How to Find Cheap Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs play a large role in making health care unaffordable. Learn how to find cheap drugs with these easy to use strategies.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Access to computer and internet connection
• Printer for online coupons

1. Ask your doctor for free prescription medications. Doctors receive samples from drug company sales representatives. When recommending a new medication, your doctor may provide you with a free sample to try out. If you and your health care provider determine that a certain prescription medication is effective, then ask them for free samples when you visit. The worst they can say is "no."

2. Consider taking generic medication. Express to your doctor that you're interested in pursuing treatment options that are cost effective. The latest, most expensive medication may not be the best for you. If a drug you've been prescribed doesn't have a generic alternative, then ask your doctor about a prescription medication that does.

3. Unless specifically asked, many doctors will only write a prescription for a 30-day supply of medication. A 90-day supply could save you money. Some prescription drug plans are set up such that you essentially receive one month of medication free when you buy a 90-day supply. For example, purchasing three 30-day supply prescriptions might cost you $60, while one 90-day supply prescription would only cost $40. Check your health plan documents, or call your insurer to find out. Note that this technique doesn't work if you're prescribed controlled substances.

4. Hunt for discounts. Even after you receive a sample from your doctor, you may still be able to find a coupon on the web for a free 30-day supply of medication on your first filled prescription. Check the medication's website to see if coupons are offered by the drug company. Also, coupons are sometimes attached to drug samples, so keep a look out for those as well.

5. Take advantage of a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). An FSA is an employer sponsored benefit that allows you to set aside a predetermined amount of your earnings for qualified medical expenses. Money funneled into an FSA is not subject to federal or state income taxes, Social Security, or Medicare. A savings of 40% using this strategy alone isn't unrealistic. Also, put off non-essential medical treatments and surgeries, e.g., laser eye surgery, until you can increase the amount reserved in your FSA.

6. Request a discount or coupon for transferring your prescription from one pharmacy to another. Check the drug store's website or weekly circular to see if they provide an incentive to transfer your prescription. If not, ask the pharmacist to give you a discount anyway. It doesn't hurt to ask.

7. If you're uninsured or under insured, visit the Foundation for Health Coverage Education's website at www.CoverageForAll.org to see if you qualify for state sponsored or affordable health insurance programs.

8. If you're laid off, don't let your health insurance coverage lapse. Between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009, the
   government will subsidize 65% of your premiums under COBRA for nine months if you're involuntarily terminated. Work with your former employer to find out how to apply for the subsidy.

Tips & Warnings

• You don't have to fill all of your prescriptions at the same pharmacy. Some large retailers sell generic drugs for as little as $4.
• Combine as many of the strategies above as possible for maximum savings.
• Any unused funds left in a Flexible Spending Account at the end of the calendar year will be forfeited. If this makes you nervous, put in enough cash to cover prescription drugs you know you'll need to take during the year.

Resources

• Foundation for Health Coverage Education

[nadiamedt]

on 10/27/2009 This search engine might be helpful too. It helps you find out if your prescription drugs are available on discount generic programs, and where to find them in your neighborhood. Whether it's CVS Pharmacy, Walmart, Kmart, Ride Aid or Target, it looks up all the costs for you so you can compare prices and save money!

www.medtipster.com

[taterfay]

on 9/6/2009 Thanks for the very informative article!!

[savingsdrugcard]

on 9/6/2009 These are all great ideas. Another way is to join together as consumers to get bulk discounts as an individual. It is free to do and very easy to do. One place is http://www.SavingsDrugCard.com . Just put in name and email address. Then just print your activated card. You will save an average of 30% and up to 75% off your prescription drugs! It is accepted in over 60,000 pharmacies all across the country...including Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, RiteAid, and many more.

[bunnyknitter]

on 6/23/2009 I like this thanks for sharing!

[omghow]

on 6/13/2009 Thanks for sharing. I will pass this along.