Tips to Save More

Consult with your physician about alternative therapies  
Before you begin a new prescription medication, talk with your doctor about non-prescription modifications to your lifestyle, diet or exercise. These changes may postpone, reduce or avoid the need for the cost of and taking a new medication.

Review your other medications  
Disclose all the medications that you are taking to your physician and pharmacist before they prescribe or dispense a new medication. Some medications may intensify or reduce the effectiveness of another, or may even possibly duplicate the effects of another drug you are taking.

Select the lowest-cost alternative  
Many brand-name prescription medications have a generic equivalent. Generic drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness, and are manufactured under the same strict rules that apply to their brand-name twin. So ask your physician and pharmacist if there is a generic drug that will save you money. If no generic equivalent is available, there may still be a lower-cost alternative within the same class of drugs that performs the functions your care requires. Once again, consult with your physician on these money-saving alternatives.

Obtain a larger supply  
In most instances, your cost per dosage will decrease as the amount you have dispensed at one time increases. If you will be taking a medication for an extended period of time, ask your physician if it would be appropriate to prescribe a 90-day supply rather than a 30-day supply.

Shop only at preferred pharmacies  
All chain pharmacies and most independent pharmacies have been given equal opportunity to serve you via this program. Participating pharmacies are required to offer you deep discounts and assist in performing some fairly complicated drug management procedures for card holders, and not all pharmacies agree to participate. However, that gives you the confidence of knowing that pharmacies participating in this program are concerned with your health and saving you money, and therefore, are deserving of your business and loyalty.

Show your card every time  
To ensure your medication is checked for safety and billed at the correct price, your pharmacist needs to transmit valuable information in your card. In some instances, the pharmacist may store your card information in their computer. However, to be certain you receive the maximum benefit, you need to show your card each time you have your prescriptions filled.

Understand your drug therapy  
You invest a lot of money in medications. In order to get the most value for your dollar, you need to understand how to use your prescription drugs effectively. Make sure your physician and pharmacist explain how and when to take each prescription medication. Some factors to consider when trying to get the most from your medication are the effects of:

• Food and water being taken with your medication.
• The time of day you take your medication.
• Effects of other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, on your prescription.

Store your medications properly  
Most medications will lose their effectiveness when they are subject to heat, moisture, light, or time. A steamy bathroom or a purse left in a hot car are examples of bad places to keep medicine. Store your medications in a cool, dark place. Remember to carry your daily or weekly medications in a pillbox to avoid damaging your entire supply of medication. Also, use local medication disposal days or permanent medication disposal sites in your community. If your community does not have a disposal site, federal guideline suggest mixing the medication with kitty litter or used coffee grounds and sealing them up to be disposed of in the garbage.

Talk with your physician  
Make sure that your physician knows that saving money is important to you. Ask that they prescribe a generic equivalent or lower-cost alternative if at all appropriate. Also, make sure that they know about any other drugs you are taking that may alter the effectiveness of the medication they are prescribing. Finally, make sure that you understand the drug therapy they prescribe so that you obtain the most value from the drugs that you are about to invest in. The following "Message to Physicians" contains information that should assist you in talking with your doctor about saving money.