Are you aware of the savings you can get from using discount drug cards to buy your prescriptions? Learn more in this guide.
Did you know that the average American spends over $1,200 a year on prescription drugs?
Prescription drugs are one of the most expensive aspects of paying for healthcare in America, but they are one of the most important as well. So how can you save money on this essential medication?
Prescription drug cards are one option for patients looking to save money. Let’s take a closer look at how they work.
What Is a Drug Card?
Basically, a prescription drug enrolls the patient in a program where they can buy medications at a discount using the pharmacy’s cash price. Consumers are able to access this lower price because the discount card company negotiates a lower price with the pharmacy.
Who Offers Prescription Drug Cards?
These drug cards are offered for free by a few different types of companies.
One is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM), which is a prescription insurance processing company. These companies typically work as a liaison between the drug manufacturer, the pharmacy, and the insurance company to set drug prices. These are the most common sources of drug cards.
In other cases, data collection companies that collect data related to prescription drugs will offer drug cards. Finally, some non-profit or for-profit entities will provide them. These organizations make their money off of the processing fees from the pharmacy.
How Do Prescription Drug Cards Work?
Again, the organizations that offer prescription drug cards negotiate a lower price with the pharmacy. The prescription drug card provider generates additional business for the pharmacy by providing the card, resulting in the lower prices.
This makes prescription drug cards a great option for patients who either don’t have insurance or for patients whose insurance does not offer a good prescription drug plan.
How Can I Use a Prescription Drug Card?
You will need to take your prescription drug card with you to the participating pharmacy. This can be a stand-alone pharmacy, one in a grocery store, or even an online pharmacy. Click here to learn more about online pharmacies.
The pharmacy will then use the billing code associated with your drug card to bill your medication. They will then apply the negotiated drug price to your purchase.
There are two important factors when using your prescription drug card. First, the pharmacy you go to must be a participating pharmacy. Second, the medication you are purchasing must be one of the ones negotiated by the program. When you receive a prescription drug card, you should be able to obtain a list of covered medications.
Use Prescription Drug Cards Today
When it comes to saving money on medication, using prescription drug cards is a no brainer. With a prescription drug card, you will be able to save money on the medications you need to maintain your health.
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