6 Real Ways to Save Money on Prescriptions

Sadly, about 9.2 million U.S. adults reported not taking medications as prescribed due to cost, whether they skipped doses, took a lower dosage than prescribed or delayed filling a prescription.¹

If you’re looking for ways to save money on prescriptions, here are six options that may help keep more dollars in your pocket.

1. Request a Generic

One of the easiest ways to save is to ask your health care provider or pharmacist for a generic alternative. Generic drugs typically cost less because they do not require the initial costly research conducted on brand-name drugs. 

Generics are just as effective and safe as brand-name drugs:²

• Generics are the same as brand-name medications in dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability and quality. 
• Generics must adhere to strict guidelines before the FDA approves their use. 

Be aware that if you purchase a non-generic drug when a generic is available, some health plans charge a penalty for the difference between the cost. This penalty may not accumulate toward your deductible or the maximum out-of-pocket limit. It’s just another reason to choose the generic option!

2. Switch to a 90-day Mail-order Prescription

If you regularly take maintenance medication for an ongoing condition such as high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes or asthma, you might save money by switching to a mail-order prescription. This is generally a more affordable option that provides up to a 90-day supply of medication. In addition to saving money, you can avoid a trip to the pharmacy and receive your medication straight to your doorstep.

If you have a GuideStone^® health plan, you can contact Express Scripts^® (ESI) to find out how to switch to a 90-day supply. 

3. Change to a Different Form of the Same Medication 

When considering how to save on prescriptions, you may discover a more affordable option if there’s another form of your medication. Ask your health care provider if your medication is available in a different form, such as pills, capsules, creams or ointments. 

4. Compare Pharmacy and Retailer Prices 

You may be surprised to find that the cost of a prescription can vary depending on where you buy it. To keep more money in your pocket, compare prices at major retailers and pharmacies in your area before making your purchase. 

5. Apply for Assistance Through the Drug Manufacturer

Drug manufacturers sometimes offer patient assistance programs that provide free or low-cost medications. Each pharmaceutical company sets its own qualification requirements, so contact the drugmaker to find out if you qualify.  

6. Consider Programs Available to the Public³

Other money-saving programs are not tied to a specific medication. Here are a few programs that may help you save money on prescriptions. 

• Needy Meds
  Needy Meds is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that aims to help people who cannot afford medicine or health care costs. The information at Needy Meds is available anonymously and free of charge.
  NeedyMeds.org
  (800) 503-6897
  
  
• Cost Plus Drugs
  The Cost Plus Drug Company (commonly known as Cost Plus Drugs) offers safe medicines at the lowest possible price. It provides complete transparency on the cost of drugs so that patients know they are getting a fair price. As a public-benefit corporation, it prioritizes a social mission to improve public health.
  CostPlusDrugs.com
  
  
• GoodRx^®
  GoodRx is a free mobile app and website that helps Americans save money by finding the lowest prescription prices in their neighborhood. Since drug prices vary by pharmacy, GoodRx helps compare prices and provides coupons for medications that can help you pay less than the cash price for prescriptions.
  GoodRx.com
  
  
• Social Security Extra Help Program
  The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers an Extra Help program to help lower or cut Part D costs for people with limited income and resources. Medicare Part D provides drug coverage. The Extra Help program helps with the cost of prescription drugs, like deductibles and co-pays. You can apply for Extra Help before or after enrolling in Part D.
  SSA.gov/Medicare/Part-D-Extra-Help
  1-800-772-1213 
  
  
• State and Local Resources
  Several states offer programs to help pay for medications. You may also look for community-based charitable programs. Check with your local health center to see if they partner with pharmacies to offer financial assistance with medications. 

Supporting Your Well-being

At GuideStone, we understand the challenges you may face in health care. That’s why our health plans offer resourceful and money-saving tools like a patient advocacy team to help navigate prescription needs and SmartShopper^®, which allows you to earn cash rewards when shopping for medical procedures. For more information, contact us at Insurance@GuideStone.org or 1-844-INS-GUIDE (1-844-467-4843), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.

GuideStone welcomes the opportunity to share this general information. However, this article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 

¹CDC.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db470.htm 
²FDA.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts
³GuideStone is not affiliated with and does not support any of these entities.