The cost of buying prescription drugs can be a burden to many consumers especially those who are managing chronic diseases. With the cost of prescription drugs souring, consumers should look for ways in which they can limit the expenses and save their money.
There are various ways in which you can keep the cost down and ensure that you have some cash for other financial needs:
Consider Generic over Brand Name Drugs
The cost of brand name drugs is usually higher than the generic versions of the same. While the cost of generic drugs is going down, the price of the brand name drugs and particularly those, which do not have generic alternatives, tend to go up. Although most of the health plans as well as the PBM’s have been helping in switching members to use generic over brands, there is need for consumers to realize that generics can still function as effective as the brands. Seeking the advice of doctors over the appropriate generics to use can assist in lowering cost.
Consider Choosing a Plan with Additional Coverage in Times of Gap
Consumers can find plans that offer some additional coverage during the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap especially for the generics. However, consumers ought to understand that the plans with additional gap coverage could carry higher monthly premium payments. It is essential to check with the drug plan before you consider it to find out if your drugs could be covered in times of the gap.
Explore Local Charitable and Community-Based Programs
Such programs can considerably help you in saving your money that you have to spend on medicine. For example, the National Patient Advocate Foundation is one program that could assist you. You can search for similar foundations in your vicinity through the web and seek their assistance.
Eligibility for Medicare Part D
Those with Medicare coverage can consider finding out if they are eligible for Medicare Part D. This outpatient coverage plan was introduced in 2006 and it helps the beneficiaries who can choose about 2 or more prescription drug coverage plans to help in paying for the necessary treatment.
Negotiate on Drug Prices
Try to negotiate your drug prices at the pharmacy level. Consumers can try to negotiate with the pharmacists on the price of the drugs they are purchasing. If you discover that another pharmacy is offering drugs you are taking at a cheaper price, you need to tell your pharmacist. This way, you might be given some discount. Many pharmacies now offer patient assist programs that offer bigger discounts or even free drugs. You can check the website of the pharmaceutical company to see if they offer such assistance programs.
If you explore the different options of cutting back on cost of drugs, you can save some bucks. Before you opt for any over the counter drug-OTC, which has a lower price, discuss with your doctor. There are OTC drugs that could offer relief to common ailments like heartburn, constipation, allergies and more, and they could be cheaper than the prescription drugs.
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