How to Save on Drug Store Prescriptions

Many Americans are struggling with the high costs of prescription medication. While many people do have health insurance or receive government health insurance like Medicaid and Medicare, a growing number of people are left without a way to afford their prescriptions. Luckily, there are a number of ways to save on drug store prescriptions that do not require health insurance.

• Ask for the generic version of the medicine you have been prescribed. According to FDA regulations, generic brand prescriptions must have the same active ingredient as brand name prescriptions. They are also required to have the same concentration and effect on the body.

• Ask your doctor for samples of the medicine you have be prescribed. Let the doctor know your financial situation and how you could benefit from the samples. This will also give you a change to try the medicine to make sure it works and does not cause any side effects.

• Enroll into a prescription drug plan. The literature for these plans can be found in your doctor's office in the form of a brochures or pamphlets. Prescription drug plans offer their members a discount card that can be used at most pharmacies. Most prescription drug plans charge a monthly fee.

• If you have health insurance, but it will not cover the cost of a certain type of medication, ask your doctor for an alternative medication. Some types of health insurance will only cover certain types of prescriptions. The doctor may even suggest an over-the-counter medicine that has the same effect on the body.

• Use your drug store's customer loyalty card. Every time you use your card to make a purchase, loyalty points get added to your account. You can convert your points into coupons and discounts that can be used on a number of products and prescriptions in the drug store.