According to President Donald Trump, drug companies in the U.S. are “getting away with murder.” Unfortunately, this isn’t “fake news” as America has some of the highest prescription drug prices in the entire world.
The good news is, there are ways you can get discounts on prescription medications. Knowing the “trade secrets” may help you save hundreds – or even thousands of dollars – each month on the medication you have to have.
Ready to see what you need to do to save? If so, keep reading.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
Unfortunately, because of the way the country’s healthcare system is setup, it can be difficult to comparison shop. In fact, your doctor may not even know what you’ll pay for a prescription. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t want to help you out.
While it may be somewhat difficult to admit that medication cost is an issue for you, your doctor wants to know the truth. Studies have shown that up to 20 percent of new prescriptions are never filled – this drives doctors crazy.
As a result, if there’s even a small chance you may skip filling your script, let your doctor know. They can help you work out a more affordable solution. In fact, many doctors may even provide samples of the medication you need to take, so be sure to speak up.
2. Review the Medications You are Currently Taking
It’s a good idea to sit down and look through all the prescriptions you are actively taking. Approximately 44 percent of American adults take at least one prescription medication, while one out of 10 takes five or more.
Speak with your doctor or your pharmacist to find out if all the medications you take are really necessary. There are some drug combinations that may be redundant. If you can reduce the number of prescriptions you are taking, it can reduce your medication cost, and the possibility of side effects or harmful interactions.
3. Check Your Formulary
Based on your insurer’s formulary, which is a list of medications your insurance company covers, the copayments for two, similar drugs, may be significantly different. To ensure you don’t have to pay for the more expensive drug, you need to know your options.
When your doctor is prescribing a new drug, ask them about the top three choices available. Then, check with your insurer to find out what the copayment for each one is, and any formulary restrictions in place. Select the best option for your budget, and then let your doctor know which one you prefer.
4. Consider Using a Mail Order Pharmacy
According to a recent study, drug costs offered by mail-order pharmacies were up to 16 percent less than retail pharmacies. Additionally, getting your prescriptions via mail is much more convenient.
If you haven’t ever used an online pharmacy, be sure to find a reputable one, first. Once you have, you may be able to save quite a bit of money each month.
5. Sign Up for Discount Cards and Coupons
Drug makers, associations and pharmacies offer coupons and discounts to reduce your overall medication costs. You can even find smartphone apps that will help you comparison shop for the best prices on prescription medication in your local area.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look as though the cost of prescription drugs is going to go down any time soon. As a result, it’s up to you to find the best prices in your area. To help you along the way, be sure to implement the tips and advices found here.
With these tips, you can save money while still getting the medications you need to remain healthy.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
