More Bang for Your Buck: Saving On Prescriptions

Each day, she must take eight different kinds of medicine to fight off a bladder disease.

"Most of the time I have to take prescription pain medication," she says.

And without coverage her medicine can be costly.

Donna is not alone.

Millions of Americans can't afford their medicine.

The price just too expensive.

Last year, the average brand-name drug cost 72 dollars.

Carlos Ruiz from Navarro discount drugs says there are deals to be had.

If you go the generic route, you sometimes save as much as 45 dollars.

Or you can go with a non-prescription plan.

Various kinds of medicine have over-the-counter counterparts.

Comparison shopping will also cut costs.

Check-out online sites, discount pharmacies and wholesale clubs like Costco for the lowest price.

"Most pharmacies will have a senior citizen discount plan," says Ruiz.

But the real relief may come directly from the drug makers.

Ruiz says, "As long as they get an authorization from their physician that they are of low income, manufacturers may even provide their medication free of charge."

And if you don't qualify, there are other programs to get your drugs for next to nothing.

"We act as a clearinghouse," says David Hogg, president of something called The Medicine Program.

If you're eligible, subscribers pay just five dollars per prescription.

However, you can't be covered by insurance, you can't qualify for Medicaid, and you shouldn't be able to afford retail prices.

"I don't have to skimp by and just take one pill a day when I'm supposed to take three," says Donna. "I can get the right amount."

The program has done wonders for Donna.

What she saves makes the medicine go down a lot easier.

It's also helpful to talk with your doctor and pharmacist -- for additional ways to save.

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