Multiple Prescriptions? Ways to Help Seniors Save Money on Meds

Filling prescriptions has been a predicament for millions of Americans over the years. As drug prices continue to hike, many don't fill their prescriptions simply because they cannot afford them anymore. Sometimes, they’d rather spend their money on food than pay for costly prescription drugs, and no one can blame them for that. 

That is especially true to seniors with underlying medical conditions. If you or a family member takes routine medication for a chronic illness, the soaring prices of medications must be even more devastating. Skipping them has, multiple times, proven fatal to the elderly. 

To help alleviate this drug price dilemma, here are some practical strategies you can employ to get your prescriptions at a cheap or lesser cost. 

Get To Know Your Insurance

If you have insurance, you must first take the time to review the details of your plan's design, as they may change from year to year. By knowing the basics, such as monthly premiums, medication coverage, and deductible amount, you can better make a more informed decision. Note that some insurance providers may have restrictions on your choice of pharmacies. 

It's also important to equip yourself about your co-pay and the out-of-pocket cost of your prescriptions so you can find out which option gives you more savings. Sometimes, skipping your insurance helps you save a more substantial amount. 

Price Check Your Prescription

Most people assume that medication prices are the same in all pharmacies. They think that it doesn't matter wherever they buy their prescriptions. Thus, consumers tend to go to the nearest pharmacy because it's much more convenient. They don't know that drug prices can differ by as much as ten times from one pharmacy to another. 

If you want to get your prescriptions cheaper, you should conduct a price check. The following are the things you can do to make this possible. 

Check Local and Independent Pharmacies

When shopping around for your prescriptions, don't forget to check on local and independent pharmacies. Their prescription drug prices can be lower compared to big-box pharmacies, supermarkets, and mass merchandisers. Although there are some generics that independents can't compete with, the majority of them are cheaper. 

Look Over Online Pharmacies

The internet allows a lot of bargains, you just have to know how to look for them. Cheaper medications are available at online pharmacies. However, you have to be more careful as there might be some rogue online pharmacies that offer low-cost but potentially dangerous prescription drugs. The seniors, who are not acquainted with technology, have higher chances of falling for them. If you're filling your prescriptions online, make sure that the pharmacy you choose has the license to operate. 

Utilize Web-Based Comparison Tool

To check the price of your prescriptions, you can do it like old school by visiting different pharmacies. But going around is not always very easy for the seniors. There are easy ways to shop around without having to leave your home. You can utilize a web-based comparison tool to compare prices for prescription drugs at your local pharmacies. This is another of the many reliefs available on the internet. 

Maximize Prescription Discounts

Prescription drug manufacturers often offer discount and assistance programs to help make high-priced medications affordable for the economically vulnerable. If you want to make a significant difference in your prescription costs, make the most of every discount opportunity you can get in the market. 

How can I save money on prescription drugs?

Use Reliable Discount Coupons

Discount coupons are one of the tools that most consumers use to save cash on their costly prescriptions. They can help you save for as much as 80% percent on your prescriptions. But though they are usually easy to obtain, you need to watch out for some deceptive marketing tactics. Therefore, see to it that you're using reliable ones like the Buzz RX discount coupons. 

How do I get financial help for medication?

There are assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies, state governments, or nonprofit institutions. You may try to apply to any of them to see if you're eligible. Although each program varies in the eligibility requirements, they will definitely assess your financial situation and prescription costs. If you qualify, you can get it for free or at a lower cost. 

Communicate With Your Doctor

Doctors may not always discuss your prescriptions' costs because they often don't know about it. But as a patient, it is essential to communicate with your doctor about financial concerns. They may not be able to control drug prices, but they can help you explore several options that will lower your medication costs. 

You may try to do the following before you go out of your doctor's office. 

●    Ask your doctor if your prescription has a generic equivalent. 
●    If you're taking routine medication, try to request your doctor to write you a 90-day prescription. 
●    If you're trying on a new prescription, you may inquire about free prescription drug samples from your doctor. 
●    Consider asking your doctor if it's possible and safe to do pill splitting on your medication. 

Takeaway 

Your body would require more medication as you age. No matter how expensive your prescription is, always remember that skipping it can bring more harm to your body. It may even cost you more money in the end. If you don't want to find yourself in a more difficult situation, you must put your health on top of your priorities.