Save Money On Your Prescription Drugs

A recent study on prescription drugs show that more Americans are using more prescription drugs than ever; and at a younger age than normal. Often, rather than paying for expensive medications, people resort to ineffective medicine that is much cheaper.

The cost of medicine directly impacts all Americans, but it is particularly tough on senior citizens. More than fifty percent of all senior citizens aren't covered by medical insurance that pays for all of their for prescription drugs. That means as the poulation continues to age, more and more people will be required to pay out of pocket for certain medications.

There are many money saving tips and articles on purchasing prescription drugs online. By far, the best way to ACTUALLY save money is to go through every one of your available resources AND check into any and all other programs that might be able to help you as well. We scoured the internet for hours looking for great advice on this specific subject. The following tips provide the absolute best recommendations for saving on prescription drugs. 

1) Use Generic Drugs - Most states are required to fill your medicine with the generic equivalent if it is available. If your state does not do this, don't forget to request the generic brand of the drug that has been prescribed to you. Up to 50% (or a lot more in some cases) can be saved from the cost of the prescribed medicine.

2) Make Price Comparisons - Make sure to compare prices from different pharmacies before purchasing. Prices will really vary from location to location. Use a comparison website like GoodRX.com for example.

3) Look for Discounts - Members of AARP can receive discounts, especially from mail-order pharmacies. Check the Veterans Administration to see if you are eligible for any veterans’ benefits.

4) Keep Your Drugs Safe - Make sure to store your medicines and pills away from moisture, heat, and sunlight to ensure the potency of your medicine. Most drugs, when exposed to sunlight regularly will lose their potency.  

5) Talk to your Doctor - It is definitely okay to inquire about the medicine prescribed to you. If you are having affording it, say so. You are in control of your own health. Most doctors often keep a list of discounted generics available at local pharmacies if you ask. Remember, you are the only one responsible for your health; it is necessary that you stay well informed about the medicines and total medications you are taking.

6) Assess yourself regularly - It is imperative to keep a daily ”record” of your physical health. It is really easy to research your medical condition over the Internet. Maximize your resources and ask about new medications available or a combination of medicines that may have a similar effect on your body at a lower cost.

*REMEMBER - Always comply with the treatment plan that you and your physician have designed for your specific health situation. Carefully following this plan can help you save money and avoid future recurrences of the existing illness.


7) Try Doubling It Up - Sometimes the fastest way to save money is by dividing the drug cost in half. One way to do this is literally cutting a drug in half to attain the exact dosage desired.

For example, if your doctor prescribed you a 40 mg dosage, you can buy the 80 mg tablet and just split it in half. Since there is often minimal difference on the price of the 40 mg and the 80 mg, you can save money simply by cutting the pill in half.

8) Ask for free samples. A lot of pharmaceutical companies supply their docotrs and pharmacies with more than enough sample medicines. They are eager to get new customers to try their products.

All you have to do is ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any free samples available. This can be really effective for saving money on short-term illnesses, such as antibiotics. It could also help you save money before having to buy the drug in the future. 

9) Know what your medical insurance covers. Make sure that you understand your insurance coverage before signing up with the medical plan. Be very specific on the maximum amount of your co-payment for the whole year. More often than not, a health plan only approves for certain "pre-approved" drugs.

Don't be afraid to consult your doctor before completely signing up for an insurance plan. Your docotr an advise what medicines you have to have and what tier of co-payments that will require from you.

10) Bulk It Up. It costs less to buy your medicine in bulk, period. Purchasing 60 or 90 day supplies can really save you a lot of money. Make sure to discuss this with your physician as well. Often they will have to write new prescriptions signalling 90 day supply, for example.