Do you ever get surprised by the high cost of your prescription when you pick it up from the pharmacy? If so, you’re not alone. Many people don’t know how much their prescription will cost until they actually get to the pharmacy.
Your doctor may not be fully aware of the out-of-pocket cost or whether your insurance will cover it when they prescribe you a medication. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor if you find your medicine to be too expensive.
According to Kyle Manera, an executive with Co-Immunity, a patient organization in Wichita, KS, for people with chronic illnesses, high prescription costs are not always on the doctor’s mind when prescribing certain medications. It’s crucial to bring up the issue to avoid ending up with a prescription that costs more than you expect.
How Your Doctor Can Save You Money
Did you know that in a recent survey, about 67% of people who talked to their doctors about prescription costs said they were able to find a less expensive drug?
Manera suggests that doctors can help by prescribing generic versions of medications, 90-day supplies, or larger dosages that can be split into the correct dose. They may also be aware of different pharmaceutical programs that are there to help lower the cost of your prescriptions.
Here are some ways your doctor can help lower your costs.
1. Prescribe a generic: Ask your doctor to prescribe a generic form of medication, if one is available for the drug you need. Generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name medications and can save up to 85% compared to the brand-name version.
2. Change your dosage: Ask your doctor if it’s OK to pay for a higher dose and split the pills in half. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your dosage.
3. Change your medication: Ask your doctor if there’s a similar, less expensive drug available that does the same thing as the more expensive one. Different medications that treat the same condition may have very different costs.
4. Ask for a 90-day supply: Ordering a 90-day supply of your medication can be one of the best ways to save money.