Studies have shown that as many as one in five older patients with chronic health problems are cutting back on their medications simply because they cost too much, according to John Piette, Ph.D., a research scientist and a faculty member at U-M Health System. “Prescription drug costs are a very big problem for Americans, especially for those who are elderly or have chronic medical problems.”

Despite the costs, too many people get into the routine of going to the same, often closest pharmacy every month to have prescriptions filled. But driving a mile or two down the road could save hundreds of dollars a month.  That’s because the price of drugs varies according to pharmacy, and in some cases, the variance is significant.

Take for example, 84-year-old Margaret. Every month, she goes to the same pharmacy, less than a mile from her home, to have her prescriptions filled. AgingCare.com compared prices at 3 different pharmacies, all within 3 miles of each other. If Mary were to drive a mile further down the road, she would save nearly $ 200 per month.

Here are the results of the pharmacy comparison:

*Pricing is per 100 tablets.
*Note: your health insurance plan, Medicaid, Medicare or Medigap may pay for some or all prescription drugs costs. Check with your provider for coverage information.

Prices varied by as much as 35% -- even with gas prices factored in, it’s well worth the drive to take advantage of the extra savings.

Because pharmacies compete with each other, they often run special promotions that can save consumers even more.

For example:
Target and Wal-Mart both have $4 generic prescription programs in all U.S. pharmacies. Each store offers over 300 different drugs for $4 per prescription fill or refill, up to a 30-day supply.

View a printable list of all qualifying drugs at Target

View a printable list of all qualifying drugs at Wal-Mart

In addition, Piette says, “There are a lot of new drugs out there to keep patients healthy, but more than half of patients don’t tell their physician or nurse when they stop taking a medication.  They’re not only risking their health, but they’re also missing out on real opportunities to get help finding cheaper medications or programs that can assist them with medication costs,” he says.

Doing your homework and working with your physician to manage prescription medication costs can result in substantial savings -- and could mean the difference between whether or not a patient gets needed medications.  

To do your homework and see if you can save money, print out this form, write the names and doses of your medications and take it to 3 local pharmacies, then compare prices:

Print Pharmacy Comparison Form 

Related links

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
21 states and one territory offering help pay drug costs. Find out if your State has a program.

RX Assist
RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of patient assistance programs, as well as news and articles.

RX Hope
Research government and corporate sponsored patient assistance programs for over 1000 medications.

Related Products

Together Rx Access
A savings card for people who are not eligible for Medicare and have no prescription drug coverage.

PS Card
A discount drug card that's free and accepted at 53,000 pharmacies nationwide.

The Cost Containment Research Institute
A free, downloadable book (also available via mail) titled “Free and Low-Cost Prescription Drugs” includes 103 free and low-cost programs and 1,104 drug listings.