Save Money on Health Care: Discount Prescription Plans

By Alden Smith

Medical Discount Plans - Dental Discount Plans - Prescription Discount Plans - Patient Assistance Programs - Health Savings Accounts

Discount prescription plans work much the same way that a medical discount plan works in that they are not insurance, and are issued by card companies throughout the United States. One of the most recognized examples of this is the Medicare discount prescription card, which allows senior citizens on fixed incomes to get some relief from the high cost of prescription drugs. They are also a viable alternative for people who have insurance, but no prescription drug card.

With a discount prescription drug card, the hassle of limitations on certain drugs is eliminated. A large amount of tedious paperwork is virtually eliminated. Pre-existing conditions are not taken into account when using these plan, and the fear of substitution of certain brand name drugs for generics is eliminated. There are also no limitations on the number of prescriptions that may be filled in a year's time.

Generally speaking, the discount prescription card can save you from 10 to 60 percent on the cost of prescription drugs. The American Association of Retired People (AARP) has a very good plan for members of its organization for up to a 53 percent savings on drugs, according to its website. Many of these companies offer a mail order prescription center for normal maintenance drugs, with acute care drugs readily available at many pharmacies and prescription centers.

Prescription discount plans are not without their problems. Because there is no regulatory body that governs these plans, the companies that offer them do not need to be licensed, and may not be knowledgeable in the field of medicine. Legislators in Georgia and Kansas have passed laws making issuers of the discount prescription card state in their sales copy in bold type that they are not insurance plans because of the people who have been taken in by the card issuing companies. Other states have taken action against some of these companies because of fraudulent claims.

One thing that should be remembered by consumers is that most pharmacies have a fixed price point in the drugs they offer. They contract with the drug companies for their prescription drugs just like large retail stores such as Wal-Mart contract for goods. Good business sense on behalf of the pharmacies and prescription refill centers means that they will not sell below the price that they have invested initially in goods. It makes no sense for the issuing pharmacy to discount drugs to a cost that is below what the pharmacy has invested in them.

As with any thing else, common sense should prevail when seeking a discount prescription plan. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You should always be sure to read any fine print of any company that offers any type of prescription discount plan. Variations in different geographical areas may make a large difference in the savings to you, and the discounts may only be available at locations that are not convenient to you. Because of the very nature of these cards, and the fact that there is no regulatory body governing them, a call to the Better Business Bureau might be in order. Look for a contact page on any website you may visit to see if the company is easily accessible, and not just hiding behind a website. Call the companies researched if a phone number is provided, and ask any questions you might have. If they are hesitant to answer your questions, or are vague on any concern you might raise, then it is best to look elsewhere. If you are cautious, and do your own due diligence, you may realize a significant savings in the cost of your prescription drugs.

Medical Discount Plans - Dental Discount Plans - Prescription Discount Plans - Patient Assistance Programs - Health Savings Accounts

Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects, and excels in research.

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