Use These Tips to Save Money on Your Prescriptions

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Some people would say that the United States has become a nation of people who pop pills. A vast majority of adults take at least one prescription medication a day, and it is not uncommon for older adults to take multiple pills a day.

Even if these patients have insurance, these medications can be expensive.  If you do not have insurance, the prices may be so high you may be tempted not to take your medication at all. Fortunately, there are ways you can get a grip on the rising costs. Skipping medications can end up being more expensive than the drug itself.

Speak with Your Doctor

Sadly, with the way the current health care system operates in the United States, it is difficult for patients to do comparison shopping. Your doctor may not be aware of the actual price you may have to pay for things like blood pressure medications. However, this does not necessarily mean that your physician would not be willing to assist you in saving money.

It may be difficult for you to admit to your health practitioner that you are having financial difficulties that are preventing you from paying for your medication. What you may not know is that this is the type of information many physicians need to know.

Did you know that for every five prescriptions a doctor fills out, one does not get filled? Believe it or not, this frustrates many doctors. So, instead of skipping out on getting the prescription filled, speak with your doctor about cost saving solutions.

Prevention

Thanks in part to the ACA (Affordable Care Act), almost all Americans can take advantage of different preventative services like vaccines, monograms and colonoscopies. Older adults can also attend wellness visits, one time Medicare welcome visits and no cost health screenings. These services are designed to catch and diagnose medical problems early.

This can also reduce the number of prescriptions you may have to take later.

Check Your Insurance Company’s Formulary

A formulary is a group of medications that are covered by your insurance company. For example, the prices for two popular cholesterol medications, Zocor and Crestor, may vary greatly. If you want to avoid paying the higher price, it is important for you to have options to choose from.

When you are prescribed a new medication, ask your doctor to provide you with the names of three similar medications. You can then check your insurer’s list to see what the co-pays are for each medication.

Comparison Shop

You can also compare prices at different pharmacies in your area and online such as the Pill Quest Pharmacy. Many providers will offer you a discount if you order medication supplies for the next 60 or 90 days.

Prescription drug discount programs are also available for those who are having problems paying for their medication. It is best to choose one pharmacy to fill all of your prescriptions. This way, the pharmacist will be able to notice any dangerous drug interactions between your prescriptions.

Patients are experiencing rising costs for prescriptions. Instead of increasing the potential for danger by not taking your medicine, look for ways to reduce your costs without sacrificing your health.