Pricey Prescriptions

Pricey prescriptions gotcha down? There are a few options to look into when filling your medications even if you have insurance. 

• Grab those prescription discount cards displayed at the doctor's office or pharmacy counter tops. 

Example cards

As you can see, I have several and I carry them with me all the time. Different pharmacies accept different types or you may get a better discount with one card over another. The key is to have options! These cards usually can be used in conjunction with insurance.  If not they sometimes give you a bigger discount than insurance and it may be worth while to use it instead of your insurance. 

• Research price differences at your local pharmacies. 

Some places offer free antibiotics or cheap generic medications. A little bit of time can save you a good chunk of change. These pharmacies that offer cheaper generic medications usually offer even more of a discount if you purchase your "long term" medication in larger quantities. For example I have to take thyroid medication daily for the rest of my life, Walmart charges $4 for a 30 day supply or $10 for a 90 day supply for my particular medication. A few phone calls or quick 5-10 minute internet search can usually help determine the price for your local pharmacies.

• Download the Good RX app. 

This app is the newest tool I have found to combat those pricey prescriptions.  It is easy to use and can help save you save hundreds depending on your prescriptions. I first decided to try this app, when my regular pharmacy didn't get my son's medication in on time and then proceeded to tell me it was on back-order. I decided to take the prescription to another pharmacy only to be told they don't accept my insurance and it was going to be $288 for a month supply of medication. I was at a loss, what do I do? So I went to the car to calm down and collect my thoughts when the Good RX advertisement (Thanks Hulu) came to mind.  

I downloaded the app, searched my son's prescription and I was presented with a list of pharmacies and prices they offered for the medication. 

Example of Medication Search

I finally had found a reasonable solution.  Not only did I have options since my regular pharmacy couldn't fill it, but now I found out that when the medication is in stock, I can get it for approximately $10 cheaper than through my insurance at my regular pharmacy. I now have made it a habit to check the app every time one of us has to have a prescription filled just to make sure we are always paying the lowest price possible.  Once you find the price and pharmacy you would like to use you can save the coupon and present it at the time of purchase.

Example Coupon to Present to Pharmacy 

The app has great money saving features, such as alerts to let you know if another pharmacy other than your selected favorite, has your medications for a lower price.  It also has a specific tool called "Find My Best Pharmacy."  This tool helps you find the pharmacy with the lowest total price for all your medications so that you don't have to use several pharmacies just to save money.

Example Savings Alert and Tool

Prescriptions and medications are a necessity for most of us to live happy, healthy, "normal" lives whether we want to admit it or not.  Whether you have an infection, virus, or need to take daily medication for a variety of reasons these methods are simple, free, and easy to do in order to save you money on the medications you need.  Don't go without when there are options that make medication affordable.  Remember, every little bit counts and can add up to a huge saving!!!

Keep Those Receipts

Most of you all may have heard or even have seen advertisements for an app called Ibotta. This app is amazing! I have used it for about a year now and look at my earnings!

How it works:

• Sign up either through the app or website (Ibotta)
• Customize your list of favorite places to shop
• Add offers for money back on items you already purchase 
• Scan receipts 
• Earn cash back!
• Withdraw cash either through gift cards from a list of retailers or via PayPal. ($20 minimum withdraw)

There are all kinds of ways to earn money through this app. Some tips I have learned throughout the past year are:

Make sure to always search "any item."

There is usually generic cash back offers for any item and any brand items such as milk or bread. These may only be 25 cents, but every little bit adds up. 

Any item search

Bigger name brands have more cash back. For example I buy my baby formula from Sam's Club and had a cash back offer of $3 per container for up to 3 containers.

Example showing bonus offer.

Also make sure to scan through and look at the bonuses. These vary and usually are brand based. An example would be the Malt O Meal cereal bonus. Once you redeem so many offers (usually 2) then you get an additional bonus. So let's say you get a .50 offer on a 32oz bag or bigger and you use it twice while the bonus is being offered.  You then would get an additional $1 bonus for redeeming the offers. (This is just an example.)

Don't forget to link your store rewards cards.  Some stores such as Kroger let you link your account for automatic redemption of offers added. There is no need to scan your receipt, although I would recommend checking back in a day or two to make sure your cash back was added. 

Make sure you check for new offers frequently. If you have a grocery list, just search items before you go to make sure you aren't losing out on extra cash. 

My husband and I both have accounts because we each get different offers. We just check with each other to see which account we should submit our receipts to in order to get the most cash back. This method and app has paid for our $100 Sam's Club membership for two years now. I just wait until I have $50 to withdraw and get it in a gift card, which is emailed to me. 

Spread the word and refer your friends! You both make money! Once you redeem your first offer after signing up, you get $10 just for using the app! Referral bonus changes as they run different promotions, but can sometimes be up to $50!!!

Example of teammates 

Once you have referred friends and they sign up using your code, then they become part of your team. Your team can also earn bonuses depending on how many offers you collectively redeem.

Example of teammate bonus

Again, I can not stress enough how amazing Ibotta truly is. A free app that gives you cash back on items you would purchase anyway, what are you waiting for?