How to Save Money on Prescription Medications

Author: Harvard Health Publications
Published: 2014/02/09 - Updated: 2020/12/09
Topic: Pharmaceuticals - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Information on ways you can save money on your prescription medication needs. One way to find lower-cost medications is by joining a prescription assistance program. These may provide free medications or offer vouchers and coupons.

Introduction

Sometimes one can find better prices on prescription drugs by simply doing a little digging. Comparison shopping, Internet price finders, and manufacturer assistance programs can help.

Main Item

When it comes to saving money on prescription medications, the local pharmacy may not have the best deal, reports the February 2014 Harvard Health Letter.

"A little digging is all it takes to find out," says Laura Carr, a pharmacist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. For people who have to pay the full cost of their medications, or who have a high copay, shopping around is worth it.

Drug Store Deals

Deals can sometimes be found simply by calling a few nearby pharmacies for price checks before dropping off a prescription. Some pharmacies get their drugs from a wholesaler, which has purchased the drugs from the manufacturer. But other pharmacies are able to buy directly from the manufacturer, cut out the middleman, and offer lower prices. As a result, the drug store on one corner may sell a particular medication at a lower price than the store on the opposite corner.

Supermarket Drugs

Big box stores and some grocery chains may also have lower prices. Such stores offer 30- and 90-day supplies of dozens of generic drugs for as little as $4 to $10. A list of covered medications should be available from the in-store pharmacy.

Drug Prescription Assistance Program

Another way to find lower-cost medications is by joining a prescription assistance program. These may provide free medications or offer vouchers and coupons.

Using a free, Internet-based prescription price finder can also help. All that's required is a ZIP code and medication name. Type those into a search box, and the search engine will display the drug's retail price at all nearby pharmacies.

Also in the February 2014 issue of the Harvard Health Letter:

• Do air purifiers help ease breathing.
• Ward off dementia by lowering blood sugar.
• Gentle exercises to strengthen core muscles and improve balance.

"Saving money on your prescription medications" (goo.gl/IDVKqB)

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Harvard Health Publications and published on 2014/02/09, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, Harvard Health Publications can be contacted at +1 (617) 432-4716 NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.