The cost of healthcare, and medications in particular, have continued to rise. It can be challenging to find affordable prices for the prescriptions you need. If you are looking for a way to save money on prescriptions and you are under the age of 65, there are a few tips and resources to keep in mind to help you along your journey.
1. Find a Health Care Sharing Ministry
Health Care Sharing Ministry (HCSM) can help reduce the costs of prescription medication for members who are enrolled in various programs. Many HCSMs provide programs for individuals to choose from, based on their medical needs as well as the affordability of individual programs themselves.
Members of HCSMs can find pharmacy discounts ranging from 20% off brand-name medications to up to 70% off all generic medications, depending on the medication’s availability.
HCSMs also provide unlimited usage for individuals who require multiple prescription medications and immediate activation of their membership. Additionally, joining an HCSM is very easy and provides a community with shared faith and beliefs. Additionally, members of an HCSM will also gain access to a 24-hour help desk for reaching pharmacies to discuss prescription medications, costs, and alternative options.
2. Work Directly With Your Pharmacist
In some cases, it may be possible to talk directly to your pharmacist regarding your prescription medications. Experienced pharmacists will inform you of your options, alternative medications, and even various programs that are available to you based on your age, medication needs, and other qualifiers. Your local pharmacist may also have the knowledge of local HCSMs that are useful for your prescription medication savings needs.
3. Consider Generic Prescription Medications
One way to drastically reduce the cost of your prescription medications is to consider generic solutions. Generic medications will provide you with the same relief or assistance as a brand-name drug without the premium price. If you are a member of an HCSM, it is possible to save upward of 70% on generic drugs. For those who are interested in sticking to brand-name prescriptions, it may only be possible to save around 20% when joining an HCSM.
4. Use a Prescription Savings Card
Many physicians and medical professionals will offer their patients and clients a prescription savings card. A prescription savings card can help to reduce the cost of both brand-name and generic prescriptions, depending on the medications as well as the purpose of the medications being prescribed. It is important to note that if you choose to use a prescription savings card, you will not have the ability to use any other health insurance that you currently have to your name.
For those who are looking for a way to save on prescription medications, turning to an HCSM is highly recommended. The right HCSM will provide you with a community of support without expecting expensive premiums in return. Additionally, those representing HCSMs provide members with ongoing resources and solutions for their everyday healthcare and prescription needs.
Are you searching for a unique way to save money on prescriptions that are also associated with faith-based health care? If so, JHS Community can help. Visit our website for more information on our health care sharing programs today.