Shop and Compare for Medications

Actually the price of medications can vary quite a lot. First, generic drugs are cheaper than brand name drugs. Also a 90-day supply is generally cheaper than a 30-day supply.

But, it also will save you money if you shop around for the best price in the boundaries of your own town or city. That may mean you do not buy all your drugs at the same pharmacy because all pharmacy prices are not alike.

The Jan/Feb issue of AARP actually compared drug prices in a California town for the cost of a 30-day supply of simvastatin (Zocor). Look at the difference! It cost $7.71 at Costco, $19.87 at an independent pharmacy, $24.36 at WalMart, $63.59 at CVS, and $89.99 at Walgreens. Another drug might vary as much among pharmacies, but you might save more at Walgreens for that other drug. Prices are all over the board, and you should know what a medication will cost at different stores before buying.

If you want to shop and save on your medications, it is best to always carry a list if all your prescriptions and your over-the-counter medicines so that even if you buy from different pharmacists, they all will know your history. Also, be aware that you can use the pharmacies at shopping clubs like Sam’s Club and Costco even if you haven’t joined. Finally you can shop on line. Some state governments like Florida and Michigan have cost-compare sites for medication prices, and there are easy-to-use, free sites like Destination RX.com.

For other ways to save on medication costs, see Pennypinchinghints’ articles “Cut Your Medication Costs in Half” and “Three Best Ways to Keep Prescription Costs Down.”

Share and Enjoy