How can I Save Money on Prescriptions?

Health care is expensive! For many of us, the cost of health care — including prescriptions — seems to just keep going up. Although how much you pay for prescriptions largely depends on your health care plan, there are ways for everyone to save money on prescriptions.

Generic medications can help you save money on prescriptions. Generic counterparts to many brand name medications are available. The next time you need a prescription medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor if a generic medication will work for you. It is possible for you to save a lot of money on prescription medications this way.

Another way to save money on prescriptions is to obtain a pharmacy discount card. Sometimes these cards require a small fee, but usually they are free. Depending on the pharmacy and its program, you could save quite a bit of money. Perform an Internet search or ask your pharmacist directly about their discount cards.

Changing pharmacies can also help you save money on prescriptions. As more and more pharmacies are trying to compete for business, they are offering incentives for new customers. Customers who switch pharmacies can often get store gift cards or free prescriptions when they fill or transfer a new prescription. Ask specific pharmacies if they offer incentives for bringing your business to their location.

Search for manufacturer's coupons and rebates. These offers might be available on the manufacturer's website, or in magazine ads. You might have to sign up with a website, but in return, you can usually get rebates, coupons, and sometimes free samples or free trials of prescription drugs. Your doctor may also have prescription samples that you can try. Doctors tend to get a lot of different prescription drugs in sample form and many are willing to give them to patients who may not be able to afford prescriptions otherwise. Ask your doctor about samples next time you are prescribed a new medication, or refilling an existing one.

Another way to save money on prescriptions is to ask about hardship programs. Many manufacturers of prescription drugs have hardship programs or patient assistance programs for people who cannot afford them. You may need to qualify as making under a certain income level in order to enroll with a hardship program.