We’ve all been there. Tho doctor writes a prescription and then we experience sticker shock at the pharmacy!
In some cases, the price is the price, but sometimes you have options. Here are my favorite ways to save money at the pharmacy.
Ask for larger prescription quantities
As with other products, buying your prescriptions in bulk can save you money in the long run. Rather than purchasing a 30-day quantity of your meds, ask whether your provider can write a prescription for a 90-day supply instead. Not only will you save time and effort, the cost is typically lower for the larger amount.
Buy in bulk
Along those lines, if you’re buying OTC items that you go through quickly, like pain reliever or vitamins, it can make sense to buy those in larger quantities at a big box store, wholesale club, or on Amazon. Before purchasing, calculate how long it will take you to finish the bottle – you don’t want those pills sitting around too long just to save some money.
Most wholesales clubs, like Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club, have pharmacies. If you’re buying your OTC medicines in bulk, pop by the pharmacy and compare prices of your prescription medicines.
Go generic
Brand names are not your only prescription option. When a doctor prescribes a medication, ask whether a generic version is available – more often than not, it is. FDA-approved generic drugs have the same dose, strength, and quality and they are always cheaper than the brand name.
Ask for samples & coupons
If your doctor is prescribing you something for an ailment, ask if they have samples on hand. Samples are free and are a good way to a) make sure the medicine works for you and b) could be anything from a tiny trial size to a full size. While you’re at it, ask your doctor if she or he has any coupons for the drug they are prescribing.
Shop around
A little research goes a long way. Call your local pharmacies, grocery stores, and big-box stores to compare medication costs. You’ll find that many pharmacies have a selection of common prescriptions at a low price point (for example, Costco offers discounted prescriptions, and Walmart offers $4 prescriptions on popular meds.)
Also, you can use apps and sites like WebMDRx, RxSaver, GoodRx, and SingleCare to compare medication prices at pharmacies in your area.
Use a prescription discount card
Prescription discount memberships can be a money-saving resource when filling your prescriptions. Most are free or low cost.
GoodRx is among the most popular and using their program is a breeze. Simply download the GoodRx app, or visit GoodRx.com, and search your prescription by name (brand or generic), dosage, and quantity. You’ll then be directed to a price comparison screen where you can choose from pharmacies near you. When you visit the pharmacy, just let them know you’re using a discount program and give them the code provided by GoodRx.
There’s also SingleCare, Blink Health and RXSaver.
Check out manufacturer savings programs
Drug manufacturers will sometimes offer copay cards for brand-name drugs that have no generic option. These usually are available to those with insurance, but not always. If your doctor doesn’t bring up this option when prescribing your meds, don’t be afraid to ask! In some cases, these savings programs can offer 100 percent savings, meaning a totally free prescription for you!
Online pharmacies
Online pharmacies, like Amazon Pharmacy and Mark Cuban’s new Cost Plus Drug Company can be less expensive since they typically operate with less overhead expenses. If you’re shopping around for the best prices, don’t count this option out. It’s also much more convenient to receive your meds via mail as opposed to picking them up from a traditional pharmacy.
Amazon Pharmacy: Amazon Pharmacy is one of Amazon’s newer ventures. They deliver to all 50 US states and Washington, DC, they accept most insurance plans, and if you don’t have insurance but are a Prime member, there are affordable options available to you at over 6,000 pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid.
Their prescription and OTC medications are sourced from US wholesalers registered with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Amazon Pharmacy has convenient fee-free features, like automatic refills, coupons, and access to your prescriptions info all in one place. Some common medications are only $5/month through Amazon’s RX Pass program, and there are add-ons you can check out, like PillPack (daily packs of your meds). I have not tried this service yet, but at first glance, they have a broad selection of prescriptions at discounted pricing.
Cost Plus Drug Company: Mark Cuban created this platform to offer an alternative to traditional pharmacies and to offer price transparency for pharmaceuticals. This platform can be a good option if you don’t have health insurance or if you have a high-deductible plan.
You can search for your medications by name on the site and pricing, dosages, and quantities are quickly provided. All medications are priced the same way with Cost Plus’s cost + 15 percent + any pharmacy fee. I searched a few family RX’s and couldn’t find what I was looking for, but knowing Mark Cuban, this business will expand rapidly so be sure to check back if your experience is the same.
Use pharmacy rewards programs
Pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and others have rewards programs where you can earn points for dollars spent. Sign up and reap the rewards – but be sure to read the fine print. Some of these programs have a different points system for money spent on prescriptions.
Health insurance isn’t always cheaper
You would assume that prescription co-pays through your health insurance are less than what you’d pay out of pocket – but not always. It’s worth comparing the out-of-pocket price to the price of using your co-pay, especially if you have a coupon or are using a prescription discount card. Ask the pharmacy cashier if they wouldn’t mind pricing it out both ways for you. And remember online services, like the Amazon Pharmacy or Cost Plus Drug Company that I mentioned above.
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