Like many people, to live my best life I need to take daily prescription medications to manage chronic health conditions.
But prescription drugs can be pricey — and costs keep climbing. On top of that, steep insurance expenses can put them out of reach for a lot of adults.
For a period I was uninsured. With a degree in social work and experience in the nonprofit sector, I wasn’t exactly flush with cash to cover my meds.
While trying to resolve this problem, I found several ways to reduce what I pay for prescriptions. Here’s how I obtain necessary medications for less.
1. Look for Generic Alternatives
This one is straightforward, though many folks miss it.
Ask your physician or pharmacist whether the drug you’re prescribed has a generic alternative.
Generic drugs contain the same active ingredient, and come in the same strength, dose and form as the brand-name versions. The main difference is price.
Generally, medications that have been on the market for a while will have a generic version. If your prescription isn’t brand-new, always check for a generic option.
2. Inquire About Prescription Assistance Programs
Ask the drug maker if it runs a prescription assistance program for your medication.
Many manufacturers of drugs without generic equivalents offer programs that provide medication at a reduced price — or sometimes free.
To find out whether your medicine has such a program, check with your clinician or pharmacist, or search online using the drug’s name.
Last year I used a prescription assistance program to help a relative who had been prescribed a very costly drug with no generic substitute.
His insurance covered a big portion of the bill, but he still faced $589 per month out of pocket. Thanks to the assistance program, he received his medication at no cost.
Also, a prescription assistance program covers the entire $100-per-month out-of-pocket expense for one of my medications.
3. Search for Coupons or Rebates
Before paying full price, look for coupons or rebates for your prescription.
Several sites — such as NeedyMeds — will do the legwork and can help you save up to 70%.
4. Ask About Pharmacy Discount Plans
When comparing pharmacy prices, ask about discount plans.
Some discounts are tied to specific chains, like the Rite Aid Rx Savings Program and the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club.
Others are accepted at many pharmacies. For instance, Drugs.com provides a discount card that can lower costs by as much as 80%.
To maximize savings, ask your pharmacist whether you can stack a pharmacy-specific discount with a broader discount card.
5. Think About Buying Online
Some companies purchase prescription drugs directly from manufacturers and sell them to individuals — which can lead to savings.
Because the FDA doesn’t license pharmacies, these sellers are licensed by their state authorities.
For example, Health Warehouse is licensed to ship medications directly to residents in all 50 states and will deliver your prescription to your home.
Blink Health operates a bit differently; instead of mailing medication to individuals, it supplies medication to patients’ pharmacies. After you submit your prescription online, you can pick it up at one of more than 60,000 pharmacies nationwide, including major chains like CVS.
Neither company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, but both have over 4 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews, each with more than 150 reviews.
How I Save the Most on Medications
Often I combine these approaches to secure the lowest possible price on my prescriptions.
For instance, one of my current medications is available as a brand name and as a generic. The brand runs between $158 and $240 per month, depending on the pharmacy.
If I find a coupon, the price drops to roughly $87.66–$158. I can’t afford that amount for a single prescription each month, especially since I take multiple daily medications.
If I opt for the generic and use a national discount card, the cost falls to just $31.80 for a month’s supply.
While I’m pleased with that price, it gets even better.
Through Health Warehouse, I was able to purchase the same one-month supply for $16.50 — a potential monthly savings of $223.50 on that single prescription.
Prescription drugs are expensive, but they don’t have to be unaffordable.
If these tactics don’t make your medicines affordable, speak with your doctor about other alternatives.
Your Turn: How have you reduced your prescription drug costs?
Samira Blake has managed chronic health conditions since childhood. Her aim is to support others living with ongoing medical issues to do the same.
