These days, we're all trying to get our healthcare needs met in the most efficient ways possible. We've consulted top pharmacists from around the country to get their tips on how to save money on meds, the best times to visit, and more.
1. Ask me for lower-cost alternatives
"These days there are lots of excellent choices of certain medications at significantly different prices, and these choices may also be reimbursed by your health plan at different rates," says Nancy Davis, RPh, pharmacy manager at a Walgreens in Glencoe, IL. This includes brand-name drugs as well as generic medications. Your pharmacist (or you) can call your doctor to come up with the most affordable option. However, Davis adds, "in certain cases your doctor may want you to go with a newer, more expensive medication because it can get you back on the road to recovery more quickly."
2. Join a discount program
"Many pharmacies offer programs that can save you 20% to 90% on generic drugs. These programs may not necessarily be publicized, so ask!" advises Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, a pharmacist at a Walgreens in New York City. Walmart and Target offer hundreds of generics at $4 a month. Walgreens and CVS charge a small annual fee for similar savings on generics, and some independent pharmacies offer competitive prices.
3. Get the coupons
"If you're on a brand-name medication and you haven't looked to see if there's a coupon, you may be missing out on some serious savings," says Ryan Frerichs, PharmD, of Meyer Health Mart Pharmacy in Waverly, IA. "Many manufacturers have a coupon program you can sign up for that will save you $10 to $50 a month on one drug." Go to the Web and type in "coupon" and the drug name, suggests Davis, or ask your pharmacist to check online for you. Doctors and pharmacies also receive coupons from drug reps, so ask if they have any, Davis says. "But don't bother looking for generic medication coupons," Dr. Frerichs adds. "They don't exist."
4. You may be covered for OTC products
"A lot of insurers pay for certain over-the-counter drugs, sometimes with no copay," says Lisa Faast, PharmD, owner of Faast Pharmacy in Bakersfield, CA. Also, your pharmacist can ask your doctor for a prescription for such items as diabetic test strips, which are almost always covered, says Dr. Frerichs. To check your coverage, call the number on your insurance card.
5. Fill all your prescriptions at one pharmacy
"You may see several different doctors, who may not know all the drugs and supplements you're taking," says Dr. Woodcock. "If I have your whole history, I can make sure everything is compatible and safe." Chain and many independent pharmacies have computer systems that red-flag any possible interactions. "But I still look through your profile for every prescription I sell," says Dr. Woodcock.
6. Consult me on OTC drugs, too
"I see people contemplating boxes in the aisle for 20 minutes," says Dr. Frerichs. "With all the health information on the Internet, people get paralysis by analysis, trying to make the 'right' choice. In reality, on all those shelves of cold remedies, there are only about 10 different ingredients. The pharmacist can hear your symptoms and recommend a product immediately."
7. Time your visit right
The busiest times at pharmacies vary by location, but a few guidelines seem to apply. "Tuesday through Thursday are less busy, so your wait will be shorter and the pharmacist can spend more time with you," says Dr. Faast. What time of day is best? "Between 10 A.M. and noon and 2 and 4 P.M.," says Dr. Woodcock. Also, try not to come in on the first of the month, suggests Dr. Faast. "That's when some people get paid and Medicaid benefits are renewed."
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