Medication Money Saving Tips
Our health insurance made some changes and not all for our financial best. That got me thinking about ways to save on the costs of medications and I found some really good tips which might help saving big.
I compiled them for you in a list:
•Lifestyle changes first, meds second.
Lifestyle changes like regular exercise and weight loss are an effective first-line defense against arthritis pain.
•Newer isn’t always better.
Studies show that inexpensive diuretics are as effective as pricier meds at lowering high blood pressure. For relief of Osteoarthritis pain, many experts recommend that you start off with acetaminophen (about $12 for 500 generic pills), before requesting a prescription for the newer, pricier, advertised treatments.
•Make use of your insurance plan.
Most health plans have mail-order pharmacies that save you money if you buy in bulk. Buying three months' worth of medication at one time costs one or two months' worth of co-pays instead of the usual three for separate prescriptions. If your monthly co-pay is $20, that’s a savings of $80 to $160 a year, depending on the plan.
•Know your health plan's formulary.
Get a copy of your plan's formulary – the list of drugs it will cover – from your health insurance company. Share the list with your doctor so he can prescribe the most effective drug that costs the least. Insurance plans charge a hefty fee for nonformulary drugs, if they pay at all.
•Ask for free samples.
Ask your doctor for at least a week's worth of samples to see if the medication agrees with you, before paying for a 30-day supply of a drug you have never taken before.
•Know the inside tricks.
If you are taking methotrexate pills for RA, you could save money by opting for liquid methotrexate. A four-month supply of liquid methotrexate costs around $25. It can be injected or taken orally. (Note: Some experts question whether liquid methotrexate taken orally is absorbed as well as pills or injections. Monitor your symptoms to see if it works for you.)
•Use generic meds.
You'll get the same compound but save substantially.
~Source: Arthritis Foundation - By Wayne Kalyn.
A penny saved is a penny earned and especially in these already so difficult, economic times every little bit helps. Your health should not have to suffer and hopefully with these tips you don't have to put it at risk.
Your life is not something you should put at risk either; it is worth more then any amount of money. Isn't it good to know that it does not even cost one penny to save your life?! :-)
Mark 8:35
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.
I compiled them for you in a list:
•Lifestyle changes first, meds second.
Lifestyle changes like regular exercise and weight loss are an effective first-line defense against arthritis pain.
•Newer isn’t always better.
Studies show that inexpensive diuretics are as effective as pricier meds at lowering high blood pressure. For relief of Osteoarthritis pain, many experts recommend that you start off with acetaminophen (about $12 for 500 generic pills), before requesting a prescription for the newer, pricier, advertised treatments.
•Make use of your insurance plan.
Most health plans have mail-order pharmacies that save you money if you buy in bulk. Buying three months' worth of medication at one time costs one or two months' worth of co-pays instead of the usual three for separate prescriptions. If your monthly co-pay is $20, that’s a savings of $80 to $160 a year, depending on the plan.
•Know your health plan's formulary.
Get a copy of your plan's formulary – the list of drugs it will cover – from your health insurance company. Share the list with your doctor so he can prescribe the most effective drug that costs the least. Insurance plans charge a hefty fee for nonformulary drugs, if they pay at all.
•Ask for free samples.
Ask your doctor for at least a week's worth of samples to see if the medication agrees with you, before paying for a 30-day supply of a drug you have never taken before.
•Know the inside tricks.
If you are taking methotrexate pills for RA, you could save money by opting for liquid methotrexate. A four-month supply of liquid methotrexate costs around $25. It can be injected or taken orally. (Note: Some experts question whether liquid methotrexate taken orally is absorbed as well as pills or injections. Monitor your symptoms to see if it works for you.)
•Use generic meds.
You'll get the same compound but save substantially.
~Source: Arthritis Foundation - By Wayne Kalyn.
A penny saved is a penny earned and especially in these already so difficult, economic times every little bit helps. Your health should not have to suffer and hopefully with these tips you don't have to put it at risk.
Your life is not something you should put at risk either; it is worth more then any amount of money. Isn't it good to know that it does not even cost one penny to save your life?! :-)
Mark 8:35
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.
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