If you find that your prescriptions are drawing down your budget too much, you could be tempted to do without the medicine. Before you decide to risk your health and welfare by doing that, consider the following steps which might allow you to continue the medicine at a reduced cost:

1. Buy from a mail-order pharmacy that allows bulk orders. This is especially helpful for long-term medicines that you will take for 3 months or more.

2. When your doctor is writing a prescription, ask if there is either a generic or a cheaper drug that will still work for you. Sometimes older drugs are less expensive and still as effective.

3. Ask your doctor if they can prescribe a stronger dosage of the medicine which you could then cut in half. You can split a pill into two…this means you get twice the medicine out of one prescription dispensed by the pharmacy. That saves you on dispensing fees, and refills.

4. Check with a variety of pharmacies to find out what they charge. There can be a wide range of prices from one to another.

5. Buy the drugs from a pharmacy online. Make sure it is properly licensed. Look for a VIPPS seal to know that it is a reputable, licensed online pharmacy, or check with www.nabp.net (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy).

6. Check to see if you could possibly be qualified for an assistance program. There are some programs that check your income, but even the drug companies themselves will offer assistance to some individuals. They each have their own criteria, so be sure to contact the manufacturer of your prescription to find out what they offer.

Lastly, avoid the discount cards that you see so prominently offered. They frequently are too restrictive, such as prohibiting buying generics, or restricting your purchases from online pharmacies or pharmacies not associated with the offering company.

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