Medication savings: simple steps to pay less for prescriptions

Prescription drugs can eat a big chunk out of your budget. The good news: you don’t need to accept sticker shock. Small changes—asking one question, switching formats, or trying a coupon—can cut costs fast without risking your health.

Smart ways to cut RX costs today

Always ask your prescriber for a generic. Generics use the same active ingredient and usually cost a fraction of brand names. If your doctor hesitates, ask if a therapeutic alternative works—sometimes a different, cheaper drug does the same job.

Compare prices at a few pharmacies before you buy. Local chains, independent stores, and big-box pharmacies often have very different cash prices. Use price-check tools or call them—saving $10–50 is common on routine meds.

Use discount apps and coupons. Apps like GoodRx or competitors show coupon prices you can use at the counter. Coupons often beat insurance co-pays for some meds. Print or show the code on your phone.

Buy 90-day supplies when it makes sense. Many meds cost less per dose in larger fills. Mail-order pharmacies and warehouse clubs often lower your per-pill price and cut trips to the pharmacy.

Check manufacturer patient assistance programs for expensive treatments. Drug makers often help people who qualify with free or reduced-price medicine. Your clinic or pharmacist can help apply.

Consider splitting pills only when the tablet is safe to split. For many drugs, taking half a higher-dose pill is fine and can halve the cost. Confirm with your pharmacist—extended-release and coated pills shouldn’t be split.

Avoid scams and keep your meds safe

Buying online can save a lot, but safety matters. Before you order, verify the pharmacy is licensed and requires a prescription. Legitimate pharmacies will show contact info, a license number, and a pharmacist you can reach by phone.

Watch out for sites that sell controlled meds without a prescription or offer suspiciously low prices. Those are red flags for counterfeit or unsafe products. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Talk to your pharmacist about payment options. They can explain cash pricing, discount cards, or manufacturer coupons. Pharmacists also know when a therapeutic substitute will save money and work just as well.

Use your insurance wisely. For some drugs, insurance lowers the cost; for others, a coupon or cash price is better. Run the numbers before you fill an expensive prescription.

One last tip: keep a short list of your regular meds and current prices. Re-check once or twice a year—prices and coupons change, and a quick comparison can save you dozens to hundreds of dollars every year.

These steps add up. Try one or two changes first—compare prices and ask about generics—and build from there. Small moves make a real difference for your wallet and your health.