Pharmacy
Americans spent more than $200 billion on prescription drugs last year, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. We all have a stake in helping to manage costs. If you use prescription drugs, here are some things you can do:
Shop for the best price
Drug prices can vary from drug to drug and pharmacy to pharmacy. Here are some shopping tips:
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Know your plan’s list of preferred drugs. You get the best value when you use medications that are on your plan’s preferred drug list (formulary), the list of drugs approved by Medica’s independent review team. It’s a good idea to print a copy to take with you to a doctor appointment.
View the list on medica.com. |
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Check out 3-month supply options. Some plans offer programs that allow you to obtain a 3-month supply of medications at your local pharmacy or a mail order pharmacy—saving you time and money.
Learn more on medica.com. |
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Call around. Pharmacies can offer different prices for medications. Depending on your pharmacy benefit plan, you may be able to reduce your share of the cost by simply picking up the phone. Try calling two or three pharmacies in your area and ask them what the medication you have been prescribed will cost. Some pharmacies will match a competitor’s lower price. |
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Compare prices online. Find cost estimates for hundreds of medications. Medica's online tool allows you to compare the cost of brand-name drugs with the generic alternative(s).
Look up a cost estimate. |
Go generic
If you're taking a brand-name prescription drug, you may be spending more money than you need to for your medicine. Generally, switching to a generic drug can add up to big savings for you.
Learn more.
Talk to your doctor about pill splitting
Essentially, splitting pills allows you to buy two for the price of one. Not all pills can be split, but many can. Splitting your pills may be an option for you if:
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your doctor approves of it. |
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you learn the proper way to split them. Your pharmacist may be able to show you. |
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you split only pills that are scored (never split extended- or continued-release tablets). |
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you use a device designed specifically for splitting pills, available at most pharmacies for under $10. |
Take your medicine
When your doctor prescribes a medicine for you, it’s important that you take it as directed. Not taking medicines as prescribed can lead to needless illness and suffering, preventable hospitalizations and higher costs. Be responsible and take your medicine. Your life could depend on it.
Prevent medication errors
Complications from getting the wrong medication or from medication interactions are all too common. Fortunately, you can take steps to avoid such problems. Learn more.