the_small_changes_that_cut_prescription_drug

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Prescription drug costs are one of the fastest-rising components of medical spending. Several simple habits reduce them without changing medical care.

Use GoodRx. This free service shows prescription prices at nearby pharmacies. The prices are often lower than what insurance charges, particularly for generic drugs.

Ask about generic alternatives. Doctors often prescribe brand-name drugs by habit. Most brand-name drugs have chemically identical generic versions at a fraction of the price.

Check manufacturer coupons for brand-name drugs. When no generic exists, the drug manufacturer often offers copay assistance.

Compare pharmacy prices. Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, and independent pharmacies frequently have lower cash prices than chain pharmacies.

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Ask about pill splitting. Some prescriptions can be filled at a higher dose, then split with a pill splitter.

These tactics do not require sacrificing care. They just require attention to how the drug is dispensed.