Prescription Savings

I have about 10 different prescription drugs I take (yes you read that right), so it's fair to say that prescriptions (and medical related stuff in general) is a huge part of our budget.  So finding ways to save money in that area is a big deal around here.  I have insurance so that helps a lot, but co-pays still add up.  It adds up even more, because I have to pay for my prescriptions out of pocket and then get reimbursed by my insurance.

So far I've found 2 ways to save money on my prescriptions....

1. Don't be scared to Transfer.  I've kept all my prescriptions at one place for the last few years just because it was the most convenient.  However, since we've been shopping sale ads and couponing, I'm hitting just about every major drug store at some point during the week, anyway, so convenience doesn't count for as much.  I'm still trying to figure out the best way to determine who has the best prices (since price lists that they can give you are based on prices without insurance, usually).

• Get Paid to Transfer - Almost every week one store or another has a coupon in their sale ad for a gift certificate (of varying amounts) if you transfer your prescription to them.  Last week I got $50 from Rite Aid for transferring 2 prescriptions.  This week I will get $10 from Target for transferring one to them.  I will continue to transfer / move my prescriptions around based on who will pay me to do so.
• Free & Cheap Generics - Kroger & Wal-mart are among the major stores that now offer $4 generics.  If the drug(s) you take is a generic, check to find out if it's on their list of cheap ones.  Other stores may also offer them for just as cheap.  Publix offers FREE 14 day supplies of many generic anti-biotics.

I'm not a fan of going generic just to save money.  If your drug of choice has a generic, give it a try but if you find it's not working or you are having a weird side effect request to go back to the name brand (or ask your Dr for a different med).  I've had at least 2 drugs that I can recall where the generics caused my issues but the name brand was fine.

2. Look for Coupons.  If you are taking name brand drugs you can usually find a discount on their website. Sometimes it's just a small amount, other times it's a free month's supply.  Either way, it's worth looking for.  Just visit the website for the drug of choice and see what they offer.  On the drugs I take, I've found $15 off Relpax (migraine meds, not a huge discount since these pills are about $20/each) and Cymbalta offers a free month supply on their website.

Also, don't make the same mistake I did and assume you don't have prescription coverage on your insurance just because it doesn't get covered AT the pharmacy.  For several years I saw the "insurance savings" on my prescriptions and assumed that my prescription coverage just sucked.  Then one day I called them and asked them to compare my plan to another offered. I finally found out I did have prescription coverage, I just had to submit my own claims online and be reimbursed.  It's annoying but it saves me a ton of money.