How to Save on Prescription Drugs

How To Save On Prescription Drugs – Helping Medicare Clients

Prescription drug costs can be a major concern for Medicare beneficiaries, especially those on a fixed income. As a Medicare agent, helping your clients learn how to save on prescription drugs not only builds trust; it can also make a real difference in their overall healthcare experience.

Here are several effective strategies you can use to help your clients save on their prescriptions:

Review Medicare Part D Plans Annually

Encourage clients to compare Part D plans every year, especially during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Drug formularies, pharmacy networks, and premiums can change annually, which may impact out-of-pocket costs.

Use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool or your quoting software to:

• Check if current medications are still covered
• Compare plan premiums, deductibles, and copays
• Identify preferred pharmacy networks for added savings

Look Into Medicare Advantage Plans with Drug Coverage

Some Medicare Advantage (MAPD) plans include prescription drug benefits that may offer lower costs than standalone Part D plans. Make sure to evaluate:

• Formulary tier placement for their medications
• Coverage phases (deductible, initial coverage, catastrophic)
• Extra benefits like mail-order options or pharmacy discount programs

Apply for Extra Help (LIS)

Let eligible clients know about Medicare’s Extra Help program, also known as Low-Income Subsidy (LIS). It helps cover:

• Part D premiums
• Deductibles
• Coinsurance

Each year, income and asset limits are updated. Help clients check eligibility and apply through Social Security or their state Medicaid office.

Check for State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs)

Many states offer SPAPs that provide financial help with prescription drugs for low- to moderate-income seniors. These programs vary by state, so check what’s available locally and guide clients through the application process if applicable.

Request Generic and Therapeutic Alternatives

Encourage clients to:

• Ask their doctor if a generic version is available
• Discuss therapeutic alternatives that might work just as well at a lower cost
• Use formulary tools to find covered equivalents in lower tiers

This can result in significant monthly savings without sacrificing effectiveness.

Agents, if you are ready to join the team at Crowe; click here for online contracting

Use Preferred or Mail-Order Pharmacies

This one should be obvious, but some beneficiaries do not understand the possible savings. Help clients find pharmacies within their plan’s preferred network, where they’ll often get the lowest copays. In many cases, 90-day mail-order supplies are also more affordable and convenient for maintenance medications.

Explore Prescription Discount Programs

While they can’t be used in conjunction with Medicare, some clients may benefit from discount cards (like Glic, GoodRx or SingleCare) when paying cash. These may be helpful for:

• Medications not covered by their plan
• When the discount price is lower than their copay

Important: Remind clients that purchases using discount cards don’t count toward their Part D deductible or out-of-pocket threshold.

Consider Safe International Pharmacy Options

For some clients, especially those with high-cost brand-name prescriptions, licensed international pharmacies can provide considerable savings.

One popular and reputable option is The Canadian MedStore, which connects U.S. consumers with licensed international pharmacies in Canada and other Tier 1 countries. Key benefits include:

• Substantial savings on brand-name medications
• Licensed pharmacy partners
• Reliable customer service and refill support

Please note: Agents should advise clients to check with their doctors before switching sources and confirm that any international pharmacy is legitimate and properly licensed.

Watch a YouTube video with details on the Canadian Medstore

Saving on prescriptions doesn’t have to be complicated, sometimes all it takes is having the right resources. As an agent, you can guide clients toward cost-effective, safe solutions that help them stay healthy and financially stable.

Stay updated on the latest agent events and information

Whether it’s comparing plans, applying for Extra Help, or exploring alternative resources, your support can make a meaningful difference.