Recent changes to health insurance coverage mean many people are seeing higher costs or fewer benefits. Updates to Medicaid eligibility and the expiration of some Affordable Care Act subsidies are part of the shift. If your prescription costs have gone up, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed.
The good news is that there are practical ways to lower what you pay. Small steps can help protect both your health and your budget. Keep reading for 7 ways to lower your prescription costs after a benefits cut.
1. Ask about generic options
The first thing you can do if you are facing rising prescription costs is ask about generic options. Name-brand medications cost 80-85% more than generic alternatives, and generic medications often work the same. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if switching to a less expensive alternative is an option. When you talk to them, ask, “is there a lower-cost version of this medication?” They will be able to guide you towards more budget-friendly solutions if they are available to you.
2. Use prescription discount tools
Even if you switch to generic options, prescription drug costs can still add up. Using prescription discount tools can help lower the cost. These tools allow you to compare drug costs across pharmacies.
They also offer coupons on some medications. With the help of these coupons, you may get your prescriptions for less than what you’d pay going through your insurance. Here are a few discount tools that can help you get your medications at a reduced rate:
- GoodRx – compares costs across different pharmacies and offers coupons
- SingleCare – offers discounts for prescriptions at major retailers
- RXSaver – provides price comparisons across pharmacies and coupons that work for both name-brand and generic drugs
- BuzzRx – can help users save up to 80% on medications, and also has options to save on pet prescriptions
3. Check patient assistance programs
Patient assistance programs can be a powerful way to lower the cost of your medications. Many pharmaceutical companies offer these programs to provide free or discounted prescriptions to eligible individuals.
They’re especially helpful if you don’t have insurance or your coverage doesn’t fully pay for your medication. It can take a few minutes to apply, but the savings can be significant—sometimes covering the full cost of your prescription.
To look for assistance programs for your prescriptions, start with:
These sites allow you to search for your prescriptions by drug name, brand name, or company name. This can help you find options for your specific medications.
4. Compare pharmacies
Prices can vary greatly depending on which pharmacy you use. When there is no difference in medications, it’s not worth paying extra. Call around or check online before filling your prescription. This allows you to find the best price for the medication you need. You can also use apps like GoodRx to help you compare prices and find the best pharmacy for your budget.
When you are comparing pharmacies, ask if it is cheaper if you pay cash and don’t go through insurance. At some places, this is the case.
5. Ask for a 90-day supply or mail order
Asking for a 90-day supply or using a mail-order pharmacy can help lower your prescription costs over time. Many pharmacies offer a lower price per dose when you fill a larger supply, which means fewer trips to the pharmacy and more savings overall. Mail-order options can also be more affordable and convenient, especially for medications you take regularly.
6. Look into state or local programs
In addition to cost-saving options offered by drug companies, some states offer extra help with prescriptions. For example, Kentucky residents can check the Kentucky Prescription Assistance program (KPAP) to see if it can help lower their medication costs.
The National Conference of State Legislatures has a list of state assistance programs here. Alternatively, you can search “[your state]” prescription assistance program” to find specific options available in your state.
7. Talk to your doctor, don’t skip meds
If your prescription costs have gone up after a benefits cut, it can be tempting to stop taking your medication. Instead, talk to your doctor. Be up front with them and let them know that cost is currently an issue for you. You can ask them about cheaper alternatives or different dosages. They can help you find the best solution for your situation that will keep you safe and healthy. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Wrap up
Facing rising prescription drug costs after a benefits cut is stressful. It can make an already tight budget feel like it is going to burst. But these seven options can help you find lower-cost medications and peace of mind.
Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out today. Review your cost-reduction options and select one or two to try. Then take the next small step to lower your prescription costs. You deserve care you can afford and support along the way.
