Page 25 - CPSS Benefit Guide Class 3 Employee

Prescription resources

3 ways to save on your prescription costs!

1. Ask for generic or other lower-cost 2. Ask if your medication is a combination of
medications two medications?

When given a prescription by your doctor or Your healthcare provider will know if you can
nurse practitioner ask: “Is this generic?” take the two medications separately as two
separate pills that are generic.
If the answer is No, ask: “Is there a medication
that treats my condition that is available as a There are many brand name medications that
generic or another less expensive drug that are a combination of two generic medications.
would be just as effective?”
The only thing that makes them “brand” is that
If there is no alternative, ask if they have they are combined into one pill instead of two
samples that you can try to be sure you can and therefore more expensive for you.
tolerate the medication before you fill a script.
3. Consider using internet sites such as www.goodrx.com to compare prices, obtain information and even coupons.

You may also wish to compare prices at your local grocery store, Walmart, membership clubs such as Costco and
Sam’s (you typically do not need to be a member to access the pharmacy).

Many of these retail stores and membership clubs offer no cost or very low cost for specific maintenance drugs.

You may also want to ask what the ‘cash’ price is versus using your insurance card to determine if you are getting the
best deal.

Ask your provider if he/she has any coupons you might use or ask for samples to be sure you can tolerate the
medication before purchasing a supply.

Please note, if you purchase the medication with the GoodRx pricing or coupon then the pharmacy will not run the
claim through the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM), Express Scripts. As a result, the amount you pay will not
accumulate towards your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. Remember, you may use your HSA funds to cover the
prescription cost.

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