Prescription savings: smart, safe ways to lower your drug bills

Drug prices sting. But you don’t have to overpay. Below are clear, practical moves you can use today to cut prescription costs without risking your health.

Quick price-cutting moves that actually work

Shop around. Call two or three local pharmacies and compare prices for the exact medicine and dose. Use price-check apps or sites — GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver, Blink Health, and ScriptSave often show cheaper cash prices and coupons you can use at many stores.

Ask for the generic. Generic drugs contain the same active ingredient as brand-name drugs but cost much less. If your doctor prescribes a brand, ask whether a generic or a lower-cost therapeutic equivalent will work.

Try a 90-day supply. Many insurers and mail-order pharmacies give a lower per-dose price when you get three months at once. If you take a stable, long-term medicine, this often saves money and fewer trips to the pharmacy.

Use manufacturer coupons and copay cards. For many newer or pricey meds, drug makers offer copay cards that cut your out-of-pocket cost. Check the drug’s official site or ask your pharmacist whether a program exists for your medication.

Consider pill-splitting — carefully. If your pill is scored and your doctor approves, buying a higher-dose tablet and splitting it may lower cost per dose. Only do this with solid guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist; not all pills are safe to split.

Safe ways to buy online and avoid scams

If you buy online, verify the pharmacy first. Look for a license, an address, a working US phone number, and a pharmacist you can contact. For Canadian pharmacies, use tools like CIPA or PharmacyChecker to check legitimacy. Avoid sites that sell controlled drugs without a prescription or pressure you to skip seeing a doctor.

Keep your prescription and records. Legitimate sites require a valid prescription. If a site tries to sell prescription meds without one, leave the site. Protect your personal and payment information — use cards with fraud protection and check statements for unexpected charges.

Explore patient assistance programs. If you have low or no insurance, many manufacturers and nonprofits offer free or reduced-cost meds. Your doctor or the drug’s website can point you to these programs and help with applications.

Talk to your prescriber. Sometimes switching to a lower-cost drug, adjusting dose, or trying a different delivery (injectable vs. pill) can save money. Ask for samples, trial prescriptions, or prior authorization help when cost is a concern.

Small habits matter. Use reminders so you don’t miss refills and pay late fees. Sign up for pharmacy auto-refill only when you actually need it. Track prices periodically — a cheaper option may appear months after you start a drug.

Follow these steps and you’ll cut costs while keeping safety first. If you’re unsure about any change, ask your pharmacist or doctor — they want you on the right dose and the best price.