Lowering the cost of your prescriptions

Prescriptions can be a pricey part of your healthcare, and every little bit helps — especially when the info is at your fingertips. I rely on a few sites to find the right price.

Internet Drug Coupons

Internet Drug Coupons lists all of the latest drug coupons — and some manufacturers don’t care if this is your first, or hundredth, time filling it. Check the fine print. IDC even includes over-the-counter meds like Dimetapp and Chloraceptic and contact lens solutions.

Leslie’s List

Leslie’s List is local to Chicago and Dallas, and run by Dr. Leslie Ramirez and journalist Jeff Bailey. Search out your drug and find recent pricing for Walgreen’s, CVS, Costco and others, like the $53 difference on Flonase nasal spray at Walgreen’s and Costco! And, the price goes down even further at Walgreen’s if you have their Prescription Club card, which they may or may tell you [just imagine a busy pharmacist in flu season].

This amazing site goes even further: Looking for the least expensive x-ray or sleep testing? Leslie’s lists hospitals and other facilities along with pricing — an x-ray can range from $45-322+, and if you can shop around, more’s the better. Also listed are free and low-cost clinics by zip code.

Drug discount cards

I’ve found nominal discounts with drug discount cards, but you can find more programs at NeedyMeds and RxAssist.

If mail order is more your speed, beware of these excellent tips from WebMD when searching out a pharmacy. I know that my insurance company has their own service, which is comparable in cost but probably much better for convenience.

Have you found a favorite resource?