Do you or someone in your family take prescription medicine on a regular basis? Even if you do not, you can still save on prescription costs.
In the past, we had a health insurance plan with a varying copay (ranging from $5 to $40) depending on if the prescription was generic or formulary vs. non-formulary. However, we now pay for all prescriptions out of pocket until we hit our insurance deductible (which is high).
So, I do my best to save money on the prescriptions to use, since the money is coming straight out of our pocket (or Health Savings Account HSA). Here are some of my favorite tips:
- Generic Medications - If the medication is expensive, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is a generic version available. The generic contains the same active ingredient as the name brand and is typically cheaper than the name brand.
- Compare Prices at Retailers - All pharmacies do not have the same prices on medication, so be sure to check around to see where you can get the best price on medications, especially if you have to pay the full price until you hit the deductible. GoodRX is a great source for finding drug prices and coupons.
- Prescription Coupons or Rebates - Ask your doctor for any coupons or rebates when they write the prescription or search the internet for your drug to see if there are any coupons you can print. You can often find coupons that will help you save on either the copay or price, depending on your insurance.
- Check for Prescription Loyalty Programs - Many of the drugstores offer loyalty points when you fill a prescription in-store. I have the executive membership at Costco, so I earn 2% cash-back when I fill prescriptions in the Costco pharmacy.
- Retail Prescription Coupons - There used to be coupons almost every week to save between $10 and $25 off new and transferred prescriptions at various retailers. They are much more rare these days, but sometimes you can find them.
- Check for Drug Assistance Plans - if you really can't afford your medication, ask your doctor or search the internet for assistance plans. Many pharmaceutical companies offer assistance for those who can't afford their medications.
How do you save money on medicine? Do you know of any additional pharmacies that accept competitor's coupons?
Servant
I've not heard some of these ideas. I'm checking them out. Came across your place via beingfrugal. Will def subscribe to your feed...
Together We Save
I also try to transfer perscriptions to save money. I have a monthly refil that cost $8 and have transfered it 2 times and received $25.
Melissa
These are all good ideas. Some states restrict who can use prescription discounts and coupons, but it's well worth looking into.
When CVS opened a new store in my area, they offered a CVS gift card to anyone who filled a prescription or updated a patient profile at the pharmacy. I've only seen that offer once, but it was a good one!
Tia @ Tia Saving Cents
I got a perscription filled today at Ralphs (Kroger) and they had a big sign up that stated they were accepting competitor coupons for perscriptions too! I already had a coupon for $30 with and new perscription (which is why I was there instead of CVS) but I was glad to know I have another option.