You should know that there’s a variety of prescription assistance programs. Both local and state governments offer them. This includes medicare, nonprofit groups as well as drug makers.

There are income requirements you should know about, but it’s a great way to save money on prescriptions if you meet the qualifications. Look for Needy Meds and Partnership for Prescription Assistance if you are hoping to work with nonprofit organizations.

If you end up not qualifying, try calling the manufacturer of your medication directly. They might be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to financial assistance. Never hurts to try.

6. Check Online 

Who doesn’t love the convenience of finding everything you need online? Not only is it perfect for having your favorite home and clothing items conveniently delivered to your front steps, but you can get quality RX as well.

The high price of prescriptions pushes many people to find low-cost alternatives. You can be one of those people too. 

The trick is to find an accredited pharmacy. You don’t want to purchase counterfeit pills. The right website requires a prescription for purchase and is part of the VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) program. 

Be sure to write down the contact information if you have any questions for the pharmacist. You can also check for a physical U.S. address to make sure it’s a valid site. 

If you do your research, you’ll find that buying your prescriptions online is not only convenient but can save you money in the long run. 

Cut the Cost of Prescriptions

When it comes to your health, you can’t cut too many corners. There might be times when you don’t need a prescription you received, but sometimes it’s necessary to stay healthy. But healthcare is expensive, and those refills can easily add up.

Luckily there are ways to cut the cost of prescriptions. You might need to spend a little extra time out of your day to get it done, but it’s worth it to know you are saving money. Feel free to use one of these tips or to test them all out.

The more, the merrier! 

Did you love this article? Looking for more? Then be sure to check out the tips and tricks section of our blog!

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