One of the biggest costs for many people is prescription medications. Even for those who have insurance coverage - many drugs are not covered or co-pays are high. Then there are those who do NOT have prescription coverage and that can be a small fortune. Sadly there are people who don't take medication they need because of the cost or they take HALF of a dose to make the medication last longer which is NOT what the doctor ordered and NOT going to help their medical condition! So what can we do?
Here are some tips on how you can try to save money on medications that you need to get - whether it is a regular prescription or a one time deal.
TALK to the doctor prescribing the medicine. Tell him/her your insurance situation. Sometimes this changes what they will prescribe. Often they can give you a generic, which is much cheaper, than a brand name drug. However, this is not always the case and certain people will not be able to take the generic drug instead. Doctors sometimes have samples they can give you as an alternative or they may even be aware of a plan or program that can assist you with the cost of the medication.
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TALK to your pharmacist as well. Tell him/her your concern about cost. They are well aware of all discounts, options, coupons, programs etc that may be of assistance to you. They do this every day, all day - utilize their knowledge and experience!
Research. Many pharmaceutical companies offer discount programs for patients that have to regularly take their medication. These discounts can be from 20-40% off the regular price and are offered to people with no insurance coverage or low income. If you have to take a specific medication, check into that manufacturer and see if that company offers any discounted programs.
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There is an organization called "Partnership for Prescription Assistance." www.pparx.org They list discount prescription programs, in both English and in Spanish. They also can help answer your questions and assist you the best way possible. This service is free.
Does your family pet have to take medication regularly as well? For asthma, thyroid, kidney, or heart problems? Needs antibiotics? Anxiety? etc? Medications from the vet can cost quite a pretty penny, but did you know that MOST chain drugs stores carry vet medications at a cost as low as $4.00 for a 30 day supply?? Instead of the $20-$40 you would pay buying it right from the vet!! All you need to do is get a prescription from your vet and have it filled at the pharmacy as you would any other one.
Last, for everyone in NJ, there is a discounted drug program called, "NJ Drug Card." www.newjerseydrugcard.com You can get the card right online and activate it immediately. Most major drugs stores and pharmacies in grocery stores honor the card and will give you the discount to any and all drugs that apply.
I, personally, used the NJ Drug Discount Card. The prescription was going to be $74.00 because my insurance didn't give any more of a discount on that medication. The pharmacist was nice enough to tell me about the program! Instantly signed me up - got the card info - applied it and suddenly that same prescription was now $17.00!!!!! Just like that!
So put a little effort into it. Ask, check around and research. It can save you a ton of money at the end of the day. Money you could use for something fun and exciting for you and your family instead.
