Updated on January 29, 2024.
For many Americans, controlling healthcare costs is important. But health experts have a warning. You should never skip doses of prescription medication to save money. You shouldn’t take less than prescribed, either.
Not everyone follows that advice. More than 8 percent of Americans aged 18 to 64 said they didn’t take medicine as prescribed to save money. That’s according to a 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For people without health insurance, that number was almost 23 percent.
“If you’re not taking your prescription, it can’t work for you. And if you’re taking it at less than the prescribed dose, it could be working for you less,” says Keith Roach, MD. He’s an associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.
“If you are taking an antibiotic or antiviral medicine—when it is at the right dose in your body, it keeps the bugs from growing,” he adds. “But once that level gets too low, then they have a chance of learning how to defeat the medicine you’re taking.”
Skipping doses or not taking enough medication can have other negative effects, too. These include more visits to the emergency room and hospitalizations.
Strategies to reduce medication costs
Try these tips to lower your drug costs.
Be informed. Do you have health insurance? If so, your healthcare provider (HCP) may not know exactly how it covers medication costs. In this case, speak to an insurance agent or ask your pharmacist about drug tiers. You may be able to get the prescription you need for a lower price. Then, share what you learn with your HCP.
“Your doctor wants to help you and work with you to figure out a way of using your benefits to the maximum,” Dr. Roach says.
Use generics. If possible, ask your HCP to prescribe a generic drug. (Note that there are a few cases where you may need a brand-name medication.) If you have a concern about what is prescribed to you, talk to your HCP.
Shop around. Drug prices can vary widely. So, call different pharmacies before filling your prescription. Use a website or app, such as Sharecare, to compare prices for your medications.
Think beyond pharmacies, too. Chain stores and grocery stores often charge a lower amount. Consider mail-order drugs, as well. Many pharmacies and insurance providers will discount a drug if you order a 90-day supply. If you need medication for longer than three months, ask your HCP for an extended prescription.
Beware of relying on internet or foreign pharmacies. They may sell fake or dangerous drugs.
Seek help from the drug company. Reach out to see if you qualify for an assistance plan. This can help you get low- or no-cost medication. Many companies also have coupons on their website for brand-name medications. Be careful, though. A manufacturer can stop issuing coupons without notice. So, this may not be a long-term solution.
Look into discount cards. Many websites, pharmacies, and companies offer cards that can save you money on prescriptions. If your insurance doesn’t pay for drugs, it may be a good option. Make sure to do your research before signing up. Does the card have a good reputation? Does it cover the medications you take? Will your pharmacy accept it?
Ask, “Do I still need this?” Sometimes a person’s list of medications needs a good cleaning. This may be especially important if your drugs are prescribed by multiple HCPs. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Ask your provider if you still need to take a certain medication.
Remember to keep an open dialogue
If you are worried about the cost of a medication, it’s okay to speak up. Don’t feel embarrassed. Your HCP may not realize if you have a money issue. They also may not know if you have poor insurance or no insurance at all.
“Your physician can’t help you if they don’t understand what your situation is. They can help find a regimen for you that is something you’re going to be able to afford,” says Roach. “It’s much better to have a regimen you can afford and take every day than it is to be on a more expensive medication that you can’t afford.”
