Managing prescription medicine can be quite hard, given that prescription medicine is getting more and more expensive. Luckily, we can do many things to manage our prescription medicine more efficiently.
From saving more money from prescription meds to buying in bulk, there are some nifty ways to be more financially responsible regarding our medications. Here are some of them.
Switch to Generics
Generics are brand copies of brand-name drugs. This means that they are different brands but have the same formula regarding the medicine itself. Also, generics are FDA-approved, which means they are just as safe and effective as the ones from brand-name drugs. On the other hand, the original is more expensive because they secured the research and the patent upon making it.
However, before the generic brands can make copies of the medicine, the brand name company withholds the patent first to secure some return on investment for their hard work. Then, they will release the patent when that period is finished so other companies can make the same medicine. But how is this important? Nowadays, most medicine has generics, so when you want to save money for your medication, you can talk to your doctor about it.
Split Your Pills
If your doctor agrees to this deal, they can give you a double dose of your medicine and let you split the pills in half. This way, you can save money while still having a similar dose that your doctor wants to prescribe.
However, not all pills can be split; luckily, the FDA has a list of drugs that can be split safely. There is also a line on the pill that will make it easier for the pill to be split. But again, it depends on your doctor’s prescription, so you should always talk to them first before doing so.
Use Preferred Pharmacies
If you have medical insurance, you should check if your insurance has preferred pharmacies in their policies. But why? This is because some insurance providers talk with specific pharmacies and negotiate prices with them.
Most of the time, these pharmacies can offer discounts and other promotions when you buy your medication. This way, you can manage your medicine properly by allocating your money efficiently when it comes to your medicine.
Consider Your Coverage Options
If you don’t have medical insurance yet, you may need to shop around for other options that you can opt for. This is still recommended if you have a current plan since there are always better policies.
In addition, by comparing coverage and prices, you can manage your money and medication more, especially when you opt for a better plan. Of course, if you see a much better plan than the one you’re using now, it might be a great decision to opt for that instead.
Go for Patient Assistant Programs
Many drug manufacturers have patient assistance programs, which specifically help people who can’t buy brand-name medications for their conditions. However, it would help if you were qualified before you could benefit from these programs. To apply, you must bring documentation and proof of income.
If you can’t find any programs near you, there are tools that you can find on the internet that will help you scout for nearby patient assistant programs. Then, you have to input your medication, and the toll will do it for you.
Join an Rx Plan at Your Nearby Drug Pharmacies
Aside from getting a discount using Buzzrx Prescriptions, some drugs and even supermarket chains that sell medicine often have programs that help people who can’t afford their medication. Most of the time, they can give you access to a membership card that discounts specific drugs, and you can even download their app to access their sites and be updated with their promotions.
However, these memberships often have to be paid monthly or annually. There are also free ones, but they are often more limited with their membership perks. If you find an Rx plan in your nearby pharmacy, it might be a good idea to join one.
Buy in Bulk
If you take daily or weekly medication, it might be a good idea to buy it in bulk rather than just occasionally when you need it. Many chain pharmacies often run these programs and even have perks alongside them, like free delivery and significant percentage savings. Some even offer year-long supplies that are very convenient if you don’t want to go to the pharmacy yourself.
Final Words
Managing your money when it comes to prescription medication can be a big headache, especially now that medicine is getting increasingly expensive. However, if you’re smart with it, you can save more of your money and can even manage your medicine to accommodate more of your budget. By being resourceful and patient, managing your finances for medication can be a breeze.
