The high cost of prescription drugs has left many patients in financial and medical despair. Here are some small ways to save big on drugs.
- Lifestyle changes first, meds second. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise and weight loss are an effective first-line defense against arthritis pain. “People who take care of themselves have better outcomes with their condition, develop fewer health problems, and spend less money on medical services,” says Daniel Clauw, MD, a rheumatologist and professor of medicine at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
- Newer isn’t always better. “Studies show that inexpensive diuretics are as effective as pricier meds at lowering high blood pressure,” says David Nganele, PhD, author of The Best Healthcare for Less (John Wiley & Sons, 2003). For relief of Osteoarthritis pain, many experts recommend that you start off with good ol’ acetaminophen – at about $12 for 500 generic pills – before requesting a prescription for the newer, pricier treatments you see advertised.
- 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. Don’t commit to and pay for a 30-day supply of a drug you’ve never taken before. Instead, ask your doctor for at least a week’s worth of samples to see if the medication agrees with you.
- 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 pills can cost more than $500; a four-month supply of liquid is around $25. You can either inject the liquid or, if you’re squeamish about syringes, take it 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.
