Money Savers: Prescriptions
By: Wendy Suares, KARK 4 News
Updated: September 27, 2012
A trip to the pharmacy can often be an expensive one. But there are ways to save cash on your prescriptions.
Pharmacists will tell you the easiest way to save on your prescription drugs is to ask for a generic. It can save you 80 to 90%.
"More times than not, there is something in that class that has a generic that can be cheaper," said pharmacist Aubrey Harton, co-owner of Cornerstone Pharmacy - Chenal.
You might be able to skip the pharmacy counter all together. Popular meds for acid-reflux and allergies can now be picked up without a prescription. They're certainly worth a try first.
Harton said, "Instead of paying for something behind the counter that may be more expensive, we can always recommend something over the counter."
It pays to comparison shop. Check prices at both big-box and local pharmacies.
Also check out your employer's Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which allow you to pay for your meds pre-tax.
You might consider getting your drugs through mail order, an option most health insurance carriers now offer. Often you can get several months of medications with a reduced co-pay.
When it comes to finding ways to save on prescriptions, your pharmacist is often your best resource.
"They're easy to get a hold of, easy to talk to, and they know what's out there and what's available," said Harton. "They may have to call your doctor, but they can do that for you."
Pharmacists will tell you the easiest way to save on your prescription drugs is to ask for a generic. It can save you 80 to 90%.
"More times than not, there is something in that class that has a generic that can be cheaper," said pharmacist Aubrey Harton, co-owner of Cornerstone Pharmacy - Chenal.
You might be able to skip the pharmacy counter all together. Popular meds for acid-reflux and allergies can now be picked up without a prescription. They're certainly worth a try first.
Harton said, "Instead of paying for something behind the counter that may be more expensive, we can always recommend something over the counter."
It pays to comparison shop. Check prices at both big-box and local pharmacies.
Also check out your employer's Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which allow you to pay for your meds pre-tax.
You might consider getting your drugs through mail order, an option most health insurance carriers now offer. Often you can get several months of medications with a reduced co-pay.
When it comes to finding ways to save on prescriptions, your pharmacist is often your best resource.
"They're easy to get a hold of, easy to talk to, and they know what's out there and what's available," said Harton. "They may have to call your doctor, but they can do that for you."
