6 ways to save big money on your Prescriptions
In a new twist on ways to save money at pharmacies, some pharmacies are actually giving consumers incentives for transferring prescriptions or filling new prescriptions at their branch. Taking advantage of these offers can mean that while buying something that is a necessity, you can save money - or even make money in some cases!
Many pharmacies have begun a policy of offering a store gift card for each prescription transferred from another pharmacy or new prescription filled. CVS pharmacies usually offer a $25 gift card per prescription, Target is offering $10 gift cards, and others including Sav-On, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, and more are offering $20 or more per prescription, Long’s Drugs is matching competitors offers. Some of these deals need coupons, but many do not. Talk to the particular pharmacy to see if you can get the deal without the coupon or if they can give you a coupon.
Consumers have found these pharmacies to be very helpful, probably because they are trying so hard to compete for your business. Various pharmacy customers who arrived without coupons have found that they were not only able to receive the store gift card, but were also offered other gift cards and coupons if they transferred more prescriptions! Especially if you have insurance with a set co-pay on prescriptions, it is easy to save or actually make money on transferring your prescriptions.
The next step for many of these pharmacies who are losing customers is to try to win them back. Because of this, you should not be surprised if you receive coupons and offers for transferring your prescriptions back to your original pharmacies. Some customers have entered into a sort of revolving pharmacy game, transferring prescriptions each month and paying full price for very few of them.
Remember, most of these deals can be used in conjunction with other coupons and discounts. Deal Locker has many pharmacy coupons. Who knows? With all these discounts and gift cards, you may end up seeing refilling your prescriptions as a money-making opportunity!
Some additional ways to save money on prescriptions:
- Generic Medications. Target and Wal-Mart are now selling some generic medications for only $5. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is a generic version of the medication that is prescribed for you.
- Manufacturers’ Coupons and Rebates. Some drug companies have ways to save money or earn rebates explained on their website, in doctors’ offices, or in advertisements. This might require some work to keep on top of and generally you will have to give out your name, address and email address, but it can save you money, often every month. Coupons can be found for for many brand name drugs, we are working on a full list and should have it posted shortly.
- Pharmacy Discount Cards. These discount cards can be found by doing a web search. They may require a nominal membership fee, but there are some free pharmacy discount cards.
- Free Samples. Doctors receive many samples from pharmaceutical companies. If you express your concerns about prescription prices to your doctor, you may find yourself loaded up with free samples!
- Hardship Programs. Possibly realizing how hard it is for some of us to afford health care and prescriptions, some pharmaceutical companies such as Merck and Pfizer have created hardship programs or patient assistance programs for those who qualify.
While health care costs don’t seem to be going down any time soon, you can definitely save money by following these steps and by checking for coupons and discounts at Deal Locker.
