We are having to switch from an HMO which covers prescriptions with a $15 copay to an 80/20 due to the rising cost of insurance (I am thankful we do have it). My hubby said we will get "insurance" rate on prescriptions. Currently (thankfully) none of us are on any expensive stuff but just in case are there generic discount cards to even lower the cost that anyone knows of.
Thanks...
I'm assuming you pay 20% and they pay 80%? If so, you may actually find you pay less than before (if the opposite is true and you pay 80%, then you won't be paying less). For example, a Z-pak at our pharmacy runs about $31 - before you'd pay $15 co-pay, but 20% is only $6.20.
If you will be responsible for 80%, I agree with PPs - you can get Wal-Mart's $4 list online at their website (the other "lists" may be online also) and if you have Walgreens, their prescription club can save you money (but I personally don't like that you have to pay to join it). You don't have to do anything to "qualify" for the $4 medications - that's the price.
There are some discount cards that float around from time to time - we got one from a credit card company once. It doesn't work for all meds and is kind of hit and miss - in most situations, you'd probably be better with your insurance. You typically can't use an insurance card AND a discount card on the same prescription.
Best of luck!
ETA: If you DO have an expensive med you need to get (or even your regular not so expensive stuff), shop around! I work in a small town, but there are at least 4 other pharmacies in town. Sometimes, one of them has a much better negotiated rate on certain drugs so they sell it much cheaper. We have on permanent "comp" the medications our manager knows we can meet or beat based on our wholesale pricing. If you really WANT to go to a certain pharmacy but find it cheaper at another local store, ask that pharmacy manager if they will match the price - the worst they can say is no and then you can take your business to the less expensive store.
