Here are six ways that you can use to save you money at the pharmacy. Find out which ones might work best for you.
6 ways to save on prescription drug costs
If you've picked up a prescription lately, you've likely seen firsthand the high cost of medications. As a consumer, you're not helpless. These simple strategies will help you save at the checkout and will ultimately help contain the cost of insurance premiums.
1. Check your insurance plan for opportunities to save.
Many health plans include benefits that you can use to help save at the pharmacy. For BCBSND members, you can find this information in your welcome kit or by looking up your insurance plan details in the Member Portal.
2. Buy generic.
The cost of brand name drugs average 80% to 85% more than their generic equivalents. So, what’s the difference? Beyond shape, color and packaging, not much. By law, generic and brand name drugs have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and route of administration. Generics are typically cheaper because their manufacturers don’t have the research and development costs or the marketing expenses.
Generics save your health insurance company money, too. Why should you care? Because higher drug prices lead to higher insurance premiums. Check to see if there is a generic version of your medication by searching the Drug Finder on the homepage of the BCBSND Member Portal.
3. Shop around.
Rather than an automatic visit to the neighborhood pharmacy, compare prices by logging in to the Member Portal and using our Drug Finder tool. You may be surprised to see price differences between pharmacies, even for generics.
4. Request a greater supply.
Ask your doctor to prescribe a 90-day supply of drugs rather than a 30-day supply. It will save you copays and trips to the pharmacy.
5. Get medications delivered.
Having medications delivered to your door can save you not only a trip to the pharmacy but also money. Log in to the Member Portal and use our Drug Finder tool to view delivery options and pricing.
6. Search for manufacturer coupons.
Some drug manufacturers offer coupons or patient assistance programs that can help lower the cost of your medications.
