Human Services
Tips for Being a Smart Prescription Drug Shopper
Use These Tips So You Don't Pay More Than Necessary for Your Prescription Medications!
Tip #1: Retail and grocery stores are an excellent source for low-cost generic medications.
- Everyone is eligible — simply show up with your prescription. No insurance or residency requirements and no income limits.
- Wal-Mart, Target and Safeway provide generic medications for $4 a month.
- Giant offers generics for $9.99 for a three-month supply.
- K-Mart has a generic program that charges $15 for a 90-day supply.
- Costco has a prescription program for members who have no insurance coverage.
Tip #2: Mail-order options can save you money on medications.
- www.RxOutreach.com is a mail-order program for generic and brand name medications.
- Prices range from $20-$40 for a 90-day supply.
- You can qualify regardless of age or insurance status.
- No supporting documentation is necessary.
- You can use RxOutreach to get your medicines if your annual household income is $31,200 or less for a single person and $42,000 or less for a family of two.
- Visit the website or call 800-769-3880.
Tip #3: Some discount programs cost nothing but can save you $$$.
- www.DrugRxCard.com offers a free discount drug card that can be used at most pharmacies to save you up to 75% on medication.
- Average savings for name and generic brand medications is 40%.
- No cost and no sign up process. Simply present the card when purchasing medication.
Tip #4: Some programs provide free medications for people who have low income and no insurance.
- Programs called PAPs (Patient Assistance Programs) provide free or low-cost medicine to low-income people who are uninsured or under-insured.
- PAPs are availble for people of all ages.
- To get more information on PAPs, try one of these sites:
Most Important Tip of All: Be a Smart Shopper!1. You’ll probably get the best deal at Target, Wal-Mart, Giant or Safeway (see Tip #1). 2. If they don’t carry a medication or you need to shop at a pharmacy closer to home, use the DrugRxCard to see if you can get a discount. 3. Some pharmacies have discount programs of their own. Ask the pharmacist which program offers the best discount before purchasing. The Arlington County Department of Human Services offers these tips for informational purposes. This is not an endorsement of the programs or services. For more information, call us at 703-228-1700. |