The cost of prescription drugs in the United States continues to climb. Still, there are
several relatively easy steps you can take to lower your out-of-pocket prescription expenses.
1. Begin with lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes may alleviate the symptoms for which you take prescription drugs. In the case of heartburn, for example, you can lessen symptoms if you quit smoking and reduce the caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate in your diet.Whether you have heartburn, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other conditions, ask your doctor about lifestyle changes that could reduce your symptoms and improve your overall health.
2. Understand your coverage
You may find ways to save money simply by understanding how your plan works. Learn what is and is not covered, as well as how copayments are structured. For example, many plans use a list of plan-preferred drugs. Using these medications instead of ones not on the list may also mean lower out-of-pocket costs for you.
3. Consider using generic drugs
Generics provide the same benefit as brand-name drugs. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, generic equivalents are the same as their brand-name counterparts in safety, quality, strength, and dosage. Generics can provide as much as 70 percent in savings versus brand-name drugs.*
* Talk to your doctor about generic alternatives that are available and appropriate for any brand-name drugs you may be taking.
4. Also consider other alternatives
Some conditions can be treated with less expensive over-the-counter (OTC) medications. For example, an affordable OTC heartburn medication may be just as effective for your condition as a more expensive prescription drug. Ask your doctor whether an OTC treatment is available and appropriate for you.
5. Try mail order
Consider using Medco By Mail for potential savings. If you take medications on an ongoing basis to treat conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, mail order can be a more affordable - and more convenient - way of getting your medications. For one thing, you'll pay only one mail-order co-payment for up to a 90-day supply. And standard shipping is always free.
6. Stay in the network
Medco networks with more than 50,000 retail and chain pharmacies across the country. When you use a participating retail pharmacy in your network, you receive your prescription drugs for a lower copayment. Remember to show your prescription drug ID card to be sure you receive your appropriate plan discounts.You can visit www.medco.com to search for a list of participating pharmacies near you.
7. Watch your refills
Some prescriptions include multiple refills. But having refills available does not necessarily mean you must use them - if you are being treated for a temporary condition or trying out a new medication, for example. After you finish one refill, you may want to consult your doctor about any changes in your condition. If you don't need the refills, you can avoid those extra copayments.
8. Ask about samples
If you are diagnosed with a new condition or trying a new prescribed therapy, ask your doctor about medication samples. Before writing a full prescription, many doctors will provide patients with samples at no cost to determine whether the medications are right for them.
9. Focus on your dosage
It may be less expensive to take one 20-milligram pill than to take two 10-milligram pills for the same effect. This practice works for many, but not all, medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about an alternative dosing schedule to find out whether higher-strength pills are an option that would treat you as effectively but potentially at a much lower cost.
10. Communicate with your doctor
Medco created My Rx Choices to help you pay the lowest possible cost for the medications you take on an ongoing basis. My Rx Choices helps your doctors by bringing lower-cost drug options to their attention.
