We all know that prescription medications can be very expensive. Switching to generics is a good way to save money, but they aren't always available and in some cases aren't the best choice when they are available.
When generics aren't an option, there are two ways I know to save money on them anyway. One way is to find an instant rebate program. Sometimes doctors or pharmacists will have the rebate information, but the simplest way is search out the medication by name on the Internet. Shane and I currently have three prescriptions with instant rebates. They are processed as secondary insurance when you submit them to the pharmacy and will pay a set amount toward the cost or the co-pay.
Another way to save is to ask your doctor to write your prescriptions for 90 days instead of for 30 days at a time. I have two prescriptions that are written this way, so that I'm paying a copay on these only 4 times a year instead of 12.
In my case, I didn't even have to ask the doctor to write them this way -- she just did it. If your doctor doesn't already write prescriptions this way, ask him/her to do so. The worst that can happen is they say no.
Also, keep checking those pharmaceutical websites. Just because there's no rebate now doesn't mean there won't be in the future. One of ours prescriptions has had a rebate program for years; another just started a program in January of this year. Checking every month or two might end up saving you a lot of money.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Saving Money on Prescriptions
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5 comments:
Thank God for military insurance. Prescriptions are one thing we don't worry so much about since Kevin retired from the Air Force. We do have to pay for our meds since we moved to NC but the costs were small enough--then we started using the military mail order pharmacy. The price is even smaller--there are a few meds we aren't able to get through them but the most we pay at a pharmacy here in town is $22--even though one of our meds is regularly over $300 a month. I just pray this is one benefit that won't change like so many others have.
We are fortunate that our maximum co-pay for prescriptions is $20. There are a few drugs that aren't covered, but when that has happened, I've either asked the doctor to prescribe a similar one that is covered.
I had to fight to get a 90. Ugh my docTard sucks.
Once again, thank you for all of the great info.
Sorry it is taking me so long, the kids are home. Enough said!
Another tip is to ask your dr. if they can give you those samples the pharmaceutical reps drop off at their office. Even if they won't give you enough for the full course, at least a few days worth or a week's worth every month for a long term script you take monthly would help.
Good point, Sluggy! My ob/gyn, who prescribes Boniva to me, is really good about giving samples if she has them.
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