Prescription discount cards and other money-saving Medicare tips

Prescription drugs can take a big bite out of your budget. Your Medicare prescription drug plan may offer cost-saving benefits that you may not be aware of. Also, some pharmacies offer discount programs or savings on 60- or 90-day refills.

It could pay to check into opportunities to help keep more cash in your pocket. Here are some ideas.

• Prescription drug discount program. Your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan might offer a prescription drug discount program. This could be a separate program from your plan benefits or it might be included in membership. Check your plan information or call your plan’s customer service number to find out more.
• Pharmacy discount programs. Some pharmacies offer discount programs to regular customers. Talk to your pharmacist and ask if they have a program you might qualify for. Talk with your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan about how a pharmacy discount card might work with your plan benefits.
• Prescription discount cards. Prescription discount cards are available through some companies and organizations. You may pay a small yearly fee to get a card. You can check online or ask your pharmacist for prescription discount cards that may be available to you. Be aware that these cards cannot be used in conjunction with your plan benefits.
• Pharmaceutical assistance programs (PAPs). Many drug companies have programs that offer discounts on the brand-name drugs they make. You can learn about programs by calling the company that makes your drug.

Depending on your Medicare prescription drug (Part D) coverage, there may be other ways to save on prescription drug costs and lessen the possible financial burden.

Whether you use a pharmacy discounted price, a discount card or coupon, or your Medicare Part D coverage, it all boils down to the Medicare drug coverage gap and what your total out-of-pocket costs could end up being annually.