Steve Says

****PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO BE MEDICAL ADVICE- I AM NOT A DOCTOR, I AM JUST A GUY WHO MAKES HIS LIVING BEING CHEAP****

I've already had my first fall flu-like cold (seems I'm a bit early this year).  Regardless, it's got me thinking about prescription drug costs- I went through three or four different medicines before I was able to finally get rid of this cold.  Couple that with open enrollment season just around the corner and you've got a prescription for reviewing your health care budget.

Here are a few tips from this morning's segment:

Most folks think their hands are tied- that when you're sick... you are at the mercy of medical companies- and whatever prescription plan you're a part of.

I say.. this is an opportunity to save!

We all know to ask for generics.. but did you know you can ask your doctor for lower-cost medicines?

Here's an example..

As I'm getting older... my hair is starting to thin on top- so I have a prescription for "Propecia"- which is *not* covered by my insurance- it comes at a cost of almost a hundred dollars a month.

I did some research and found out that if you take a quarter dose of the prostate medication "Proscar" it *also* helps with hair growth.

Now... although it's not covered by my insurance.. because I'm too young to qualify for coverage for prostate medication- remember it only requires a quarter dose.  So I take a pill splitter, cut each pill into four- and now that 100-dollars a month is cut down to 25 dollars a month because my prescription lasts 4 times as long.

Next- shop around.

Believe it or not, prescription drug prices can vary from store to store so it pays to shop around.  There are website dedicated to price comparing for you.  (I suggest a simple internet search to find eth one that is best suited for you - beware MAKE SURE YOU ARE USING A SEARCH WEBSITE THAT IS NOT SPONSORED BY ANY PHARMACY OR DRUG COMPANY)

Also keep in mind your local supermarket- Wal-Mart- Target and club and warehouse stores.  Access to the often less expensive pharmacies in these big box stores is open to everyone even if you don't have a membership card.

Consider ordering by mail.  Not only will ordering by mail save you money on the cost of your prescription drugs, but it will save you gas money too!

Most often mail order drug programs offer 90 day supplies... which... again.. check with your doctor first... but really try and maximize the savings here.

For example, let's say you're taking 20 milligrams of Lipitor.  Ask your doctor if they can write you a prescription for 40 milligram tablets. Order them through the mail.. which saves you money.  Then split the pills in half, which saves you twice as much money.

Again.. keep in mind to always ask your doctor if your medication is suitable to be split in half.  Capsules and some pills like those with time release formulas do pose problems.

And finally... Don't be afraid to ask for free samples from your doctor.

My podiatrist wrote me a prescription for Celebrex recently... which my insurance wouldn't cover.  It would have cost me as much as 2-hundred 20 bucks for a 30 day supply.

No way!

Instead- his office was able to help me out with some of the free sample packs that are furnished to them by the drug companies.

Don't be shy about saving money!

That's my two cents.. what's yours?