There are few things that burn a hole in the pocket of the aging American faster than prescription medication. According to Express Scripts, a pharmacy-benefits management company, the average American’s drug costs are $1,370 annually. Among the 31.5 million insured Americans, that cost dropped to only $185. While this figure highlights the importance of being insured for drug costs, either through a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan or a private insurance company, let’s explore some of the other options you can use to save on your medications and refills:
Sometimes, it’s just free!
Did you know that Publix pharmacy will fill some of the most commonly prescribed medications absolutely free, just for being a customer? As part of Publix’s Free Medication Program, Publix will fill up to 90-day supplies at a time of amlodipine (generic Norvasc), lisinopril (generic Prinivil) or metformin (generic Glucophage) in addition to a 14-day supply of some of the most common antibiotics (amoxicillin, ampicillin, penicillin, ciprofloxacin, etc.). Ask your local Publix pharmacist or go to publix.com for more details.
Take advantage of store’s pharmacy programs
Programs like Walmart’s $4 generic prescription program can help you significantly reduce your drug costs. 100s of generics are only $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. Ask your Walmart pharmacist or go to walmart.com for the complete list of eligible medications. Many other retailers, such as Walgreens, offer similar programs.
Check out GoodRx
While prescription savings cards have been around for years, GoodRx is different. Through either the smartphone app or website, goodrx.com, you can search your medications and find the closest pharmacy to you where the drug is cheapest using their prescription coupons. All you have to do is print out your savings card from the website or pull it up on your smartphone and show it to your pharmacist to potentially save $100s annually on your prescriptions! Even if you’re insured, give it a go. GoodRx coupon prices can sometimes be even lower than your insured prices.
Fill 90-day instead of 30
If your doctor prescribes your medication in increments of 30-day supplies with two refills, ask your pharmacy to fill a 90-day supply. Pharmacies usually charge less per dose when filling a larger order.
If you really can’t afford your medications, try RxAssist
RxAssist helps connect patients who can’t afford their medication to patient assistance programs run by pharmaceutical companies that provide free or reduced-price medication to those in financial need. For more information, go to rxassist.org.