As we grow older, we will find ourselves battling illnesses that require constant medication for the rest of our lives. We may need to lower our cholesterol or blood pressure, combat diabetes or even continue taking birth control to combat cramping.
If you have been placed on a medication that you will need to take for an extended period of time, you are now adding a significant expense to your budget. Even a prescription that costs you $20 a month comes out to $240 a year. Thankfully, there are a few ways that you can save money on long-term prescriptions.
Talk with your doctor
Ask your doctor if they have any known way of helping you save money on your prescriptions. Many doctors may have samples that they can give you every now and then to help combat the cost of your prescription, or they may be able to prescribe a generic version that would be much more cost effective. Doctors want you to get better, and they’re not going to allow your financial straints keep you from becoming healthy, so make sure to ask them for money-saving suggestions.
Talk with the pharmacist
Many pharmacies have rewards programs that you can sign up for to receive special offers or discounts on your prescriptions. Some give you a percentage off every prescription while others may give you a free prescription for every five prescriptions you have filled. Talk to your pharmacist and see if your pharmacy offers a rewards program that you can benefit from.
Buy in bulk
Some pharmacies or insurance companies will give you a discount on your prescription if you purchase more than one month’s worth at a time. For example, if your prescription costs $15 a month, you may be able to get a three-month supply for only $35, which is a $10 savings.
Contact your insurance company
Call your insurance company and let them know about the prescription you will be on and ask them if they have any special offers. They may be the ones to tell you about discounts you’ll receive on bulk purchases or about special mail in rebates that they can provide you. Though sitting on the phone with your insurance provider may not sound appealing, it will be worth it if it can save you money.
Look for coupons
Check your local paper for coupons. Some pharmacies may offer specials to get you to become a new customer. For example, a pharmacy may have a coupon that will give you a $20 gift card to their store if you transfer a prescription to them. You can then use this gift card on your next prescription purchase, which will be a major money saver.
Check the Internet
(Photo credit: incurable_hippie)
Everything has a website nowadays, and that may even include your prescription. You can either do a general search for your prescription to see if the medication has a website, or you can use a general database like RxList to perform a search. Sometimes the medication’s website will provide rebates or coupons on prescriptions, so it’s a good idea to check out what they have to offer to save you money.
Having an illness or medical need that requires lengthy use of a prescription should not cost you a fortune. Use these tips to help lower the price of your medication and save yourself a great deal of money in the long run.
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