by Maxwell Payne

Created on: March 12, 2007   Last Updated: April 28, 2007

Working part-time as a certified pharmacy technician, I often see the emotional and financial stress picking up one's medications can cause. It is very unfortunate that drug costs have risen so sharply over the years, but there are ways you can pay less for your prescription drugs.

1.) If available for the medications you are currently on, switch to generic medications. You'll be amazed at how much you can save and many insurance companies are offering insane benefits for doing so. One big company gave its members a 0 dollar copay for first 3 months of 2007 with low copays on generics and higher ones for brands that have generics after that point. Another company has announced 0 dollar copays for ALL its customers who switch to a generic when it is available. Generics save money and are identical.

2.)Mail Order- Most insurance companies recommend mail order anyways, just be sure you are ordering from an approved and FDA regulated mail order company. It is generally less expensive, just be sure you order in advance because mail order takes longer to fill then in store of course. Also if you run out of your medication before your next order arrives, most insurances will not cover a supply at a pharmacy chain so plan accordingly.

3.) If you have no insurance your BEST option is to shop around. Many chain pharmacies have introduced flat rate prices for many generics, some small chains have even introduced FREE antibiotics for regular customers. It depends on where you live, but be sure to shop around. Also many stores offer senior citizen discounts and employee discounts on medications. You may also find stores selling their own kind of prescription discount plan that can save you some money. AARP has a decent one for those over age 65.

4.) Free Samples- Ask your family doctor if free samples are available to get you started. You'd be surprised how many medications costing hundreds of dollars are simply given away to doctor's to give to patients. Also check with your doctor for free rebates and discount coupons provided by pharmaceutical companies themselves.

It can be an expensive world out there in pharmacuticals, but there are options available to help you reduce some of your medication costs.

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