Consumer

3 On Your Side: Drug Coupons

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― The price of prescription drugs these days can be a tough pill to swallow. But there are ways to save. 3 On Your Side's Jim Donovan does the bargain hunting for you and found everything from cash back offers, and rebates to help keep more money in your pocket.

Ilene Stern is a bargain hunter but never thought to look for a coupon for her medications. "I didn't know that there were coupons for prescription drugs," said Stern.

In fact, you can find coupons for all kinds of brand name prescriptions like drugs for asthma, high blood pressure, even sleep problems.

Newer websites like OptimizeRX lists the available offers for you. "The savings programs range from coupons where you can get a portion of your co-pay, such as $15 off your co-pay, and some include a rebate program where you simply fill out a form to get reimbursement," said David Harrell with OptimizeRX.com

You can also get free trials. We found coupons for three of the five most commonly prescribed drugs including one for Lipitor offering up to $180 off co-pays over a year. Ilene was able to find one for her thyroid prescription too. "There was a coupon that allowed me to have 30 days for free with an option to renew three additional times," Stern said.

No doubt about it, these coupons can be a way to cut healthcare costs. "If it's for medication that you're taking and that is going to be something that you take for a long period of time, then I don't see any real problem with that," said Dr. Edward Langston with the American Medical Association.

But Dr. Langston warns patients shouldn't push physicians for a prescription change just because a coupon is available. As for the prescribing doctors, "We can't use the coupons to dictate the right medication for you," Langston said.

In most cases the discounts are intended for patients who don't have the option of going generic. "If you're on multiple mediations, those savings can add up very quickly and really help you better afford your healthcare and get the most out of each dollar you spend," Harrell said.

Ilene is thrilled with the savings she found and can't wait to cash in her coupon. "Anytime I could take advantage of a coupon, I would take advantage of it," Ilene said.

When using prescription coupons, read the fine print. Many are not valid for mail-in orders and can only be used at brick and mortar pharmacies. If you are on plans like Medicare and Medicaid, read the conditions too, since often the coupons don't apply.

Related Links:
OptimizeRx
Internet Drug Coupons
Reduce Prescription Costs

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