Are you tired of paying exorbitant amounts for your medication? In this blog, we will show you 7 ways to pay less for medication.
We will also discuss the rising cost of drugs and how it’s affecting patients with rheumatic diseases who struggle to afford their medications.
Plus, we will give you examples of the cost of commonly prescribed drugs like methotrexate, leflunomide, prednisone, and Celebrex and show you how to save money on prescriptions.
Option 1: Independent Pharmacies
Independent pharmacies are small, locally owned and operated pharmacies that are NOT part of a larger chain. These pharmacies are typically owned by pharmacists and focus on providing personalized care and attention to their customers. They may also have lower overhead costs than larger chain pharmacies, allowing them to pay less for medication.
They may also be more flexible in offering customized medication solutions, such as compounding medications for patients with unique needs. Independent pharmacies are an excellent option for those who want to save money on prescriptions. To find an independent pharmacy, check this link: CPESN website or just Google “independent pharmacy near me” to find a pharmacy in your area.
Option 2: Amazon
Amazon Pharmacy is a prescription program offered by Amazon that allows customers to order and pay less for medication online and have it delivered to their doorstep. Amazon has negotiated with pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors to provide generic drugs at discounted prices.
By offering medications directly to customers, Amazon can cut out some of the intermediaries involved in the traditional supply chain for prescription drugs, resulting in lower prices for consumers. Additionally, Amazon Prime members can receive free two-day shipping on their prescription orders, saving them time and money compared to picking up their medications at a physical pharmacy.
Option 3: GoodRx
GoodRx is a website and app that helps you to pay less for medication. Just enter your prescription and location, and GoodRx will show you the prices at various pharmacies in your area. You can also access coupons and discounts through the GoodRx website. It’s like a digital coupon book for your health where you can save money on prescriptions. Here are some examples of how much you can save on GoodRx:
- Methotrexate, a common medication used to treat rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, can range from $13 to $85, depending on the pharmacy. But with a GoodRx coupon, you could pay as little as $1.99 for 24 tablets.
- Prednisone, another commonly used medication, can range from $16 to $40. But with a GoodRx coupon, you could pay as little as $5.
- Celebrex, another popular medication used to treat arthritis, can range from $170 to $285. But with a GoodRx coupon, you could pay as little as $12.
- Arava/leflunomide 20 mg is usually over $80, but you can find the price at GoodRx up to $13
Option 4: Costco
Costco Pharmacy offers competitive pricing on a wide range of prescription drugs. In fact, their prices are often significantly lower than those at other chain pharmacies.
If you are someone looking to know how to pay less for prescriptions? Costco Pharmacy is the right option. Being a Costco member, you can enjoy additional discounts on your medication. For example:
- A 30-day supply of methotrexate costs $10 at Costco Pharmacy.
- Prednisone 5 mg, 30 tablets will cost $7.79.
- Celebrex: 200 mg, 30 capsules will cost you $9.79.
- Arava 20 mg 30 capsules $45.79
It is better to buy a 90 days supply that will add additional savings. But the savings continue beyond there. Costco Pharmacy also offers a program called the Prescription Savings Club, which offers even deeper discounts on generic and brand-name medications. This program is available to all Costco members, regardless of whether or not they have insurance.
In addition, to pay less for medication, Costco Pharmacy also offers several other benefits, such as online prescription refills, automatic prescription renewals, and free delivery for eligible prescriptions. So if you’re a Costco member looking to save money on prescriptions, check out their pharmacy program. You might be surprised at just how much you can save!
Option 5 : Ask for Cash Price
If you’re uninsured, your insurance doesn’t cover a specific medication, or you have a high deductible or a high co-payment, remember to ask the pharmacist what the cash price for a medication is before they run your prescription via your insurance.
Refrain from assuming that if you have insurance, you are already getting the best price!!!
You will be surprised that the cash price is sometimes lower than your copay or deductible. Pharmacies may offer to pay less for medication customers who pay cash instead of insurance.
So don’t be afraid to ask; it could save money on prescriptions.
Option 6. Direct specialty care and direct primary care practices
Direct care practices are an innovative healthcare model where the patient and the doctor have a direct relationship. Patients pay a membership fee to access the practice without insurance hassles or interference.
Direct care practices can save money on prescriptions in several ways. For example, they may negotiate to pay less for medication on behalf of their patients by working directly with manufacturers or wholesalers. Additionally, they focus on preventative care and chronic disease management, which can lead to better health outcomes and lower medication costs in the long run.
Direct specialty practices like Rheumatologist OnCall can particularly benefit patients with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. By proactively managing these conditions, these practices can help patients avoid using more and more medications or even more expensive treatments like biologics.
Option 7 Kroger savings programs
Another option to pay less for medication is Kroger’s savings programs. If you have a Kroger grocery store in your area, you can use several programs, including the $4 generic medication program. By taking advantage of these programs, you can get your medication at a lower cost than other pharmacies.
It’s important to note that these savings options may only be available or applicable to some. However, it’s always worth exploring and discussing different options with your healthcare provider. Don’t let the rising costs of medication get you down. With these options, you can save money on prescriptions and keep your health in check.
Remember, it’s essential to prioritize your health, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to do it. If you have any other tips to pay less for medication, please share them in the comments below for others to learn from your experience. Let’s work together to find ways to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone. Explore this blog to learn more ways to pay less for medication.
