Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Have you ever found yourself at the pharmacy, picking up a prescription, and nearly falling over when you hear the price? You're not alone. Many people are shocked by the out-of-pocket costs of their medications, especially when insurance doesn’t cover as much as expected. By having an open and honest conversation with your doctor, you can find more affordable options without compromising your treatment plan. Here’s how to approach it.
Why Talking to Your Doctor Matters
Doctors often don’t know the exact cost of the medications they prescribe since insurance coverage widely varies. It’s not that they’re ignoring your wallet—they’re just focused on finding what works best medically. But if you're concerned about high prescription costs, bringing it up can lead to actual savings.
What are Tips for Talking About Prescription Costs with Your Doctor?
1. Ask About Generics Generic medications contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs and work just as well. The major difference? The cost. Generic versions can be up to 85% cheaper. When your doctor prescribes a medication, ask if there’s a generic available. For example, lisinopril (generic) is widely used to manage high blood pressure, with Zestril as its brand-name version. With RxLess the cost for lisinopril could be as low as $6.99 whereas Zestril costs over $400 for a one-month supply.
2. Inquire About Dosage Changes Sometimes, the price of a medication is the same regardless of the dosage. If you need 25 milligrams per day, ask your doctor if it’s possible to prescribe 50 milligrams that you can split in half. This could cut your costs in half (ensure the medication is safe to split).
3. Discuss Alternatives There are often multiple medications that can treat the same condition. Some may be newer (and pricier), while others have been around longer and are cheaper. Ask if a less expensive drug works just as well for your needs. For example, Eliquis is an expensive brand that has no generic, but dabigatran (Pradaxa) or warfarin are lower-cost blood thinners that may work as well.
4. Consider a 90-Day Supply A 90-day supply can save you money for long-term medications by reducing the per-dose cost. Many insurance plans offer discounts for bulk orders. Ask your doctor if this is an option for you.
5. Request Manufacturer Coupons or Samples Pharmaceutical companies often provide doctors with coupons and free samples for brand-name medications. These can help reduce your initial out-of-pocket costs or let you try a drug before committing to a complete prescription. It never hurts to ask!
6. Mention Insurance Coverage Issues If you know a medication isn't covered by your insurance or if the copay is too high, let your doctor know. They could suggest a covered alternative or provide documentation to help with an appeal.
How to Start the Conversation
Bringing up money with your doctor might feel awkward, especially if your appointment is already jam-packed. Here’s how you can smoothly bring up the topic of prescription costs:
1. Plan Ahead Before your appointment, list your medications and any cost-related concerns you have. This will help ensure you remember to mention everything necessary.
2. Be Direct but Polite Say something like, "I've noticed that my prescription costs are quite high. Are there any ways we can reduce the cost?" This simple statement opens the door to a helpful discussion.
3. Ask Specific Questions Consider asking questions like:
- “Is there a generic version of this medication?”
- " Are there similar medications that are less expensive?"
- “Would a 90-day supply be possible?”
- “Do you have coupons or samples for this medication?”
4. Bring Up RxLess Many doctors know the prescription discount programs on RxLess can help you find better prices at local pharmacies. If you’re considering using RxLess to fill your prescription, let your doctor know; they may be able to offer additional insights or options.
What if my Doctor Doesn’t Know the Cost of a Drug?
If your doctor isn’t aware of the cost of a particular medication, don’t worry! You can still work together to explore affordable options. Doctors can often suggest alternative medications that may be less expensive or have generic versions available. Additionally, you can take charge by downloading the RxLess app, which allows you to compare prices at pharmacies in your area instantly.
With the app, you can make informed decisions at the pharmacy, ensuring you’re getting the best possible price for the medications you need. The RxLess Assurance Plan makes it easier to manage your healthcare costs on the go, so you don’t have to face unexpected high prices at the pharmacy.
