A recent survey has revealed that prescription medication is one of the major players in medically-related financial hardship.
Most participants indicated that they incurred around $20,000 annually for out-of-pocket costs related to prescribed drugs.
Are you one of those people who can no longer afford their costly prescription medications? Have you thought about going without these drugs and hoping for the best?
Rather consider these safe alternatives to paying top dollar for your prescription medications first.
Try Safe Alternatives to Your Branded Medication
Many of the most commonly prescribed medications have generic alternatives available at a fraction of the price. These cheaper medicines have the same active ingredient and produce the same results.
Your doctor is always your first port of call when it comes to anything related to your health. Speak to them about suitable generic medication that could help you with your malady.
You could save more than fifty percent on the medication you need by opting for a generic version. Are you wondering why generic medications are so cheap? It’s not because of their inferior quality.
Scientists spend years and millions of dollars creating medications for all ailments and the price of these originals reflects these expenses.
Once the patents for these medicines expire, manufacturers can piggyback on the existing knowledge to produce their versions more affordably.
The FDA tests these generic medicines as stringently as any other.
Actively Search for Savings
If there isn’t a generic version of your particular medication available, there are still other ways to save. With a little research, you can unearth huge discounts on prescription medications.
These are the three main ones:
Pharmacy Savings Cards
You can save up to 80% with prescription discount cards. They’re free and easy to use, and you can search for them and sign up for them online.
You simply enter the medication you need and adjust the dosage and quantity according to your prescription. Once you’ve completed your application you can compare prices at competing pharmacies and download the card you want.
Each time you present your discount card at the relevant pharmacy, you’ll receive a discount.
Coupons
New drugs are often available only in their brand-name form. In many cases, drug manufacturers will offer coupons to certain people as long as they meet the necessary criteria.
These qualifications are simple and usually include nothing more than holding insurance and providing your medical information.
To win business in a competitive industry, some retail pharmacies offer coupons for customers who fill prescriptions with them. For instance, you could get an in-store gift card when you visit a pharmacy for the first time.
Prescription Assistance
PAPs are specifically designed for people who can’t afford the medication they need. There are several of these offered by different entities, such as:
- Drug manufacturers
- Local or state governments
- Non-profit organizations
To qualify, you’ll need to prove financial need or that an insurance plan has denied you access to their services.
Try Something Different
Newer versions of drugs treating similar conditions always cost more. Speak to your doctor about trying a different version of the same drug if you can’t afford the one they prescribe.
If you’re struggling to afford your medication, a heart to heart with your doctor could be the answer to your solutions. If you don’t speak up, your doctor will assume everything’s okay.
Sometimes old standbys like statins and penicillin will do the job just as well as fancy new brand-name medications.
Change Your Script
Often, larger quantities of the same drug cost less per pill than the usual 30-day prescription. Ask your doctor if they can prescribe a 60- or 90-day prescription instead.
You’ll benefit from paying less per pill, plus you’ll need to fill your prescription less often.
Try Shopping Online
You can easily get affordable online prescriptions from online Canadian pharmacies. It’s legal to acquire your medication this way and you’ll save vast amounts on both generic and branded medicines.
Many of these pharmacies also offer a host of discounts, loyalty programs, and free deliveries to help you save even more. Some will even price-match and beat prices from competitors.
It’s crucial to shop carefully when you decide to get your medications this way. Always choose an outlet that works only with registered pharmacies.
Ask Your Pharmacist For Help
It’s part of a pharmacist’s job to help you get the best medical care. Never hesitate to ask them for help when it comes to getting cheaper medication. There are several ways they can assist you, namely:
- Offering an in-house discount
- Asking your doctor to prescribe a cheaper alternative
- Suitable over-the-counter alternatives
- Advice on whether to pay cash or stick with your insurance
- Discounts and mailing services on a 60- or 90- day supply
Pharmacists are a valuable free source of information and assistance when it comes to getting the medications you need.
If your doctor agrees with their suggestions, they can send through a new prescription in minutes. So, you’ll walk out of the pharmacy with a cheaper solution to your problems.
Don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with your pharmacist.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
One of the best ways to save on expensive drugs is to avoid the need for them in the first place. Our blog features many affordable and safe alternatives to drugs that can help you say fit and healthy.
Keep browsing for more tips on how to safeguard your health and enjoy all that life has to offer.
