Save money on generic prescriptions

[lightsoutcalls]

I just hear about this program yesterday and plan on signing up for it.  There is no cost involved and you can print the card out from your computer.

Here is the scoop...  If you have health insurance with a prescription card, you likely have a co-pay with different amounts for generics, name brands and "preferred" meds.  Sometimes the actual cost of generic medications is below the co-pay set up for your plan.  Often the pharmacy will charge you the higher co-pay rather than the lower actual cost of the generic medication. 
The card you can print from the link below can be presented to your pharmacy and includes a number they enter along with your insurance card.  When you go to pay for your generic prescription, the pharmacist's computer will pop-up a notice that you are enrolled in this (no-cost) program and will have to charge the actual lower cost of the generic prescription rather than the higher co-pay cost.

I have a feeling I'm not the only one that would like to save a few dollars here and there where I can.  At least check out the site and see if it is something you might consider.  I have no association with this program... just wanted to pass along a chance to save some money.

http://www.myfreerxcard.com/CaresProject/

[Turkey Trot]

Interesting post.

Anyone here ever had any problems with generic medicine?

I know of some instances in which doctors advise against the generics and say go with the originals because they are not as effective.

I've done some research on quality control in the generics and cannot find that they are regulated closely to ensure an exact match.

[lightsoutcalls]

I know that some generics do not give the same results as name brand counterparts.  I also know that at times insurance companies will not pay for name brand meds without a letter from the prescribing physician stating why the name brand medication is needed and the generic counterpart will not be acceptable.  This was the case with more than one medication my wife has been prescribed over the years. 

The point with this program is not related to the effectiveness of generic medications as opposed to name brand medications.  The point is for pharmacies to not be able to charge a consumer the $10, $20 or $30 co-pay for a medication that costs less than that amount.  In other words, if your co-pay is $20, but the actual cost of the generic medication is $7, with this program, you would pay the $7 actual cost rather than the $20 co-pay they could charge without the program.

By all means, if you don't get the same result from generic medications, please contact your physician about name brand prescriptions.  If you have concerns about the quality or effectiveness of generic medications or a specific generic, again, you have the right to consult your physician about such.

[Duke0002]

Thanks for the link, Wendell.  Wonder if this applies to prescriptions by mail?  I didn't see anything about mail in the FAQ.