Tips from pharmacists to lower your out-of-pocket drug costs

"About 1 in 5 U.S. adults skip filling a prescription due to its cost at least once a year, according to KFF, a health research organization. And 1 in 3 take steps to cut their prescription drug costs, such as splitting pills when it's not medically necessary or switching to an over-the-counter drug instead of the one that their medical provider prescribed."

"And if you're insured through Medicare, the government program that mainly covers people who are 65 and older, or get your coverage through a private health insurance company, it's important to understand what to expect when you visit a pharmacy. Most private insurance companies charge US$5 to $50 for prescription drug copays. The copays are tiered based on what the drug costs. Brand-name and specialty medications have higher copays; older generics have lower copays."

Many insured Americans struggle to afford prescribed medications. About one in five U.S. adults skip filling a prescription at least once a year because of cost. Approximately one in three people take steps to reduce prescription expenses, such as splitting pills or switching to over-the-counter alternatives. Prescriptions can be obtained more affordably when people know strategies before visiting a pharmacy. Medicaid generally requires no copay or a very low copay (often under US$5). Private insurance typically charges US$5 to $50 copays that are tiered by drug cost, with brand-name and specialty drugs costing more than older generics.

Read at Fast Company