How to Cut Prescription Costs by Up to 80%

Nobody should have to choose between medicine and groceries, but plenty of people end up there. The good news is that the price you’re quoted at the pharmacy counter is often not the lowest price available. Depending on the drug, the right combination of generics, discount cards, price shopping and assistance programs can cut costs dramatically, sometimes by a lot. Here’s how to find your best price.

Important: Never stop, skip or split a medication to save money without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. There are safer ways to save.

1. Ask about generics and alternatives

Generic drugs contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name version and are usually much cheaper. If no generic exists for your drug, ask your doctor whether there’s a similar, less expensive medication that would work for you.

Questions to ask your doctor:

• “Is there a generic version of this?”
• “Is there an older or lower-cost drug in the same class that would work?”
• “Could I take a higher-strength pill fewer times a day?” (Sometimes a single higher dose costs less than multiple lower ones. Only your prescriber can say if this is right for you.)
• “Do you have any free samples?”

2. Compare prices between pharmacies

Prescription prices can vary a lot from one pharmacy to another, even in the same neighborhood. Big-box stores, warehouse clubs and grocery store pharmacies sometimes have noticeably lower cash prices. Many offer low-cost generic lists for common medications. Call around, or use a price-comparison tool before filling a prescription.

3. Try a prescription discount card

Free prescription discount cards and apps can lower the cash price at many pharmacies. They’re not insurance, but they can sometimes beat your insurance copay. A few things to know:

• They’re generally free. You should never pay a monthly fee for a basic discount card.
• Prices vary by pharmacy, so compare.
• If you use a discount card instead of insurance, that purchase may not count toward your insurance deductible. Ask your pharmacist.
• If you have Medicare or Medicaid, ask your pharmacist how using a discount card affects your coverage.

4. Ask your pharmacist the magic question

Pharmacists often know tricks that save money, and they’re usually happy to help. A 90-day supply can cost less per pill than three 30-day fills.

5. Consider mail-order pharmacies

If you take a medication long term, your insurance plan’s mail-order pharmacy may offer a lower price for a 90-day supply. Some reputable online pharmacies also offer low transparent cash prices on generics. Only use a licensed pharmacy that requires a prescription.

6. Look into patient assistance programs

Many drug manufacturers run patient assistance programs that provide medicine at low or no cost to people who qualify based on income and insurance status. Brand-name drugs also often have manufacturer copay coupons for people with commercial insurance. NeedyMeds is a nonprofit that helps you search for these programs for free.

7. Use programs for your situation

• Medicare: If you’re on Medicare, review your drug plan every year during open enrollment. Plans change, and a different one may cover your drugs for less. You may also qualify for Extra Help with drug costs. Check Medicare.gov and SSA.gov for current rules.
• Community health centers: Federally funded health centers charge on a sliding scale based on income, and many offer discounted prescriptions. Find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
• Health insurance: If you’ve lost job-based coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or Medicaid. Visit HealthCare.gov.
• Veterans: Eligible veterans may get prescriptions through VA health care. See VA.gov.

Keep a simple price log

Write down each medication, the pharmacy, what you paid and how. Prices change, so check again every few months or whenever your insurance or plan changes. It takes a few minutes and can save real money over a year.

This is general information, not financial, legal or medical advice.