Success in life is dependent on good health. Sometimes, we experience stress or some illness that requires us to visit a physician who may then prescribe some medications. Do you know that the actual healing occurs when we take those drugs at the right time and appropriate quantity? Many people know this fact, but they can’t afford the cost of medicines. The consequence is that the patient will not obtain the prescribed drugs and his/her health condition may grow worse. You don’t have to worry any longer. Help is on the way.

WAYS TO OBTAIN A LOWER-PRICED DRUG

1. Ask your physician if the drug is necessary

Some patients desire to have a prescription after a physician visit because they are emotionally inclined to it. The health problem may not require a pharmacological solution. Often time, the pressure to receive a prescription may result in a drug order which is not necessary at that time. Sometimes, the power of time and our body immunity can heal several health conditions.

2. Choose your health plan wisely

Patients in the coverage gap often over-pay for medications. It is nice to learn that some health plans offer additional coverage during this coverage gap at no extra cost to the patient. Hence, there is wisdom in thinking and planning wisely before you sign up with a health plan.

3. Request for generic drugs or cheaper drugs

Generic drugs are usually as good as the brand name drug. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rates some generic formulations and their brand name drug as A/B equivalent. This rating means that these generic drugs are as efficacious as their brand name drugs even if the generic drugs are less expensive. If a drug has a generic equivalent, ensure to ask your pharmacist for it because it will help you save some money.

4. Ask for 90-day fill

Generally, items are cheaper when purchased in large quantities. The same applies to prescription medication. Also, filling a prescription for 90 days helps in medication adherence because the patient will likely have the drug somewhere within his/her physical domain. Larger quantity fills are also applicable to mail order pharmacies.

5. Pharmacy-based discount plan

Many pharmacies feel the financial burden of patients who are unable to afford their medications. Hence, these pharmacies have a discount plan where patients can receive a full month supply of prescription drugs with just $4. Please be aware that this discount plan does not cover all medications. Nevertheless, it can be a big blessing and lifesaver for many people. Sometimes, patients receive this discount plan only if they request for it.

6. Request for manufacturer’s coupon

Drug manufacturers sincerely desire that patients get well. They are also aware that many patients really can’t afford the high cost of medications. Hence, some drug manufacturers have some coupons which can offset a large fraction of the drug cost. You can ask your physician, pharmacist, or search the internet for these coupons. You can also ask your physician for free drug samples. Please be aware that drug manufacturers often send drug samples to physician offices.

7. Discount Negotiators

Some organizations negotiate drug prices with drug manufacturers and with health insurance companies. Patients who purchase prescription drugs through these negotiators’ coupon sometimes receive discount pricing. These negotiators include BlinkHealth, GoodRx, and LowestMed. You may also receive some discounts with some US-based online pharmacy such as Healthwarehouse.com.

8. Choose your health plan wisely

Patients in the coverage gap often over-pay for medications. It is nice to learn that some health plans offer additional coverage during this coverage gap at no extra cost to the patient. Hence, there is wisdom in thinking and planning wisely before you sign up with a health plan.

9. Call for help

Several national and community-based organizations care about the less-privileged in the society. Hence, a simple call to these organizations can be a life-saver. These organizations include several faith-based entities and other charitable ventures. Examples include the National Patient Advocate Foundation, National Organization for Rare Disorders, Benefit Check-up, and several others. Also, several states government have medication-assistance programs for deserving citizens.