6 Ways to Save On Medication Purchases

Updated on December 7, 2021

US citizens spend more money on prescription drugs than anyone else in the world. Although healthcare in the US is quite expensive that doesn’t change the fact that Americans purchase a lot of pills. Young and healthy people may not care much about this issue, but if they’re diagnosed with a chronic condition and need pricey medication, the costs can add up fast. Thankfully, there are ways you can save on medication if you know the right ways.

Below we’ll share some of the ways citizens can save on medication purchases.

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Look for discount coupons

One way to save money on a specific medication is to seek out reliable online drugs coupons and discount cards. Some companies can help uninsured patients find the best-discounted prices. Also, those with insurance can save money with these savings coupons. You can take the discount coupons to the pharmacist and purchase the medication at a lower price.

Make sure your pharmacists accept these types of purchases before you go over there. Keep in mind that coupons may not be accepted for some controlled substances like anxiety or opioid pain medications. You’ll still need a valid prescription from your healthcare provider to use some discount coupons.

Compare prices

Companies that offer discount coupons also allow for people to compare prices for their medication so they can get the best offer. Note that discount prices can change over time so make sure you check with your pharmacist to ensure you’re getting the best pricing.

Patients don’t usually know how much new medicine costs, so you might want to search your prescription online and find the pharmacies in your area with the best prices. Comparing prices can help you cut costs, especially if it’s about a prescription you’ll need regularly. Nowadays it’s easy since many online services offer a search tool that allows people to easily compare prices to identify the best one.

Shop online

The great thing about online pharmacies is that they offer a more competitive price for some drugs. Shopping and comparing the cost of a drug at several different pharmacies can help you find the lowest price. Remember, you should always purchase from a verified online pharmacy that requires a prescription.

The VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) offers a digital verification showing whether a pharmacy upholds laws and standards which ensures that the customers get high-quality prescription drugs. Although it might be tempting to save money on medications, always make sure to purchase from a reliable website.

Use generic drugs

Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs and are approved as safe and effective by the FDA. Brand-name drugs tend to be more expensive due to their lengthy drug development process. Once the patent expires, other manufacturers can produce the medication which drives the price down.

Generic drugs are the same drug only they cost less money which is quite convenient for people who want to save on medication. Remember to ask your healthcare provider for a generic option or a similar and less expensive medicine. Note that not all drugs are available generically.

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Patient Assistance Programs

PAPs exist to support those who cannot afford the required medication. They’re run by drug companies and provide free or low-cost prescriptions to uninsured people. Note that not all pharmaceutical companies have PAPs. These programs require an application and the amount of information you share can vary, but all of them require a doctor’s signature.

Some programs send the medication to the patient’s home while others send it to the doctor’s office. Very few send the medication to the pharmacy. Although these programs may not be the best solution to the problem of not being able to pay for medication, they surely help.

90-day supply

Some medications are available in a 90-day supply through your local pharmacy or your insurance company’s pharmacy plan. The 90-day supply plan reduces the price and adds convenience. For example, you can order a 3-month supply of medicine you take regularly, instead of having to refill every 30 days.

According to a study, buying in bulk cuts costs up to 29%. But, if you’re starting on a new medication, you might want to start with a regular 30-day supply to see if you can tolerate the drugs. Once you’re sure, you can move to the 90-day supply for less cost and more convenience.

In closing

It’s always great to find a good plan to save money on medication, but don’t skip doses or buy them from a non-verified pharmacy. Ask your healthcare provider for a less expensive and better option of taking prescription drugs, and make sure you follow their instructions. Always put your health first!   

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.