Saturday, July 10, 2010

Save a Bundle on Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs can and often are the largest medical expense in numerous households. I don't think anyone objects to drug companies continuing to study and develop drugs that can enhance our high quality of life or even extend our lives. However, no 1 wants to pay much more than they need to for their prescription medications.

Most people can conserve 50% or more on their prescriptions if they take a couple of additional steps and research their options. Being a smart shopper and plus a little insider-information can assist you get the most for you medical dollar. Whether you've medical drug coverage or pay for your prescriptions out of pocket, you are able to learn a few techniques in order to conserve a buck or three on your next refill.

The very first tip is to price shop. internet prescription drugs costs often vary as much as 25% from one pharmacy to one more just down the street. Do not assume that the big name superstores or medication chains hold a lock on low prices. Numerous smaller shops seek out drug wholesalers and pass these savings onto you, the customer, in order to get you into their shops where you will most likely pick up additional items you require.

Do a little homework and find out if the medication store offers a discount 'valued customer' program. These VIP subscriptions sometimes are free of charge and some charge a nominal fee and then provide substantial discounts, refunds, coupons or other incentives to shop in their store. On the surface, you medication cost may be higher than one more shop that does not provide a loyalty program but when you consider the overall advantages and savings, you can come out well ahead on 1 of these style provides.

Purchase On the internet

There's the potential that you simply can save a bundle by shopping for your prescription drugs online. On the internet medication retailers and wholesalers have a much lower operation expense and can offer 20% to 60% savings, sometimes even much more. This requires some time to study and will likely be of more benefit to those who have ongoing prescription needs or have a chronic condition which will need long-term drug treatment. Just be sure that you simply purchase from domestic providers that display the Verified Internet Pharmacy Provider Site (VIPPS) seal.

Buy Older Drugs

This does not mean expiring drugs, just older in terms of having been around for a while. Avoid new trendy drugs as these are usually the most costly options. Unless there's a compelling reason to move to a new medication that does something that no other medication can do, opt for the less-expensive choice. Occasionally new drugs are just a combination of two or more older drugs. Buying them separately could be substantially much less costly that the new mixture.

Buy In Quantity

Generally, buying a 90-day or 180-day supply will be a lot less expensive per day than purchasing in smaller quantity. Ask your doctor if you can get a larger refill prescription if you are taking an ongoing medication regiment.

Go Generic

This might be obvious but drugs whose patent has expired can be manufactured by others and this will lower the price of the drug substantially. Usually ask your doctor or your pharmacist if a generic-equivalent is available. This can truly drop your prescription drug bills.