Saving money on prescription drugs....the easy way. (prices, old, price)

[509]

Many prescription drugs are cheaper when you pay cash rather than going through your insurance. This is particularly true for drugs that you take year round, but can only get a 90 day supply through your insurance.

First, go your doctor to write a prescription for a years supply (365 pills) to be filled at one time.

Then when you go to your pharmacy ask what is the cash price for a years supply and compare that to the insurance price for 90 days times 4.

For example, today I went to Costco to fill two prescriptions and ask for the comparison. Costco has a antiquated pharmacy system so you have to be patient with them and they hate doing it. Not sure about WalMart, but that is the other low cost supplier for prescription drugs.

So for Drug A.....a years supply paying cash the cost was 107 dollars. The cost for a 90 day supply WITH INSURANCE was $30 or 120 dollars for the year. That was only 13 dollars, but it also means I do not have to drive to refill a prescription or worry about running out of drugs until I see my doctor in a year.

For Drug B........the 30 day prescription price was 30 dollars for cash and 10 for the insurance.

For Drug C........The years supply was $18 cash and the 90 day supply was $10 or $40 dollars for the year with insurance.

So it pays to get a years prescription and then ask about the difference between insurance cost and cash price.

If your on generics it might be substantially cheaper to pay for the drugs yourself.

[froglipz]

I didn't know Dr. would write a prescription for a 365 day supply of medication.

[DubbleT]

Originally Posted by froglipz

I didn't know Dr. would write a prescription for a 365 day supply of medication.

Same here, most of them want you to come in periodically so they can monitor whatever condition you are taking meds for.

[509]

Yes, they will. It depends on the medication, but things like blood pressure, etc. that you only see a doctor once a year for the prescription they will write a 365 pill prescription. In fact, it is just a courtesy to the pharmacy since they tend not to have that many pills on hand in many cases.

The 90 day requirement is a INSURANCE thing.

[ccc123]

My doctor will not write any prescription for 365 days, doesn't matter what it is.

[509]

Originally Posted by ccc123

My doctor will not write any prescription for 365 days, doesn't matter what it is.

I would find a new doctor.

I am paying for my health care, therefore, unless there is a legal reason for NOT doing something the decision is mine.

I pay good money for medical ADVICE, it is my body and my decision on treatment.

Here is the link for Costco cash prices......http://www.costco.com/Pharmacy/drug-...0701&langId=-1

It appears they pro-rate the 100 tabllet price for a years supply.

[froglipz]

Originally Posted by 509

Yes, they will. It depends on the medication, but things like blood pressure, etc. that you only see a doctor once a year for the prescription they will write a 365 pill prescription. In fact, it is just a courtesy to the pharmacy since they tend not to have that many pills on hand in many cases.

The 90 day requirement is a INSURANCE thing.

As well as Federal, and State laws, pharmaceutical laws, and medical ethics, place limits on quantities dispensed.

[DubbleT]

Originally Posted by 509

Yes, they will. It depends on the medication, but things like blood pressure, etc. that you only see a doctor once a year for the prescription they will write a 365 pill prescription. In fact, it is just a courtesy to the pharmacy since they tend not to have that many pills on hand in many cases.

The 90 day requirement is a INSURANCE thing.

I find that hard to believe since what would cover your one year supply would also cover four patients on a ninety day supply. You think a pharmacy wouldn't keep enough pills for that, four patients worth isn't really that much.

[509]

Originally Posted by DubbleT

I find that hard to believe since what would cover your one year supply would also cover four patients on a ninety day supply. You think a pharmacy wouldn't keep enough pills for that, four patients worth isn't really that much.

I was surprised as well. Not sure if they wanted to hold me to the 90 day supply and used that as an excuse or what?? It was the Costco pharmacy. Ours Costco isn't very busy.

[jghorton]

Beyond generics and a 90-day supply -- Another big savings I discovered was to get a compound pharmacy to produce cremes and things the pharmacy companies have otherwise chosen to raise to exhorbitant levels.