Saving Money on Prescriptions

It seems like the price of everything is going up, from gasoline to groceries. But some local stores are offering ways to help you save on a major expense for families: prescription drugs. We'll show you how you can save big money on the medicine you need in this Seven On Your Side Consumer Watch.

By: | News Channel 7
Published: May 19, 2008

The high cost of medication can make a medical condition even more painful. One shopper told us, "One of my pills that I take just once a month ... that pill is like $80."

Several local stores offer discounts on generic drugs. Wal-Mart and Sam's Club offer 350 generic drugs and many over the counter meds for $4. And now you can buy a 3 month supply of many generic prescriptions for $10 to $24, depending on the drug.

Explained Sam's Club Pharmacist Heather Yarborough, "It's really going to be a big savings to our customers. A lot of people, with health care prices rising, and the cost of prescriptions going up, just can't afford medicine anymore."

Wal-Mart and Sam's Club have also started offering some particular women's medications for breast cancer, birth control, and hormone therapy.

Said Yarborough, "We have a list here available for our customers. They can come in an pick one up or they can go to Wal-Mart.com and print one out."

For example, for Alendronate, the generic osteoporosis drug for Fosamax, might cost you $54 dollars for a month supply at a retail store. Wal-Mart and Sam's Club sell it for $9 for 30 pills.

Target also offer 300 generic prescriptions for $4 dollars. Plus other discount stores, such as Costco, sell all types of prescription medications for less than retail pharmacies. And you don't have to pay membership fees. Federal law let's you use their pharmacies for free.

Insurance co-pays can range from $10 to $50. So if you can find your prescription at a discount pharmacy, it may be cheaper to buy it rather than use your insurance.

Some shoppers tell us even finding a few meds on discount adds up. Said Judith Lyonnais, "I would say four for the prescription program, so that makes a big difference."

And that can make a medical condition a little less painful.

Other pharmacies also offer discount cards and programs. So be sure to ask your pharmacist and shop around for the best price.