Health insurance companies are charging higher and higher co-pays for prescription medications. Some co-pays now top 90 dollars a month. That makes coupons from drug manufacturers enticing. But Consumer Reports has some cautions.
Before heading to the pharmacy, more and more people are heading online to snag a coupon.
Many big-name drugs are offering coupons and other discounts. "Save up to $15 on each prescription for the antidepressant Pristiq." "30-day free trial for the statin, Crestor." Almost 19 million people who regularly take medication used a drug coupon last year, according to a Consumer Reports survey. But that's not necessarily a good deal.
Dr. John Santa/Consumer Reports: "Just because a brand-name drug is available with a coupon doesn't mean it's your least expensive option. Less expensive generics may be available that are equally effective."
And insurance co-pays for generics are often much lower - sometimes one- tenth the cost. Then there's Lipitor, whose money-saving offer is being heavily advertised.
"Lipitor may be available for as little as $4 a month with a Lipitor co-pay card."
For people already taking Lipitor, Consumer Reports says the co-pay card can be a real money-saver, at least for now.
Dr. John Santa: "There is a generic for Lipitor, but at this point it's just about as expensive. So if you qualify for the $4 Lipitor program, it's a good deal."
But as with many drug coupons, you don't qualify if you are covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or other federal or state health care programs.
Dr. John Santa: "For people without insurance, it is possible to use many of these coupons. But you're still going to pay a lot of money out of pocket."
The best way to save on prescriptions is to see if your doctor can prescribe a less expensive medicine.
Consumer Reports says you can get discounts on many generic prescription drugs at Target, Walmart, Walgreen's, CVS, RiteAid, and other big retailers and supermarkets.
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