This post is sponsored by Optum Perks, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Did you know that before this work-at-home-mom blog gig, that I used to work as a pharmacy technician? I’ve worked everything from retail pharmacy to hospital pharmacy to making IV’s for patients throughout the hospital. In that time, I dealt with a lot of different insurance issues and especially felt the frustration that many feel when it comes to the cost of their prescription medications.

I remember vividly an occasion where a mom was trying to fill an asthma (breathing) medication for her child. The copay for this prescription was extraordinarily high and the mom looked crushed. I stood there as she contemplated what to do and watched as she took half the items out of her cart in order to be able to pay for her daughters prescription. Seeing patients having to face these hard choices were always so uncomfortable and we’d do our best to find ways to lower their costs and save money when possible.

When it comes to saving money on prescription medications, there are some simple steps that you can take to cut costs on your medications. I’m sharing a few things that you can do to save money when it comes to prescription medication costs.

How To Save Money on Prescription Medications:

Ask For Generic

While not all medications are available as generics, many of them are and switching to generic medications can save a ton of money! When getting prescriptions from your doctor, be sure to let them know that you’d prefer generics when possible. Surprisingly, some over the counter medications (OTCs) can even be more affordable to purchase with a prescription than over the counter (not all insurance companies will cover OTC items – check your policy). Another note, sometimes a 90 day supply can be more affordable than a 30 day supply on certain medications. If you take a medicine regularly or long-term (like high blood pressure medications or birth control), a 90 day supply may save you money in the long run.

If the medication you need is only available as a brand, check into using prescription savings cards, like Optum Perks, or see if the medication has a patient assistance program to help lower the costs.

Use Optum Perks

Optum Perks Prescription Coupons are a great option for saving money. Optum Perks offers free discounts on almost every FDA-approved medication, even without insurance! In some instances, you can save up to 80% on your prescriptions with the use of this discount card.

Optum Perks has no memberships or fees and you can easily get a card on their site where you can print a card, have it emailed to you or even sent by text message. Optum Perks can be used at over 64,000+ pharmacies nationwide (including popular choices such as Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, RiteAid, Kroger, etc.).

You can check the costs of your rx saving with Optum Perks on their site in 3 easy steps:

    1. Search: Search their database to find discounts on thousands of prescription drugs.
    2. Find: Locate pharmacies nearby so you always get the best deal where it’s convenient for you.
    3. Save: Print, email or text your coupon card and present it to your pharmacist to receive your prescription discount.

*Prices are subject to change over time.

Check The Price Without Insurance

Oddly, sometimes you prescription costs can be cheaper without using your prescription insurance. Many pharmacies now offer many generic medications for a lower cost than what your copay would be.

Shop Around

If you are pay cash for medications instead of a copay, shop around to see the different costs at pharmacies. There can be a wide range of prices on medications depending on where you have your prescription filled. If you are on multiple medications, it is recommended to have all your prescriptions filled at one pharmacy so the pharmacist can be aware of any potential interactions that drugs may have or allergies.

Talk To Your Doctor

If you find that you cannot afford your medications, talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist. Always let them know if you are unable to fill a prescription due to cost as your doctor may be able to provide samples or switch you to a similar medication that has a lower cost.


 

Medical Disclaimer: The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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