Things You'll Need:
- Prescription
- Insurance Card
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Step 1
Read a copy of your drug formulary plan or at least become familiar with the different tiers of prescriptions available. Often your doctor does not know this, so you will have to know this information. This is available online at the insurance company's website or was sent with your initial contract.
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Step 2
Ask the pharmacist before filling your prescription what the cost will be. If it is a significant amount, phone the doctor's office and ask the doctor to call in a generic or lower-cost alternative. They are often happy to do this and only prescribe a certain kind of drug because it is new or different. Your pharmacist can also give you a list of similar prescriptions as well as what your out-of-pocket cost will be.
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Step 3
Find out which, if any, of your medications are located on the generic discount drug list for the major department stores and grocery chains. There are many available from $4 to $20.
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Step 4
Join a discount drug card program if you or your family will need a lot of prescriptions. Many drug stores have this information. Or, consider membership to a group such as AARP if your age qualifies you.
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Step 5
Have your doctor write out a 90-day prescription for medications you take regularly. You can go online and fill out an order form on that company's website and send it by mail. Then, send it in to the mail order pharmacy that your health insurance carrier uses. This takes normally 14 business days to complete.
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Step 6
Have your prescription filled at a U.S. online pharmacy. Compare rates for the prescription before actually filling the prescription to see if you are getting the best discounts.


















Comments
SeventhSibling said
on 8/25/2008 With the increasing price of prescription drugs as well as prescription insurance, this is great advice to help us pay for needed medications.