Cut Costs, Not Corners

Take Medications Safely & Save on Prescription Costs

Get Your Discount Drug Card
An image of various medications in blister packs

Follow these three simple steps to avoid medication risks and cut costs on your prescriptions.

1. COMMUNICATE

Ask the Right Questions
A successful treatment starts with clear communication with healthcare provider (HCP). Use a Conversation Checklist to ensure your questions and concerns are addressed.

2. COMPARE

Compare medication prices online and use a prescription discount card at the pharmacy. It may even beat your insurance copay—just show the card and ask for the lowest price.
Medication

3. COMPLY

Take Medications as Directed
Once you and your healthcare provider have agreed on a treatment that fits your lifestyle and budget, it's important to follow the plan correctly.

Communicate

Key Information to Share:

  • All medical conditions and specialists you see.
  • A complete list of prescription medications, vitamins, and supplements.
  • Any concerns about your diagnosis or treatment.

Ask Your Healthcare Provider:

  • What are the risks vs. benefits of this treatment/medication?
  • What are the common and serious side effects?
  • Are there less expensive, equally effective alternatives?

SafeMeds.VIP Pro Tip
Be sure to reepeat instructions back in your own words to ensure understanding. This “teach-back” method improves compliance and reduces medication errors. (AHRQ)

Conversation Starters
Teach Back Method
Discuss your medication options with a doctor
Compare medication prices online

Compare

For many of us, the cost of medication presents a financial barrier – negatively impacting our ability to follow a treatment plan. (AMA)  

Ways to Lower Medication Costs:

  • Ask if a generic or less expensive alternative is available.
  • Request a 5-10 day “sample” prescription for new medications to assess possible side effects before filling a full 30 day supply.
  • Compare medication prices online before going to the pharmacy and use a prescription discount card to receive the lowest prices.  Simply show your drug discount card at the pharmacy and ask for the lowest price.  In many cases, the discount card price may be lower than your insurance copay.

SafeMeds.VIP Pro Tip

Use the same pharmacy for all your prescriptions to reduce the risk of medication interactions. If you must use multiple pharmacies, ensure each has your complete medication list. (JAMA)

Compare Drug Prices
Custom Medication List

Comply

Once you and your healthcare provider have agreed on a treatment that fits your lifestyle and budget, it’s important to follow the plan correctly.

Key Information to Share:

  • Take your medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Finish the full prescription unless directed otherwise by your HCP.
  • Refill prescriptions before they run out to avoid missed doses.

Safe Meds VIP Tip: Contact your doctor or pharmacy immediately or seek urgent medical assistance if you experience unexpected or serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, swelling, rash, fainting, seizures, or blood in stool/urine.

Start Saving Today →
All Resources
Take all medications as directed by your health care professional

Get The Group RX App!

Use code NDC3506 in the “Group ID” to be recognized as a Safe Meds VIP
Download on the Apple App Store Get the app on Google Play

Popular Articles

  • Safe Meds VIP Blog

    •

    Paul T

    To help you learn about medication safety and save money on prescriptions, here are 10 Medication Safety Issues that will be addressed on this blog.

  • Podcast Episodes Coming Soon

    •

    Paul T

    A healthcare professional with over 20 years experience shares actionable information about medication safety in short, easy to listen to podcast episodes. Keep an eye out on your favorite podcast app for upcoming episodes.

  • Your Current Medications List Helps Keep You Safe

    •

    Paul T

    Keeping a current and complete list of your medications is important to ensure your health care provider (HCP) has all the information needed to help you make informed decisions about your care plan and prescribe appropriate medications to reduce medication interactions.

  • Polypharmacy: Hidden Dangers and Easy Solutions

    •

    Paul T

    Polypharmacy resulted in over 115,000 hospital admissions in 2002 and recent data suggests the problem has gotten worse over time. In the field of medication safety, polypharmacy is a topic of major discussion because it increases the risk of patient harm. It also increases the cost to patients due to additional testing, monitoring, and…