If you tend to have an illness that requires a lot of prescriptions or end up going to the doctor a lot over small things then you know how prescriptions can cost you a fortune even when you do have insurance. As we age we tend to need more prescriptions, but often insurances and retirement funds tend to leave a huge hole in the prescription budget which is why it is best to find the cheapest ways possible to purchase your prescriptions. With these ten simple tips you can have the medications you need without having to devote a huge amount of your check to the pharmacist.

1. Understand Your Insurance and Formulary
Many insurance companies have certain medications that are listed for a lower price on their co-pay list. Before you commit to a medication check out your insurance companies formulary and let your doctor know which prescription will be cheaper for you to use. If your doctor believes the medication will work fine for you then you might end up getting a price break on something you need. Many doctors can even give you a list of medications that would work for you by their preference and you can check each of the items out with your insurance to see which will cost you the least. By knowing how to work with your doctor and your insurance company with formulary you will grab huge savings on medication that you can’t pass up.

2. Go for Generic Brands
Just like with other shopping items, looking for the generic of prescriptions is usually the best idea. Generic medications are made with the same quality as name brand and will help whatever problem you may have, so why bother spending large sums of money on items that will do no more good than you the cheaper items. Many insurance companies will also give you a huge break when it comes to buying generic medications. In most cases generic drug can save you up to 85% and most insurance companies will have no problem covering the full amount, so you won’t have to lose money out of pocket.

3. Buy Glasses/Contacts online
You might not often think about your glasses or contacts being a prescription, but they truly are. Prescriptions for your eyes are one of the few prescriptions you should ever buy online. There are many websites available today that will offer you a great selection of frames that will suit just about any style you may have. The best thing about buying prescriptions online is you get to choose your lenses without any hidden free. From the basic lenses to transition glasses you will keep you from having to purchase sunglasses. Shopping for contacts is just as easy and cost effective on the web. There are many websites available today that can will give you discounted contacts that can even be purchased in bulk. Just make sure you have a current prescription and know how to put the prescription into the order form.

4. Coupons Go Far
You might not think to cut coupons on items like prescriptions, but it can actually save you quite a bit of money. Try prescribing to a medical journal or ask your pharmacist for a promotional paper and enjoy the savings. There are a large number of coupons readily available to over the counter prescriptions though, which can save you big when you need to replenish your first aid kit. Coupons are also a big help when it comes to buying allergy medications, like Claritin which does not actually need a prescription. You can keep your family allergy free, infection free and ready to take on the day by paying on a fraction of the cost you would pay without a coupon.

5. Shop Around
Many people have a pharmacy that they go to for everything, but this can be a huge issue when it comes to buying many different types of prescriptions. Just like any item you buy the price of prescriptions goes up and down so it is best to do a little shopping around before you actually do make the purchase. Try calling up local pharmacies about an item, so that you will know where to go to find it at the best price. There are even many apps available today that can help you find the best prices for prescriptions, which is perfect for anyone that doesn’t have time to go through all the pharmacies in town. Apps such as LowRX are typically free to download on your smart phone and are simple to use.

6. Discount Cards
Most pharmacies, local or otherwise, tend to have discount cards that not only lower the price of your purchases, but can even give you rewards to a greater discount. The best thing about discount cards is they typically are free, so the savings are even greater. A lot of major stores, such as Walgreens and Target, will give you a discount card that works with their pharmaceutical items. From time to time these big named stores will even offer you savings on certain items that can save you up to 80% throughout the year. This type of savings can keep from spending hundreds each year and might even help you stock up on vitamins and other household items that are sold over the counter.

7. Bulk Buy When You Can
Most shoppers tend to know the value of a bulk buy, however buying prescriptions in bulk can be a bit trickier. Obviously, you can’t go straight into the pharmacy and ask to buy sever months of your prescription in advance, but you can purchase items that go along with your prescription in bulk. For instance, anyone who might suffer with diabetes can buy testing supplies as well as needles to help you maintain your illness. You can also keep up with your first aid gear when you buy bulk. There are many burn and pain relief ointments that you can buy in larger packages, as well as wraps and other basics that you might need for your home.

8. Ask For Free Samples
If your doctor wants you to try out a new medication then you might want to talk about the option of getting a sample before you actually dive into purchasing this product. This can be particularly important when it comes to medications that are a bit pricier. If the product is new on the market and your doctor is just interested in giving it a trial run to see how it effects you then free samples might be a great way for you to save. If your doctor can give you a sample then you can see if you actually need this medication. If the trial doesn’t work out then you’ve lost no money on your end and your doctor can hopefully find something that more suitable and price friendly for your needs.

9. Ask for a higher dose
Although buying your prescriptions in bulk isn’t often an answer, asking for a higher dosage is. If you have a reoccurring prescription then it might benefit to have a one on one with your doctor about raising your dosage. This will allow you to purchase your pills, probably at the same price, while having the pills span out longer. Higher doses means that you can split pills up so that your entire prescription last you twice as long as it would on you older prescription. Most doctors are open to helping their patients out in this way, especially if it is a patient they’ve been seeing for some time and they know about their prescription purchasing issues.

10. Be Honest with Your Doctor
One of the best ways to save money on your prescription medications is to sit down and talk to your doctor honestly. Being honest with your doctor can not only help you find lower prescriptions but can also help you find programs that will help you afford the medications you need. Your doctor has a wide variety of knowledge on programs, pharmacies and drugs that will work best for patients who are having trouble buying the prescriptions they need. From generics to enrollment programs your doctor can help you out big time if you are willing to sit down and be honest when he or she writes up the prescription.

Keeping yourself healthy is one of the most important things you can do for youself and for others, which is why getting your prescription filled is a big deal. If you are having a difficult time finding ways to make your prescription purchase then try following these ten tips. One, if not all, of these tips might serve to save you a lot of money in the future which can help you leave a healthier and happier lifestyle.