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Cards and Coupons: How to Save on Prescription Drugs

Medications are insanely expensive and sometimes cost several hundreds of dollars. Thankfully, there are many ways you can save money by using coupons, discount cards, and other methods. Here is how you can get prescription cards and find coupons, as well as other ways you can save money on prescriptions.

Cards
There are several different ways to save money on prescription medication, and cards are one of them. One of the best ways to get one of these cards is to speak to your doctor or local pharmacist. These professionals know medication is expensive, and they usually know how to obtain a discount card. However, there are other ways you can get these cards. One way is through Aetna Medicare. It has a prescription drug plan that allows you to save money using the Medicare Rx Saver card. The Aetna Medicare program enables you to get preferred generics at an in-network pharmacy for as little as $2 for a 30-day supply. Talk about cheap! You can also receive mail order medications for as little as $18 for a 90-day supply. You can find more information at Aetna’s website.

Another great prescription savings card is called the Easy Drug Card. This card is part of a free discount prescription drug plan. Many medications are as low as $4, and you can get up to 75% off on FDA-approved drugs. You can get medications such as Cialis, Zocor, Synthroid, and Amoxicillin for less than you would pay otherwise.   

Coupons
Several websites allow you to print coupons that offer savings of up to 75% off. One such website is HelpRx.info. This site makes it easy for you to search for your medication and claim your discount through email, text, or a printable coupon. For example, you can search for “Cialis,” and the website has a 75% off coupon you can use to save significant cash.

Manufacturers' Websites
It’s a little-known fact that you can go to the website of the drug manufacturer and obtain medicines. One famous supplier is AstraZeneca. There are many medications this manufacturer gives away if you have a low income and cannot afford its drugs. Before you shell out hundreds of dollars for a prescription, go online to the manufacturer’s website and browse. You may find coupons, drug plans, and more to help you save. 

Shop Around
Many people have no idea that pharmacies have the ability to set the price of prescription medications. While one pharmacy may charge $200, another may charge as little as $50 for the same drug. Before you go to a pharmacy, you can call and ask how much the prescription would be at their location. You should also ask if they have any savings available.
Alternatively, you can use a website such as GoodRx. At this site, you can compare prices of prescriptions and print coupons that allow you to save a nice amount of money. As an example, you can get levothyroxine for free in some locations, which is much better than the $15–$20 price tag. All the information you need is the name of your medication (generic or name brand) and your zip code. The website will take over and show you the lowest price and any coupons that may be available. 

Consider Higher Doses
If you take medications daily, you may be able to get a higher dosage pill and cut the pill in half. This method isn’t possible with all medications (such as time-release pills), but your doctor can inform you if it’s possible. To see if it can be done, explain to your doctor that you’re looking into saving money and if he or she could prescribe a higher dose you can cut in half. Many doctors are more than willing to do so.

Last Updated: June 20, 2016