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Prescription Drug Costs

Prescription drug prices take a bite out of consumers’ wallets, but there are a number of things consumers can do that can help make their necessary medicines more affordable.

First, ask your pharmacist:

Is this prescription medication available in a generic form?
Can I purchase more than a month’s supply of this prescription, and if so, will I save money by doing so?
Are there any rebates available to me if I purchase this drug?
Will your pharmacy match a lower price offered elsewhere?
Does your pharmacy offer a discount to senior citizens?

Generic Drugs

When shopping for prescription medication, always ask if a generic form of the medication is available. Generic medication is less expensive than its brand-name counterpart, particularly when there is more than one generic company manufacturing the drug.

Drug Prices Are Not the Same

The price of prescription medication can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. In some instances, the price differences can be significant. Shop around to find the best prices for your medication. Be aware that prices change on a frequent basis. When contacting pharmacies for pricing information, document who you speak with and the price reported to you.

Licensed Internet Pharmacies

The State of Arkansas regulates the sale of pharmaceutical products in stores or pharmacies and over the Internet. These regulations help insure that Arkansans can purchase medications from reliable sources. Licensed Internet pharmacies are an alternative to standard retail pharmacies. Before you purchase medications from an online pharmacy, you should confirm that the pharmacy is licensed to do business in Arkansas. If you have a question about whether a pharmacy is licensed in Arkansas, contact the State Board of Pharmacy at (501) 682-0190.

Supplemental Insurance

If Medicaid or your insurance does not cover all of your prescriptions, check to see if there is any form of supplemental insurance that will help you save money on your prescription medication. Before purchasing this kind of supplemental insurance, check to see if it will indeed save you money on your medications.

Prescription Discount Cards

Prescription discount cards offer savings on prescription medication. It is important for consumers to understand that prescription discount cards are not insurance. Legitimate cards are both sold and offered for free. Before purchasing a prescription-discount card, check to see if it will actually save you money. Some prescription-discount cards may not offer the cost savings you anticipate. If you decide to buy a discount card or join a discount program, remember that state law provides that you have 30 days to cancel your purchase if you are not satisfied with the card or program. If the card is offered for free, you should not be required to provide any personal identifying or financial information.

Prescription Assistance Programs (PAPs)

Many pharmaceutical companies voluntarily offer their medications at little or no cost to low-income individuals through prescription-assistance programs or PAPs. Unfortunately, many Arkansans are unaware that these PAPs may be available to address their prescription needs. To apply for prescription assistance through these programs, consumers must submit an application directly to the pharmaceutical manufacturer. The manufacturer then determines whether the consumer is eligible to participate in its program.

There are programs in the State of Arkansas that offer assistance to consumers in registering for prescription assistance programs at little or no cost. Arkansas organizations providing prescription assistance include:

When it comes to your health care, we’ve got your back, Arkansas.