Prescription Facts About 85 percent of pharmacy customers are only responsible for co-pays because they have insurance, but the other 15 percent have to pay in full for their prescriptions. Self-pay customers could save up to 40 percent on prescriptions if they shop around. A survey of pharmacies in Florida, Georgia and Alabama showed prescription prices for the same drug varied between stores of a chain. The same pattern was partly true in Bay County, but most chains were consistent from store to store for most drugs surveyed. Only 58 percent of respondents using mail order pharmacies were highly satisfied, and 80 percent of respondents used mail order because of lower prices and co-payments.
Many pharmacies provide discount memberships.
Consumer Tips Know the terms of your insurance coverage and find out what drugs are covered. If your insurance company initially refuses to pay for a prescription, a letter from your doctor explaining why this medication is needed may help. Let your pharmacy know if a competitor has a lower price. Pharmacies may be willing to meet or beat competitor prices. Some organizations and clubs offer pharmacy discount programs but read the fine print.