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August 2006 
Saving on Perscription Drugs
Posted on Aug 14th, 2006
by 
Michelle
Michelle
Some simple tips on how you can save as much as 50% (and maybe more in some cases) on your perscription drugs are:
1. Talk to your doctor. Be upfront with your financial situation. Most physicians got into medince because they like helping people. If the physician is aware of your financial situation, he may be able to perscribe a medication that is more economical for you.
2. Ask for the Generic Drugs. Ask your doctor if there is a generic equivalent or an over-the-counter medication that may meet your needs. Keep in mind that when a patent on a brand name drug expires, other pharmaceutical companies can make the drug, which creates competition and drives the prices down. These drugs are required to have the same active ingredient as the brand name; however, they are not required to have the same inactive ingredients.
3. Check you health insurance plan. Check to be sure you plan covers pharmaceuticals, the co-payments, and if their is a maximum amount the plan will pay per year for pharmaceuticals. Also, be sure you investigate what drugs are covered as well as the drugstores that accept this plan. If you need a perscription that is not covered, your physician may be able to request an exception by filling out a form. Unfortunetly, some HMOs may have you go through an appeal process.
4. Compare drug stores. Shop around for a pharmacy that offers the best price for your needs. You may be surprise to find your perscriptions prices vary from one pharmacy to another. Call a few pharmacies (wholesale and retail) ahead of time and ask them if they have the perscriptions available, compare the prices with and without your insurance, and check online. You might be surprised to find a drug store running a special promotion on a popular drug.
Simple cost saving tips like these and more can be located in "Healthcare for Less," which is available at all major bookstores and online at http://www.amazon.com/.
1. Talk to your doctor. Be upfront with your financial situation. Most physicians got into medince because they like helping people. If the physician is aware of your financial situation, he may be able to perscribe a medication that is more economical for you.
2. Ask for the Generic Drugs. Ask your doctor if there is a generic equivalent or an over-the-counter medication that may meet your needs. Keep in mind that when a patent on a brand name drug expires, other pharmaceutical companies can make the drug, which creates competition and drives the prices down. These drugs are required to have the same active ingredient as the brand name; however, they are not required to have the same inactive ingredients.
3. Check you health insurance plan. Check to be sure you plan covers pharmaceuticals, the co-payments, and if their is a maximum amount the plan will pay per year for pharmaceuticals. Also, be sure you investigate what drugs are covered as well as the drugstores that accept this plan. If you need a perscription that is not covered, your physician may be able to request an exception by filling out a form. Unfortunetly, some HMOs may have you go through an appeal process.
4. Compare drug stores. Shop around for a pharmacy that offers the best price for your needs. You may be surprise to find your perscriptions prices vary from one pharmacy to another. Call a few pharmacies (wholesale and retail) ahead of time and ask them if they have the perscriptions available, compare the prices with and without your insurance, and check online. You might be surprised to find a drug store running a special promotion on a popular drug.
Simple cost saving tips like these and more can be located in "Healthcare for Less," which is available at all major bookstores and online at http://www.amazon.com/.
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