Mark Luigi Dacumos
It’s unfortunate, but prescriptions aren’t a cost that you can exactly eliminate, as doing so could jeopardize your health. This doesn’t mean you have to go bankrupt to get the drugs you need, however, as there are ways to reduce their costs.
Follow these tips, and you should see your prescription expenses decrease, leaving you more money for other monthly bills:
1. Go generic.
You can save money when grocery shopping by opting for generic brands versus more popular ones. The same holds true in some cases with prescriptions.
Always ask your doctor if there’s a generic option for the prescription they’re writing. You can get the same effects without taking a huge hit to your wallet.
Also, if your doctor says you should take a supplement like an iron pill or medication for a gastrointestinal issue, ask if there’s an over-the-counter option. If so, it could lead to significant savings.
2. Get your prescriptions in the mail.
If you take drugs for cholesterol, birth control, or other common issues, contact your health insurance provider. Ask if they have a mail-order option, which could allow you to get your drugs in bulk at a much lower price than the pharmacy can provide.
Not only can this move save you money, but it can save you the hassle of having to refill prescriptions more often, as you can usually get a 90-day supply that’ll last you longer.
3. See if your drug maker has a website.
Drug manufacturers often have websites. If you take any prescriptions, see if the drug maker has a site. You’ll be able to learn more about the drug, but you could also get a discount card or coupons so you can save cash.
Before you think this is a shot in the dark, know that many drug makers now use their sites for advertising discounts, so it’s worth your while to check.
4. Don’t shop in just one place.
Many times, we’re lulled into a false sense of security by getting our prescriptions at the same pharmacy over and over again. Sure, you may like the pharmacists that work there and the personal attention you receive, but what if you shopped around? Doing so could net you cheaper prescription drugs, and maybe even better service.
It doesn’t take much to make a few phone calls to local pharmacies to see what they’re charging for your medicine. Don’t forget to contact stores like Walmart or Target either, as they can offer attractive savings on prescriptions, too, especially if you’re taking the generic route.
5. Aim for a life without prescriptions.
While you’ll need prescriptions while your ailments exist, you won’t need them if those issues disappear. For instance, you could opt to eat healthier, exercise, and lose weight if you’re on diabetes medication. As your health improves, you could eliminate that cost from your life.
Although this money-saving tip will take longer to implement, it may be the most important one of all. It can save you money, as well as your life.
