Your prescription for making informed decisions at the pharmacy
Who doesn’t want to get a good deal? It doesn't matter if you're shopping for a car or grabbing groceries. Getting the best value matters. The same is true when buying prescription drugs.
Two money-saving options are drug discount cards and coupons. Many drug manufacturers and doctors offer these to make certain drugs more affordable. However, when you use these promos, your purchase may not apply to your health plan deductible or out-of-pocket costs.
Here are a few pointers for using these promos:
Drug-specific coupons
Typically, your purchase will apply to your health plan. This means you'll get closer to meeting your deductible and/or out-of-pocket maximum. (That's a good thing!)
Discount cards
Typically, your purchase will not apply to your health plan. That means it doesn't count toward the dollar amount you're responsible for. However, if you won't get close to meeting your deductible, it may save you money.
Confirming your transaction
To see if your transaction will apply toward your out-of-pocket expenses, follow these steps:
- Present your current insurance information every time you pick up prescriptions at the pharmacy. Always ask your pharmacist how using coupons or discount cards will impact your insurance coverage.
- Review your receipt. It may show whether the payment applied to your insurance plan. If you used a discount card, you’ll probably see an indication that you paid cash. The purchase may not apply to your benefits.
- Login to your secure account to keep track of your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
For more information or if you have questions, contact the Rx Member Services number on the back of your member ID card.
Interested in health and wellness information? Visit the Capital Journal for more articles.
Interested in drug information? Visit our prescription education section.