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Increasing medication cost is one of the greatest contributing factors to medical inflation. But there are things that you can do as a consumer to help keep your out-of-poket expenses for prescription drugs as low as possible. Here are five ways to keep the lid on costs.
1. Use generic drugs.
If you need a prescription drug, always ask your doctor if he or she can prescribe a generic. These drugs cost between 20 percent and 75 percent less than their brand-name equivalent* because they do not share the initial investment costs incurred by brand medications. Generics become available once the brand drug’s patent expires. Under FDA regulations, generics must contain the same active ingredients and be the same in strength and dosage as the original brand-name drug. Many generics are manufactured by the same companies that manufacture the brand-name drugs.
2. Use the mail-order service.
If you regularly take medication for a chronic condition, take advantage of our Walgreens mail order pharmacy program. It’s safe, convenient and may save you money. The program enables you to receive up to a 90-day supply of drugs that are priced competitively. Simply fill out the Walgreens HealthCare Plus Mail Order Pharmacy Service registration and prescription order form. One was sent to you with your Medicare supplement contract package. Or call your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida customer service representative at 1-800-926-6565 for a prescription order form.
3. Don’t take unnecessary medications.
Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viruses that cause colds and sore throats. Taken when not needed, antibiotics can lead to the development of tough bacteria called “superbugs” that are actually resistant to the drugs. That puts you at risk for developing an infection that cannot be cured with antibiotics in the future.
4. Consider over-the-counter options.
For many conditions, such as allergies, arthritis or stomach problems, good over-the-counter medications are available, including some that used to require a prescription. Your pharmacist can assist you in making good over-the-counter remedy choices. Be sure to keep your physician aware of any over-the-counter drugs you may be taking.
*Source: FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
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