Comments on: How I Save Money on Prescription Medication

By: Delia

Delia — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:42:54 +0000

Everyone has to watch out for themselves. No-one else is going to take care of you. Even folks with insurance should pay attention. If you’ve got a $10 co-pay on a generic ask what the cash price is because it might be less than $10!! Don’t pay more than you need to. Do some research. It’s YOUR money.

By: Lily

Lily — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:42:19 +0000

It takes great courage to question the doctor. I asked the doctor why he said my son had mono (meaning what are the symptoms?) and he answered, “My examination!”

By: lupie

lupie — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:52:11 +0000

I understand exactly how expensive prescriptions can get even with insurance, taking over $3,000 worth of medication every single month I learned how to lower my co-pays really fast since I was paying 10-20% each month. I always ask if a generic version is available and have made sure I know as much as possible about the medications I do take and the ones used to treat my condition. That does not mean I was able to reduce co-pays on everything but I did find a few resources for when that isn’t possible. 1. some doctors get a regular and large supply of samples for certain medications, I always ask if this is the case when given a new script for a name brand med with no generic 2. I am disabled so I qualify for programs that others might not 3. I ask for help when the choice is between getting my meds or paying bills/ eating. 4. I use mail order when I can because this saves a lot of money through my prescription insurance company.

By: ElleX

ElleX — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 02:15:29 +0000

Thank you for this post. I love your tenacity. When I think about it, I do ask for samples or genetics especially for new prescriptions. My parents, who are on a fixed income, do as well. However, no matter what kind of prescriptions I get from the doctor, I take time to look up the drug on the internet so I can review side effects and ingredients before I go to the pharmacy. (More than once, I have taken a prescription to the pharmacy only to be told that the prescription can’t be filled because I am allergic to certain ingredients.) I encourage everyone to do the same. You can save time AND money on your prescriptions.

By: Sally

Sally — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 07:24:42 +0000

I hope people aren’t really considering always asking for free samples from their doctor. I understand that, in this case, the receptionist offered the meds to Single Ma to get the situation resolved, but I don’t think free meds should be sought every time. I’m a med student too and I know that many practices try to keep the free samples for people with serious diseases requiring long-term use of an expensive medication, especially patients who are low-income earners. Alternatively, the meds get used in the doctor’s pro bono or charity work (often collected up by other doctors if yours isn’t him/herself actively involved). I guess it’s just something to think about. That said, I really admire Single Ma’s tenacity to get the best price by phoning around and being an informed consumer.