Paying for prescription drugs can be a real stressor for many people. But, fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to get financial assistance and help with keeping these costs down.
If you are becoming burdened with these costs, here is what you can do:
Before you pay for your prescription, shop around at more than one pharmacy. You may find a huge difference in price from one pharmacy to another.
If you are told that you cannot get a price until the prescription is submitted to your insurer, you might want to tell the pharmacy to hold off while you contact the insurer. Some insurers offer resources online or by phone to do comparison shopping of medications. And, if the prescription gets billed to the insurer and you decide you that you want to purchase it elsewhere, you could run into some hassles.
Your pharmacist and doctor can also be great resources for letting you know about discount and prescription drug assistance programs. Do not be shy about asking for help. Many discount and assistance programs are available regardless of income.
You might also want to ask your doctor or pharmacist if a generic or another drug can be prescribed. Although brand names might be familiar, they can cost a lot more than a generic or other option.
If you are not in a hurry to fill your prescription, you might be able to save a few bucks by using a mail order service, especially if you are filling a three month supply.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also has some great information and resources on their website about how to make medication costs more affordable. For their site, click here.
