Learning About Reducing Medicine Costs

Skip Navigation

Here are some things you can do to help save money on your medicines.

  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may have some ideas to help you lower medicine costs.

  • Ask for medicines that cost less but work just as well. You may be able to use a generic medicine instead of a brand name medicine.

  • If you have insurance, find out how it covers medicines. Your plan may only cover certain medicines. You may get a discount at certain pharmacies.

  • Find out if you're eligible for the Medicare drug program. Go to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227.

  • Ask your doctor if you can use an over-the-counter medicine instead of a prescription medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions.

  • Find out if you can buy your medicines in bulk. It may cost less to buy more medicine at one time.

  • Shop around for the best deal on medicines. Try shopping online. Be sure to use trusted pharmacy websites.

  • Ask your doctor if the drug company offers free or low-cost medicine programs. Go online to medicineassistancetool.org to learn more.

  • Learn about other discount medicine programs. Some states, pharmacies, and other organizations offer programs. Go online to rxassist.org to learn more.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter G566 in the search box to learn more about "Learning About Reducing Medicine Costs".

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.