The cost of medication is going up everywhere. It’s not just the drug companies that are cashing in on the high prices of drugs; it’s also your local pharmacy and grocery store. Consumers are feeling the squeeze on their budgets more than ever before, but these financial pressures don’t have to be as difficult as they seem.
In an age when everything feels like a struggle, there are still many ways you can make small changes to help manage your money. And while some people might think that you can only find these savings if you have a senior discount at Fred Meyer, the truth is, there are several ways that you can save money on your prescriptions without having to spend a lot of money upfront for membership fees or upfront costs for the cards themselves.
Check for Online Deals
When you find yourself needing to buy a substantial amount of medication, you might be tempted to just go to your local pharmacy and buy the drugs from them. But before you do, make sure to check for online deals. These discounts may be offered by your pharmacy, but they might not be advertised very much. However, if you take the time to check for them, you could save hundreds of dollars.
Check for Printable Coupons
Before you go out and buy a bunch of medication, make sure to check your coupons and discounts. You may have a printable coupon that you can use at your local pharmacy to save a few dollars here and there. You may also be able to save money by purchasing generic brands of drugs rather than the more expensive name-brand medications. Furthermore, you can often find coupons for these generic medications.
Use a Shifting Platform Card
Shifting platform cards are becoming increasingly popular these days. These cards give you a discount or cash back on your prescription purchases. You can use these funds to buy more medication, or you can put the money towards your medication costs. These shifting platform cards are a great option for those who don’t need to save on a specific medication, but rather are looking for a way to save on all of their medications.
Negotiate with Your Pharmacist
If you have a prescription that you need to fill, it’s always a good idea to go to the pharmacy that you usually go to. Talk with the pharmacist and let them know that you are trying to save money on your meds. Pharmacists often get a special deal from drug companies, and they may be able to pass this discount on to you. You may also be able to save money by shopping at a pharmacy that specializes in generic drugs.
Shop in-store and Online with the Same Card
Many prescription discount cards require you to sign up and provide your personal information. While these cards may be a good option for some people, others may be turned off by the idea of giving out their information online. If you fall into this camp, you can still find ways to save money on your prescriptions. If you shop in-store and online with the same card, you can often save money when you buy your medication.
Conclusion
As you can see, it’s entirely possible to save money on your prescriptions without having to spend a fortune upfront. Most of these methods can be done without any upfront costs, and you can start saving money in a matter of days. All it takes is a bit of effort and research to find the best deals. So don’t let the high cost of medications keep you from getting the care you need. Instead, make these small changes to help manage your money.