Years ago, you may have never thought twice about taking the medicine that your physician prescribed for you. So why should you have to after retirement? The pharmaceutical companies offer many assistance plans that enable you to receive the medicine you need without zapping all your income!
There are lots of people at retirement age that are living on a fixed income and cannot afford all of these high price medicines. Here are a few ways to help you save some money on your prescription.
When the physician starts writing out a prescription for you to have filled, ask him if he would have any samples that he could supply you with. There are several drug companies that distribute samples to their doctors so they can hand them out to their patients. So take advantage of this one way to save a few dollars.
Also, many doctors' offices participate in drug savings plans and can possibly supply all your medications at no cost or at a minimum $5 or $10 a month co-payment.
Always ask about this possibility. It has saved my aunt hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in medicine costs over the long haul.
Since many drugs are so expensive, the drug companies have now made some equivalent generic brand drugs. When you go to your pharmacy to get your next prescription filled, consider asking for the generic brand. This strategy alone can save up to 50% on your prescriptions.
Another good way to save some money on your medicines would be to use over the counter medications. Ask your physician or pharmacist if any over the counter drugs would be close to your prescription and if you could possibly use them instead. These medicines are normally cheaper.
Comparison shopping for medicines may seem odd, but you may want to try it the next time. Medicine prices vary greatly among chain stores. And believe it or not, sometimes those small local drug stores have the best prices! It pays to check it out.
These are just a few ways to cut the costs of prescription drugs. Never just quit taking your medication without discussing it with your physician first. That could do you more harm than good. If you still have money issues, then ask around about a discount drug program or ask your doctor if you might be able to split your medication and take less.
