Here are a few ideas that might save you some money on your prescriptions.
Always take generics if you can – it can usually save a lot of money. Take your prescription formulary book from your insurance plan to your doctor and ask them to put you on as many tier 1 and 2 medications as possible and avoid the expensive tier 3 and 4 drugs. Also ask the pharmacist if there are any cheaper alternatives. Some pharmacies won’t tell you unless you ask.
Cut your pills in half – Talk to your doctor about doubling your dose and cutting the pill in half. Your cost for a 20 mg pill or a 40 mg pill is usually the same. So, if it can be done, it’s like buying one month and getting the second month for free. Many medications cannot be cut in half but if your medication can, it will save you money.
Stock up – If you are near the donut hole at the end of the year or through it, try to stock up on your meds as much as you can. This will allow you to buy fewer meds in the following year and possibly save money.
Try goodrx.com – You do not have to use your prescription drug card if you have one. Check this website or rxoutreach.com and see if is cheaper to use your prescription card or one of these sites. Some pharmacies try to make you use your card, but you do not have to. Be firm. If they won’t give you the price from another card, then go somewhere else.
I have found several charities that help people with drug costs. Patient Access Network Foundation at www.panfoundation.org, Patient Advocate Foundation at www.copays.org, Healthwell Foundation at www.healthwellfoundation.org, and NeedyMeds at www.needymeds.org or 800-503-6897. You can also try www.patientadvocate.org to find financial aid funds and www.benefitscheckup.org for help as well.
TWO Canadian options. A Canadian drug company called Medix is a CIPA regulated company – like our FDA. They offer many good prices on drugs that are mostly manufactured in Australia and New Zealand – not China. You can call 866-500-6633 or go to medixpharmacy.co.uk/register. The second is Canada Rx. I know a few people who have used this site for years and saved a lot of money. Try http://rxcard.canadahealthlink.com.
I can’t endorse any of these websites but I can tell you I have clients who have been using many of these for years and are very satisfied.
Help for Low Income; Extra help is available for people with lower incomes. There are different levels and help can range from a small discount on some drugs to very low copay on all drugs. Help is available for people with incomes below $1,581 for 2019 (single) and $2,134 (couple) AND assets below a certain level. Call the Social Security office if you think you might qualify.
