7 tips to save big bucks on prescription drugs

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Americans spend close to $400 billion on prescription drugs every year. Even if you have health insurance your plan may not cover medication. It pays to ask a lot of questions to save on your pill bill.

Whether you prefer the personal touch of a mom and pop pharmacy or the anonymity and convenience of picking up your pills at a big box store always ask "is this the lowest price?"

Negotiate the price of your pills. Sometimes the retail price is less than applying insurance, and by all means shop around.

"If it's a prescription your required to take on a daily basis, it's definitely more important to comparison shop for the best price," said Andrea Woroch, a consumer expert.

Woroch says drug prices can vary widely. So Eyewitness News did a price check on the generic form of one of the best-selling antibiotics, Levaquin. We visited four pharmacies chosen randomly, two big box stores, a supermarket, and a mom and pop all in the same New Jersey county and priced 10 - 500 mg tables. The prices varied from a top amount, $161.99 down to less than $10. A difference of more than a $150.

The pharmacist also recommends using generic brands. The name brand price for Crestor, a cholesterol lowering drug costing hundred more than what the doctor approved as a generic equivalent. Comparing the 2 - we went from $351 to $12 for the 90 day supply.

"That's a huge saving huge and that's just asking your doctor, can we do a substitute yes," said Yaz Shah, a pharmacist.

"For the most part you can use a generic its considered equivalent and will save you money," said Dr. Linda Bernstein, a pharmacist.

Dr. Bernstein warns against saving at the cost of safety however. Especially if you order medicine online.

"You're not getting what you think you getting and it could be dangerous for you help," Bernstein said.

Dr. Bernstein says look for seals of accreditation. The VIPPS logo means the site is licensed in your state. Also, make sure a pharmacist is available to chat and verify your prescription online.

Another online ordering red flag is the price. If it's too low could mean you're getting nothing but fillers not the real deal.

One more way to save is to stay up to speed on your insurance co-pays, which can vary greatly depending on what type of medicine you purchase.

And always ask about prescription savings cards. For example, club members at one big box store will mean you pay a fraction of what non members pay. For Levaquin, members pay more than $100 less than non members.

Just make sure no matter where you find the best prices, it's important to have a consistent pharmacist who knows you and what medicines you're taking.

"Generally speaking, it is better to have loyalty to one pharmacy, get to know you, and keep a running list of all your medicine," Dr. Bernstein said.

If you find your prescription drugs cheaper somewhere else, see if your own pharmacist to price match or price beat it. If they want to keep your business they usually will.

You can also ask your doctor about any assistance programs you may qualify to get your pills for free.

For more information please visit:

http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/healthcare-management/insurance-bills/resources-for-affordable-prescription-medicine.html

http://familywize.org/