Some final tips for reducing Rx costs:

Even if you are getting great prices at your pharmacy, there are a few ways to achieve additional savings!

1. Samples. Ask your doctors for samples of the medications they prescribe. Be up front about any difficulties you are having in paying for prescription, or let them know how much that monthly Rx costs.

Doctors receive daily visits from various pharmaceutical sales reps, including samples, coupons, and other offers. The newer the medication, the more likely they are to have samples available. However, doctors are busy, and see many patients, and may not think to offer the samples, unless you ask!

Specialists in private practices (gastro, cardio, etc.) usually receive additional volumes of samples; after all, their patients are the most likely to use them. Just ask!

2. Coupons and Vouchers. Coupons and vouchers for free samples, discounts at your pharmacy (also referred to as pharmacy checks), and rebates are increasingly common. Even if you are already on a medication, your doctor may write a separate prescription for the free sample, in addition to your regular prescription.

Several offers are listed at

Rx Coupons

Once you fill a trial or use a prescription coupon, the manufacturer will generally provide another. And another…

Several programs also have “Rewards Programs”, allowing you to submit your receipts for rebates and free gifts. $40 - $200 a year in cash back, as well as freebies, can add up quickly in reducing costs.

Don’t assume you cannot use coupons with copayments or insurance plans. In general, you can. The major exception is when your medications are completely covered by Medicare (some breathing meds, diabetic supplies, etc.), in which case you would be being paid to take a drug (not allowed). Your pharmacist will know the requirements and are generally very supportive.

3. Contact the Manufacturers Most manufacturers have prescription assistance programs. While these are changing dramatically with the changes in Medicare plans, they do have programs available. Programs generally require input from your physician, and some program provide the medications directly to your doctor to pass on at regular appointments.

4. Pharmacy Rewards. With the introduction of medicare plans, many patients were required to change pharmacies, or even utilize mail-order programs to meet the insurance requirements. Pharmacies are now offering incentives to keep and bring in new business. $25 gift cards for new or transferred prescriptions are now common.

For new prescriptions, the free trials work well: no need to pass on insurance information, no need to pay for medications, and you get a gift card!

For transferred prescriptions, there are several things to consider. First, no matter what the pharmacy’s price points are, you can transfer a generic or low cost prescription and still generally come out ahead. Second, if the medication is covered under your prescription insurance plan, the costs should be similar (not necessarily the same), between pharmacies. Call and ask the price before you transfer, and make sure you are benefiting by the offer.

Also, remember, transferring a prescription does not mean it needs to be filled at that pharmacy in the future. Just take your empty bottle back to your preferred pharmacy and have it transferred back when it’s time to refill.

5. Doctors Office coupons. As odd as it may seem, the doctors office, and pharmacy counter tops, are becoming loaded with coupons. Some have Rx offers, many have OTC medication offers. Look. Skim through the brochures. You might be pleasantly surprised!

6. Regular Checkups For your Rx costs! Prices change constantly. It’s a competitive business. Evaluate your insurance coverage, evaluate the prices at your pharmacy, and don’t be afraid to make changes when it’s best for you and your family.