Smart Ways to Save on Your Medications
- Category: News, Press Releases
- Posted On:
- Written By: Jeff Kukel, PharmD
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At Atlantic General Hospital’s AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacies, we understand that managing the cost of prescription medications is more than just a financial concern—it’s a critical part of your overall wellbeing. Many patients, especially seniors, face rising drug prices, complex insurance plans, and high out-of-pocket costs. In some cases, people even skip doses or delay filling prescriptions due to cost.
Prescription drugs continue to rise in cost due to a combination of high research and development expenses, complex manufacturing processes, aggressive marketing, limited competition, and varying insurance and pricing structures. For individuals managing chronic conditions or multiple prescriptions on a fixed income, these costs can add up quickly. Taking control of your medication expenses can lead to better adherence, better health outcomes, and more financial peace of mind.
The good news? There are simple, effective steps you can take to save money—without compromising your care…..and your friendly staff at the AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacies are here to help!
Understand Your Insurance and Formulary
Your insurance formulary outlines what drugs are covered and how much they cost you. Understanding terms like Tier 1 through 4, Prior Authorization (PA), Quantity Limits (QL), and Step Therapy (ST) can help you and your provider make smart choices. Always bring your formulary to appointments—this helps your doctor prescribe medications that are both effective and affordable.
Talk to Your Doctor and Pharmacist
Be open about cost concerns with your healthcare providers—they’re here to help. Many brand-name medications have lower-cost generic alternatives that are equally effective. Your pharmacist can help identify these options. Also, ask if a 90-day supply is appropriate for you—getting three months of medication at once is often less expensive than filling monthly prescriptions and can be more convenient.
Use Pharmacy Discount Programs
Many pharmacies, including AGHRx RediScripts, offer their own discount cards and savings programs. These are especially useful for generic medications, and your pharmacist can help ensure you're getting the best price available through these in-house savings programs.
Know Your Pharmacy Network
Insurance plans often include “preferred” and “non-preferred” pharmacy networks. While big chains are usually considered preferred, that doesn’t always mean they’re the most affordable. Independent pharmacies like AGHRx RediScripts often offer personalized service, cost-saving strategies, and individualized support that can help you save more in the long run.
Review Your Insurance Annually
During Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7), review your plan to make sure it still fits your needs. Medications and coverage change frequently, and switching to a new plan could save you significantly. Our pharmacy team offers free Medicare plan reviews to help patients make informed decisions.
Explore Assistance Programs
There are many programs designed to help reduce prescription costs for those who qualify. Pharmaceutical companies, state programs like the Maryland Senior Drug Assistance Program, and national resources such as the Partnership for Prescription Assistance offer financial help based on your income and insurance status. Our pharmacy team can guide you through finding and applying to these programs.
Consider Over-the-Counter Alternatives
Sometimes, an over-the-counter (OTC) medication can be a safe and less expensive substitute for a prescription drug. Pain relievers, allergy treatments, and heartburn medications are a few examples. Always check with your pharmacist before switching to ensure it’s appropriate for your condition.
Prevention Saves Money
Staying healthy can reduce your dependence on medications. Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and preventive care—like screenings and check-ups—can help avoid the need for costly prescriptions in the future.
We’re Here to Help
Open to the public, AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacies are committed to helping you get the medications you need at prices you can afford. We provide same-day delivery, drive-through service, personalized consultations, medication pill packaging, Medicare plan reviews, and more—because your health, and your budget, matter to us. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you and your family save on your medications, please stop by one of our pharmacies, or call and ask for your free Medication Therapy Management (MTM) review today!
AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacy (Berlin)
9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, MD 21811
410-641-9240 | Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm & Sat: 9am–5pm
AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacy (Ocean Pines)
10614 Racetrack Road, Ocean Pines, MD 21811
410-629-6240 | Mon–Fri: 8am–4:30pm
Prescription drugs continue to rise in cost due to a combination of high research and development expenses, complex manufacturing processes, aggressive marketing, limited competition, and varying insurance and pricing structures. For individuals managing chronic conditions or multiple prescriptions on a fixed income, these costs can add up quickly. Taking control of your medication expenses can lead to better adherence, better health outcomes, and more financial peace of mind.
The good news? There are simple, effective steps you can take to save money—without compromising your care…..and your friendly staff at the AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacies are here to help!
Understand Your Insurance and Formulary
Your insurance formulary outlines what drugs are covered and how much they cost you. Understanding terms like Tier 1 through 4, Prior Authorization (PA), Quantity Limits (QL), and Step Therapy (ST) can help you and your provider make smart choices. Always bring your formulary to appointments—this helps your doctor prescribe medications that are both effective and affordable.
Talk to Your Doctor and Pharmacist
Be open about cost concerns with your healthcare providers—they’re here to help. Many brand-name medications have lower-cost generic alternatives that are equally effective. Your pharmacist can help identify these options. Also, ask if a 90-day supply is appropriate for you—getting three months of medication at once is often less expensive than filling monthly prescriptions and can be more convenient.
Use Pharmacy Discount Programs
Many pharmacies, including AGHRx RediScripts, offer their own discount cards and savings programs. These are especially useful for generic medications, and your pharmacist can help ensure you're getting the best price available through these in-house savings programs.
Know Your Pharmacy Network
Insurance plans often include “preferred” and “non-preferred” pharmacy networks. While big chains are usually considered preferred, that doesn’t always mean they’re the most affordable. Independent pharmacies like AGHRx RediScripts often offer personalized service, cost-saving strategies, and individualized support that can help you save more in the long run.
Review Your Insurance Annually
During Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7), review your plan to make sure it still fits your needs. Medications and coverage change frequently, and switching to a new plan could save you significantly. Our pharmacy team offers free Medicare plan reviews to help patients make informed decisions.
Explore Assistance Programs
There are many programs designed to help reduce prescription costs for those who qualify. Pharmaceutical companies, state programs like the Maryland Senior Drug Assistance Program, and national resources such as the Partnership for Prescription Assistance offer financial help based on your income and insurance status. Our pharmacy team can guide you through finding and applying to these programs.
Consider Over-the-Counter Alternatives
Sometimes, an over-the-counter (OTC) medication can be a safe and less expensive substitute for a prescription drug. Pain relievers, allergy treatments, and heartburn medications are a few examples. Always check with your pharmacist before switching to ensure it’s appropriate for your condition.
Prevention Saves Money
Staying healthy can reduce your dependence on medications. Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and preventive care—like screenings and check-ups—can help avoid the need for costly prescriptions in the future.
We’re Here to Help
Open to the public, AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacies are committed to helping you get the medications you need at prices you can afford. We provide same-day delivery, drive-through service, personalized consultations, medication pill packaging, Medicare plan reviews, and more—because your health, and your budget, matter to us. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you and your family save on your medications, please stop by one of our pharmacies, or call and ask for your free Medication Therapy Management (MTM) review today!
AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacy (Berlin)
9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, MD 21811
410-641-9240 | Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm & Sat: 9am–5pm
AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacy (Ocean Pines)
10614 Racetrack Road, Ocean Pines, MD 21811
410-629-6240 | Mon–Fri: 8am–4:30pm
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