Many people find it easier to get their prescriptions online doctor, via telemedicine or by speaking with their doctor on the phone. This is particularly true for teens who are reluctant to talk to their doc in person about personal health issues.
Depending on your state’s regulations, you may be able to request a prescription without an in-person visit with your doctor. This process can save you time and money and reduce stress.
Find an In-Network Pharmacist
Getting your prescriptions filled at an in-network pharmacy can save you money. That’s because in-network pharmacies have agreements with your health plan to dispense certain medications at lower cost to you.
In-network pharmacists also can help you with things like medication reminders, a list of your medications, and tips on how to avoid drug interactions. Plus, they can help you save by suggesting alternatives that may work better for your specific needs.
Another advantage of an in-network pharmacy is that they’re often located near you, so you’ll be able to pick up your medicines when you’re in the area. In fact, our Find a pharmacy tool makes it easy to find in-network pharmacies near you by ZIP code or city and state.
Your in-network pharmacist may also be able to provide you with a free sample of a new, innovative medicine that’s likely to be available soon. That might be a new type of diabetes drug or a medication to control high blood pressure.
Find Out if Your Medicines Are Covered by Your Insurance
If you have insurance, you can use a drug list (also called a formulary) to find out if your medications are covered. The formulary lists each medication that is covered and how much you will have to pay.
Some plans have specialized lists for drugs that are used to treat certain conditions. These specialized lists can be more detailed than your plan’s main drug list.
Prescription coupons are also available from many drug companies to help insured people pay for their medicines. You can get these from your doctor, companies and online.
If your medicine is not covered by your insurance, you can ask your doctor to file an exception. This exception lets your doctor try other medications that might work for your condition first before recommending a more expensive one.
Ask Your Doctor for a Refill
Most patients can get prescription refills at their doctor’s office. However, some health conditions and medications require an appointment before a doctor can write a prescription refill.
Refills for medications that are controlled substances (medications that are regulated by the FDA) typically require a physical exam to be approved. The reason for this is so that the doctor can verify that you’re not abusing or fraudulently taking the medicine.
Your pharmacist is also likely to ask for your doctor’s name, the medication you need refilled and its dosage. This will help them prepare the medication for you to pick up at the pharmacy.
Patients with long-term illnesses may need to have their prescriptions refilled regularly. If they plan to be away from their healthcare provider for a long time, such as on vacation, they can ask their pharmacy to refill their medications ahead of time.
Find a Convenient Location
Prescriptions are essential for managing a health condition, but they can be expensive. That’s why it’s important to shop around for the best price.
A good place to start is with price comparison apps .These apps allow you to compare prices at a variety of pharmacies.
You can also use them to find a pharmacy close to your home. You can even get your prescriptions delivered to your door.
Another way to save money on your prescriptions is by shopping for discount cards. These cards can help you save up to 80 percent off the retail cost of your medications.
Conclusion
In addition to saving you money on your prescriptions, these cards can also be a useful resource for finding information on new medicines and ways to manage your health. For example, you might find a website that shows you the most effective ways to take your medicine or offers a free health care assistance program.