How to save on prescriptions
When it comes to your prescriptions, making smart choices will save you time and money. Here are five easy ways to maximize your pharmacy benefits today.
1. To lower costs, ask your provider or pharmacist for a tier 1 medication or generic equivalent, if available.
When you are prescribed a new medication or refill an existing prescription, make sure you are getting the most cost-effective option available to you by asking your provider or pharmacist if there is a lower-cost equivalent. Learn how to read your prescription drug formulary so you are better prepared to speak with your provider or pharmacist about your medication options.
2. To save money, fill your acute prescriptions at a health system pharmacy.
Acute medications are prescribed to treat short-term symptoms and can be filled by the health system pharmacy, where you will get the most cost-effective options for your prescriptions. Acute prescriptions are also covered at in-network pharmacies, but you will pay a higher copay or coinsurance than you would at a health system pharmacy. Acute prescriptions may be filled at the health system rate at the Medical Park Pharmacy in Great Bend (1309 Polk St., Great Bend, KS, 67530, 620-792-1221).
Read more about prescription pickup for acute medications through the health system pharmacy.
3. Save on some medications related to chronic conditions
Many maintenance medications used to treat or reduce the risk of chronic conditions (such as insulin) are on the preventive drug list.
- For these, HSA Advantage Plan members pay the Signature Plan copay, typically far lower than the deductible plus coinsurance.
- These copays do not apply to the HSA Advantage Plan deductible but do apply to the out-of-pocket maximum.
4. Manufacturer assistance programs
If there isn’t a generic option for your medication and you are having difficulty affording your medication, check the manufacturer’s website to see if other cost assistance is available.
5. Use pretax dollars to pay medication costs:
- Members of the HSA Advantage Plan can use funds from their Health Savings Account.
- Members of the Signature Plan can sign up for a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account.