More than 50 percent of seniors have no insurance coverage for prescription drugs. The cost of these lifesaving drugs can be overwhelming. By spending a bit of time, you may be able to save a lot of money.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 2 weeks
Here's How:
- Check out the Medicare HMOs available in your area. Many have drug benefits.
- Request a generic drug if one is available.
- Compare prices at different pharmacies. Prices can vary widely.
- Some pharmacies may offer a discount for switching a prescription from another pharmacy.
- Check out prices available through mail-order pharmacies.
- Check with your state's Medicaid office. You may qualify, and many states offer a drug benefit with Medicaid.
- AARP members are eligible for many discounts, including mail-order pharmacy discounts.
- If you live close to either Canada or Mexico, you can buy medications in either for a quarter of the U.S. price.
- If you are a veteran, check with the Veterans Administration to see if you qualify for benefits.
- Contact your member of congress and demand the passage of a bill to cover prescription drugs.
Tips:
- Review all your prescriptions with your doctor at each visit. You may be paying for some drugs you no longer need.
- Store your drugs away from heat and moisture to ensure there is no loss of potency.
- Ask your doctor for samples at every visit. They usually have plenty.