How to Save Time and Money on Prescription Drugs
Here’s the bottom line on saving money on your prescription medicine. And yes, you will save money and time.
Updated February 3, 2021
Did you know drug prices are different depending on which pharmacy is selling them? Drug costs also vary depending on your insurance plan coverage. Brand-name prescriptions usually cost more than generic.
Here are a few ideas worth reading. If your prescription is a regular monthly expense, the savings really add up.
PRESCRIPTIONS CAN BE COSTLY - HERE’S HOW TO ACTUALLY SAVE
Know when to order refills or set up automatic refills if it's a recurring prescription. Pharmacies will tell you how many days ahead you can order a refill (so you can set up a reminder in your calendar) and/or if automatic refill is an option.
Call ahead. Make sure your prescription is ready and filled before you head to the pharmacy.
Avoid the crowds. Pharmacies are often busiest when people have lunch breaks from work and at night between 5 - 7 p.m. - try to plan your pick up outside these windows to avoid the lines. Special note: During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, this schedule can vary quite a bit.
Stock up on your medicine. If you have a chronic medical condition, you may qualify for a 3-month supply of your Rx at a retail or mail order pharmacy. This will save you unnecessary trips to the pharmacy.
Ask for a bigger dose. Some medications (not all) can be prescribed in a larger dose and can be divided with a pill splitter. Ask your physician if this would be an option for your medication. Some medications cannot be split.
Ask for a generic version of your Rx. Oftentimes, insurance carriers won't cover brand-name drugs if there is a generic version available (unless there is a medical reason that a generic cannot be used), so be sure to check with your doctor and pharmacist. Generics have the same active ingredients at much lower costs.
Shop around. This one seems obvious, but drug costs can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, especially on plans with deductibles. There are also grocery stores and big box chains that offer generic medications for $4 for a 30-day supply.
Change your health insurance plan. If you have Medicare or any health insurance plan, you can update your plan during Open Enrollment. The prescription drug coverage varies among plans.
COVERED CALIFORNIA (aka OBAMACARE) and YOUR Rx
If you obtained health insurance through the Obamacare marketplace (Covered California), you can access additional Prescription Drug resources and changes for 2020 here:
CDC GUIDELINES DURING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Limit in-person visits to the pharmacy.
Plan to order and pick up all your prescriptions at the same time.
If possible, call prescription orders in ahead of time.
Use drive-thru windows, curbside services (wait in your car until the prescription is ready), mail-order, or other delivery services.
Do the same for pet medicine.
Check with your doctor and pharmacist to see if you can get a larger supply of your medicines so you do not have to visit the pharmacy as often.
BONUS TIPS: IT’S EASY TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS
(1) Check for discounts and coupons for your Rx, whether you have insurance or not, on sites such as https://www.goodrx.com/. They offer a downloadable app for your smartphone.
(2) If you're getting a new prescription, be sure to ask your doctor if you need prior authorization before you pick up the Rx at the pharmacy.
(3) Consider the Medicare Extra Help Program (for those who qualify). You can read more about that program here.
(4) The Medicine Assistance Tool is dedicated to reducing the confusion on accessing your medicines. They’re a search engine designed to help patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers:
WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR PRESCRIPTION DRUG MEDICATION
We sometimes forget the simple things.
Ask if there are any special instructions for taking the medicine, such as when to take the medicine (e.g. morning or night), and with or without food. Some medications shouldn't be taken together so be sure to ask about drug interactions.
Finally, ask what you should do if you accidentally miss a dose.
Be sure to contact your health insurance agent if you have questions on your current health plan prescription drug coverage. During open enrollment each year, you can change or upgrade your plan depending on your changing prescription and medical needs.