prescriptions

9 Financial Mistakes You're Making at the Doctor's Office

Kat Tretina — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 08:30:18 +0000

If you have an ongoing medical condition, you know how expensive health care can be. Medical costs have skyrocketed the past several years, leaving people facing the very real possibility that doctor's visits, prescriptions, and procedures could deplete their bank account or even land them in debt.

There are ways to make medical care more affordable. However, a lot of people miss out on some important discounts. Below, find out what costly mistakes you might be making at the doctor's office.

1. You don't comparison shop for prescriptions

When it comes to medication, the price you pay can vary from location to location. If you go to the same pharmacy every time and never shop around, you could be overpaying for your prescriptions.

GoodRX is a site that allows you to compare prices at several different local pharmacies at once, ensuring you get the best price. According to the site, if you had a prescription for the antidepressant Lexapro and filled it at Walmart, you'd pay $46.29. But, if you filled it at Costco, you'd pay just $10.50.

2. You don't ask for generic medication

If your doctor prescribes you a new medication, going with a name brand can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For example, if you were to fill a prescription for Crestor, a medication for high cholesterol, it would cost you about $825 for a 90-day supply, according to Drugs.com. By contrast, if you got the generic version — rosuvastatin — you'd pay just $96 for the same supply.

When you're at the doctor's office, be sure to ask your doctor if there is a cheaper generic version available.

3. You don't use a discount prescription card

If you don't have insurance and need to fill a prescription, you can expect a hefty bill. However, you might not have to pay the sticker price on your own.

There are free discount programs you can sign up for to get your prescriptions at a much cheaper price. For example, if you sign up for a program like FamilyWize, you can get up to 90 percent off your prescriptions' prices. (See also: 7 Ways You Can Save Money On Prescription Medications)

4. You don't show up to appointments

Many doctor's offices are cracking down on people who miss appointments by charging them no-show fees. These fees can run anywhere from $20 to the price of a full visit, which can easily cost you hundreds.

If you can't make an appointment, contact the office as soon as possible to cancel or reschedule. If you do so early enough, you can prevent no-show fees from being added to your account.

5. You don't always pay your bills on time

If you owe your doctor money but don't pay your bill on time, you can quickly rack up late fees and interest charges. Over time, your bill can balloon thanks to those penalties. What's worse, if your doctor decides to send your delinquent account to a collections agency, your credit will also take a hit.

It's important that you make all of your payments on time. If you're in danger of falling behind, contact your doctor's office right away to see if you can get on a more affordable payment plan. It's better to be upfront about your situation than to ignore it.

6. You use the emergency room for illnesses and minor injuries

If you go to the emergency room for minor injuries or illnesses like strep throat or the flu, you could end up spending thousands. According to a 2016 report by the Health Care Cost Institute, an emergency room visit cost an average $1,917. That's an awful lot to pay for the flu.

In many cases, going to an urgent care facility rather than the emergency room can be a more cost-effective option. An urgent care visit typically costs between $100 and $200 out of pocket. These facilities can handle most minor illnesses or injuries, including broken bones. (See also: Urgent Care or ER? How to Decide Where to Go)

7. You don't negotiate costs

Although you can't negotiate costs like copays or coinsurance — your insurance provider determines those — you can negotiate services and treatments that aren't covered by insurance.

If your insurance provider refuses to cover a necessary service, explain to the office administrator that you'll be paying out of pocket and ask if they offer any discounts for cash-paying patients. In some cases, you may pay significantly less than if you used insurance. (See also: 7 Ways to Negotiate Medical Bills)

8. You see out-of-network providers

If you've always gone to the same doctor, finding a new one might be a real pain, and you might put off finding someone else. However, if your current doctor is out of your insurance provider's network, this can be a costly mistake.

Depending on the type of insurance plan you have, your insurance company might only cover a portion of a visit with an out-of-network doctor. If you have an HMO, they might not cover any of it, and you'll be solely responsible for the charges. Taking the time to find a doctor within your network can save you money (and headaches) over time. (See also: How to Choose the Best Primary Care Physician)

9. You don't keep copies of your test results

If you need to have an MRI, CT scan, or blood work done, ask the doctor or lab technician for a copy of your results. Keeping a copy for yourself can help you in the future if another doctor wants to run the same tests. If you have a recent version, you can skip getting another round of expensive tests, saving you a lot of money.

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This article is from Kat Tretina of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Don't Use Your Prescription Drug Coupons Until You Read This

Carrie Kirby — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 11:00:06 +0000

If you have health insurance to help cover the cost of prescription drugs, that's great. But the average insured American still spends nearly $200 a year on prescription copays.

Prescription drug coupons can help defray that hefty expense. You present them at the register of your pharmacy just like any other coupon. They reduce your copay, but do not affect the price your insurer pays for the drug. Drugmakers offer these coupons as a form of marketing, and while they can help patients, before using them you should know a few things about how these programs work.

1. Sometimes Brand Name Is Cheaper Than Generic

If your copay for generic medication is $10, but a coupon brings your copay for a similar brand name drug down to $4, you'll save money by going with the brand name. This is the major attraction of drug coupons for patients.

2. Don't Get Steered Into Suboptimal Treatment

It's hard to see how saving money could be bad for your health. But health care decisions should be made between patient and doctor, without intrusion from marketing. Why? Consider this: Doctors often have the choice of multiple drugs to treat any given ailment. Maybe Drug A, a tried and true generic, is the best choice for you, but you ask your doctor for Drug B because you have a coupon that would cover most of your copay. The doctor accommodates you, so you save money — but your treatment has suffered. This is not a hypothetical situation; a Consumer Reports analysis found more than one generic that works as well as or better than a name brand.

3. Coupons Could Cost You More in the Long Run

Like a cable TV teaser rate, the coupon program won't last forever. Once you've established treatment for a chronic condition with the brand name drug, and the coupon ends, you may spend years paying the higher post-coupon price.

4. You May Not Be Eligible to Use the Coupon

Some discount programs exclude members of Medicare, Medicaid, and uninsured people. Always read the fine print.

5. The Coupon Might Not Be Your Cheapest Option

Make sure to do the math before opting for a brand name with a coupon over a generic — the generic still might be cheaper.

6. Coupons May Spike Your Insurance Premiums

When you use a coupon, you pay less — but your insurance company may pay up to 85% more than it would have if you had chosen a less expensive drug. Who cares? Most of us don't have much sympathy for insurance companies. But when your insurer pays more for drugs, it may pass that to you in the form of higher premiums.

"An individual patient who receives a coupon might not realize that, although that particular prescription may cost less that month, overall what it does is to raise costs for everyone, including themselves," Susan Pisano told Kaiser Health News on behalf of trade group America's Health Insurance Plans.

7. Always Get Coupons From a Reputable Source

Don't just click any link online and start entering personal information about what medications you take. A good place to ask about discount programs is your doctor's office. Online, you can enter the drug name and other details at Partnership for Prescription Assistance, and it will connect you to programs you qualify for.

Another convenient and safe way to find discounts is by downloading an app such as GoodRX or WeRx onto your phone. These apps not only find printable coupons, they will also suss out good prices near you on both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and let you know about pharmacy rewards programs and other opportunities to save.

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This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Ways You Can Save Money On Prescription Medications

Kat Tretina — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 10:01:03 +0000

When Kyle Willis walked into the emergency room in 2011, he was diagnosed with a severe tooth infection. Doctors gave him prescriptions for both antibiotics and painkillers and sent him home. But on a tight budget and with no insurance, he could only afford to get one prescription. In excruciating pain, he opted for the painkillers.

Days later, the infection spread to his brain, and Willis died from the infection.

Willis' case highlighted a major problem millions of people face each day. Medications can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you sometimes have to make the choice between filling a prescription or skipping rent or other necessary bills.

But there are programs in place that can help. Below are free resources that can help you save money on your medicines. (See also: 9 Ways to Save on Prescriptions)

Discount Prescription Programs

There are several nationwide discount prescription savings programs available to the public, regardless of your income.

1. FamilyWize

FamilyWize is a free program where you can download or print off a discount card and use it at any major pharmacy. Use the card if you do not have insurance, or if your insurance will not cover a particular medicine. Just ask the pharmacist to run the card's information. On average, you can save 43% on your prescriptions.

2. WebMDRX

Like FamilyWize, the WebMDRX discount savings card is free for anyone to use. It can be used at 60,000 pharmacies nationwide and can be shared with friends and family. Just show the card to the pharmacist when you drop off your prescription to get the discount.

Pharmaceutical Programs

Major pharmaceutical companies offer special programs for people who cannot afford their brand name medications. Millions of people qualify each year to receive free medicines directly from the manufacturer. Below are just a few programs available from major companies. Check out the manufacturer of your medications to see if they offer similar programs.

3. AZ&Me

AstraZeneca, the maker of major drugs like Nexium, Crestor, Symbicort, and more, offers the AZ&Me program for people who cannot afford their medications. Last year, the program helped 286,000 people get access to medicine they otherwise couldn't afford.

The program is designed to help people who do not have insurance, those in Medicare Part D, and those who have recently undergone a financial crisis, such as a job loss. To find out more about the program or to find out if you're eligible, call 1-800-AZandME (292-6363).

4. Merck Helps

Merck, the creator of drugs like Dulera, Gardasil, and Singulair, helps people get the medications they need through the Merck Helps program.

To qualify for the program, you must be a United States resident and have a valid prescription. You must not have any insurance coverage and be unable to afford your medications. According to their site, you may qualify for assistance if you make less than $47,520 as an individual, under $64,080 for couples, or $97,200 or less for a family of four.

5. Pfizer

As one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the country, Pfizer is known as the creator of major drugs like Lipitor and Zoloft. But it also runs a Patient and Prescription Assistance Program that helps people receive medicine for free or at a significant discount. If you need help getting a specific Pfizer medication, their website Pfizer RxPathways can help you find different options and navigate the process.

6. Drug Coupons

When your doctor prescribed you a new medicine, she may have handed you a manufacturer coupon along with the prescription. But what you may not have known is that those coupons are not just for doctors to hand out; customers can access them, too.

If you are on any brand name drug, rather than a generic medication, check out the drug's website. Many times the manufacturer will offer a special discount card or savings program that will drop the cost.

For example, Fetzima is a relatively new drug for depression. And even with insurance, it can be pricey. But if you go on the Fetzima website, you can get a savings card where eligible patients can buy the drug for as little as $10 a month. Just print the card and bring it to the pharmacy when you pick up the prescription to get the discount.

7. Comparison Shop

Not all pharmacies are created equal. One pharmacy may charge much more for the same drug than another pharmacy, even if they're within just a few blocks of each other. GoodRX is a resource you can use to comparison shop for the best deal before you leave your home. It will tell you what each drug will cost at different pharmacies and if there are any coupons available.

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This article is from Kat Tretina of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

11 Surprising Things Your HSA Will Cover

Samantha Stauf — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 09:30:13 +0000

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are medical bank accounts that are paired with low premium, high deductible health insurance policies. The high deductible/low premium insurance policy is counterbalanced by the ability for the individual to save income that is not subject to federal or state taxes. The money in the HSA can then be spent on IRS approved medical expenses.

If you have an HSA and you have only used it to pay doctor's bills, you might be missing out on some real tax savings. Why spend taxed money on IRS approved medical expenses, when you can utilize pretax dollars? Check out 11 items you can purchase with your HSA.

1. Allergy Medication

If you have allergies (either food or environmental) that you need medication for, you can purchase prescription medication with your HSA. Over the counter medication cannot be purchased with your HSA, unless prescribed by a doctor.

2. Arch Supports

Purchasing arch supports are sometimes necessary for a pain-free life, and they can cost anywhere from $5 to $150. Custom or mass produced arch supports can be an HSA-approved medical expense if you receive a prescription from your doctor.

3. Bandages and Band-Aids

Over the counter bandages and Band-Aids can be purchased with your HSA.

4. Birth Control

Both over-the-counter and prescription birth control are HSA-approved medical expenses. Here are just a few of the items you can purchase with your health savings account: IUD, Norplant, condoms, spermicide, and pregnancy test kits.

5. Braille Books or Magazines

If you are vision-impaired, you can utilize your HSA to reimburse yourself part of the money from purchasing Braille books or magazines. In order to calculate how much you can reimburse yourself, you should utilize this formula: cost of Braille book less cost of the traditional book equals HSA approved reimbursement.

6. Contact Lens Solution

If you wear contact lenses, you can purchase the solution necessary to clean the lenses with your health savings account.

7. Guide Animals

The costs of purchasing, training, and caring for guide animals are an IRS-approved HSA expense. You will need to register your service animal in your state in order to utilize this HSA-approved expense. (If you try to say that a non-qualified animal you own is a service animal, the likelihood of being fined will be high.)

8. Lead Paint Removal

If you live in a home with lead paint, and your child has or has had lead paint poisoning, you can pay for the paint to be removed with your HSA.

9. Mouth Guards

Mouth guards that have been prescribed by a dentist due to teeth grinding can be paid for with your health savings account.

10. Prescription Sunglasses

Prescription sunglasses can be an expensive necessity for the vision-challenged. If you either cannot or will not switch to contact lenses, you're stuck with purchasing prescription sunglasses or going without. You can, if you want, pay for the prescription sunglasses with your HSA. If you want to save money on the second pair, you might consider asking for the prescription and shopping around at various chain eyeglass stores.

11. Prescription Goggles

If you spend a lot of time swimming or diving, you need to ditch your glasses for long periods of time. This can make your adventure (or job) harder and less enjoyable. Like sunglasses, goggles can be purchased with your HSA. (You might need to check online to determine if anyone in your areas sells prescription goggles).

A Health Savings Account can be a great way for the relatively healthy individuals to save money on medical expenses. Just remember that as you make purchases with your HSA to file copies of your prescriptions and receipts with your tax returns. You'll need them if the IRS decides to audit you. If you can't prove the expenses were HSA approved expenses, you might end up paying a fine (even if you followed the rules).

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This article is from Samantha Stauf of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Ways to Save on Prescriptions

Paul Michael — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 13:00:31 +0000

If you look at the hard facts on prescription drug use in the U.S., almost half of Americans are taking one pill a day, while 10% of the population pops a staggering five or more pills daily. Meanwhile, health care costs continue to rise.

So, what can you do to cut the costs of your prescription drugs? Here are nine ways to slash the bills and save money on your medicines.

1. Double the Dosage

Asking your doctor for a higher dosage can turn a 90-day supply into a 180-day stash. It does involve a little extra work on your part, and you'll need to invest in a pill splitter to do the job properly. (These are usually under $10.) However, you must make sure that you can safely and effectively split the pill. The simplest way to check is to look for the line down the center. If it has that, it is designed to be split. Capsules absolutely will not work, so don't ask.

2. Get Generic Whenever You Can

Some people are sticklers for buying brand names, and in some cases they have every right to be. From foods and electronics, to jewelry and shoes, name brands are often more favorable. But when it comes to prescription drugs, it makes little sense to pay for a brand name when a generic is available. As MedicineNet.com explains, "Generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs that have exactly the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, risks, safety, and strength as the original drug. In other words, their pharmacological effects are exactly the same as those of their brand-name counterparts."

As you don't wear prescription drugs, or taste any difference, there is no reason to pay extra for a brand name. The only exception, of course, is if the generic version of the drug is not yet available. In that case, you really do have to pay through the nose.

3. Ask Your Doctor for Alternatives

When your doctor fills out a prescription, make sure and ask about alternatives to the medication they have recommended. There may be several different types of medication that will do the job, but some could differ vastly in price — especially if one is available as a generic, and the other one isn't. Don't leave the doctor's office until you know that you have options to work with. The difference could be hundreds of dollars a year.

4. Use a Discount Program

There are many different discount programs available nationwide, for people with and without health insurance. Many stores and pharmacies have discount and loyalty programs that you should definitely take advantage of, and they're usually free to join. There are also other ways to save, such as the NACo Program, Familywize, and special savings for seniors from the AARP.

5. Order in Bulk

One of the best ways to save money on your regular prescriptions (those you take month after month, year after year) is to buy in bulk and take advantage of big savings. For instance, Cigna's online pharmacy Tel-Drug is a very handy resource that can save you a lot of money. Most of the 90-day supplies are charged at a 60-day supply rate, saving you 33% every time you place an order. Shipping is usually free, unless you need the drugs at a rush speed.

6. Use Coupons

There are coupons for almost everything these days, and prescription drugs are no exception. You will find coupons at your doctor's office, the weekly circulars, and of course, online. Do not underestimate the efficacy of these coupons; although some are for only a few dollars, they can add up over the course of the year. And if you take multiple prescription drugs, the savings can really start to snowball.

7. Get Samples

This is a tricky one. On the one hand, samples are great because they're free. However, samples are also readily handed out by doctors as a way to get you started on a brand new drug that you may, or may not, want to take. It's common practice for drug companies to slightly change the formulation of a drug that is about to go generic, give it a new name, and charge a brand fee. But, they will give out free samples to get people to try it. So, talk to your doctor about the differences between the new drug, and the one that's similar (or almost identical) at a fraction of the cost. However, if you plan on taking that pill, the samples can sometimes add up to weeks, or even months, of free drugs.

8. Look Into "Extra Help"

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you should definitely look into the government's Extra Help program. Applicants who qualify can look forward to around $4,000 of assistance every year, but you must fall below a certain income threshold, have limited resources, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. If you do qualify, it could be of enormous help.

9. Finally, You Could Try Canada, But…

It's illegal. For the moment. Yes, although it can save you a lot of money, buying any kind of prescription drugs from a pharmacy outside of the United States is against federal law. However, Congress is considering new legislation to allow Americans with valid prescriptions to purchase their medications from licensed Canadian pharmacies. Of course, this could all depend on the power and persuasion, not to mention the vast amount of money, that lobbyists for the U.S. drug companies will bring to the table.

How do you control the cost of prescription drugs?

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Cheapest Place to Buy Generic Drugs

POPSUGAR Smart Living — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:36:44 +0000

If you've been buying generic medicine at a major convenience store, you might want to explore other options.

RELATED: How to Live Chemical-Free

A recent Consumer Reports survey revealed people can pay up to 447% or $749 more on generic medicine at the highest-priced pharmacy, compared to the lowest. Costco had the cheapest prices, while CVS, Rite Aid, and Target had the most expensive prices for generic drugs.

The reason why generic drugs are priced so low in Costco is that the discount chain relies on the lower prices to attract customers who will shop for other goods, while stores like CVS and Rite Aid depend on the pharmacy as their main source of income, Stephen W. Schondelmeyer, Ph.D., Pharm.D., a professor of pharmacy economics at the University of Minnesota, tells Consumer Reports.

Read on for the breakdown of the lowest- to highest-priced stores.

Here is the list of stores ranked in order of the lowest to highest prices, according to the consumer watchdog:

Costco
HealthWarehouse.com
Familymeds.com
Sam's Club
Independent pharmacies
Kmart
Walmart
Walgreens
Grocery stores
Target
Rite Aid
CVS

Of course, if you have insurance that will cover the cost of the drugs, the price difference may not be that much between the stores. But that might not always be the case, so be sure to comparison shop before you make the purchase. Sometimes the cost of buying a generic medicine out of pocket at Costco may be lower than your insurance copay, according to some redditors in a thread discussing the study.

If you are paying out of pocket, it only makes sense to shop at the store that provides the lowest prices. The amount you can save buying medicine can be quite hefty. Shoppers in the study found that a generic Lipitor at Costco costs around $17, while CVS would sell it for $150.

And don't forget to also ask for a better price. The consumer magazine says:

Our analysis showed that shoppers didn't always receive the lowest available price when they called the pharmacy. Sometimes they were given a discounted price, and other times they were quoted the list price. Be sure to explain—whether you have insurance or not—that you want the lowest possible price. Our shoppers found that student and senior discounts may also apply, but again, you have to ask.

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Are you paying an extreme markup on your generic prescription? Check out this list to find out.

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This article is from POPSUGAR Smart Living of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Refillable Things That Will Save You Cash

Mikey Rox — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 10:24:08 +0000

Instead of buying container after container for commonly used items, buy one and use it over and over again by refilling it. Here are 10 refillable items that can save you money.

1. Water Bottles

This is a no brainer. Bottled water is expensive and bad for the environment. Stop picking up a new bottle at the convenience store every time you’re thirsty, and start packing a refillable bottle in your bag or leave one in your car. If you can’t decide which water bottle is best for you, perhaps my post on eco-friendly water bottles will help. (See also: 25 Things to Do With Reusable Water Bottles)

2. Lighters

OK, so you may not use a lighter on a regular basis — unless you’re a smoker — but it’s still cost efficient to buy a refillable lighter instead of a disposable one, even if you’re just keeping them around the house for emergencies. Bic makes refillable lighters, but I personally recommend Zippos because of the cap that keeps the wick dry and protected. Zippos are also much easier to light, and the flame is easier to maintain than plastic lighter, too.

3. K-Cups

After years of stocking my guest bedroom with disposable K-Cups, I finally broke down and bought two refillable K-Cups from Groupon recently. I paid $16 for the pair, and I picked up a pound of coffee at Home Goods for $6. Those initial investments alone saved me about $10 off the price I would normally pay for a box of 48 disposable K-Cups. I expect that a pound of coffee will produce a similar amount of single cups of coffee. Next time I’ll save even more money because I’ll only have to buy the $6 coffee.

4. Printer Cartridges

Anyone with a home office knows that one of the most expensive items to keep it up and running is printer ink. The cartridges I use cost about $35 brand new for the black and colored ink bundle. Instead of buying them new every time, however, I have them refilled for about $13 each. Each time I have them refilled, I save about $9 — and then I treat myself to lunch for being such a wise guy.

5. Pens

Ink pens aren’t terribly expensive individually, but if you’re constantly buying new pens, the cost can add up. A pack of 12 disposable pens can run anywhere from $4 to $20, while refillable pens cost in the area of $28. A two-pack of refills for the latter is between $2 and $4. If you use a lot of ink, it’s a wiser investment (for your wallet and the planet) to pick up the refillable kind. Or you just do what I do, and get your pens for free by taking them from wherever they’re handing them out.

6. Mechanical Pencils

Does anyone use pencils anymore? I suppose kids do, but I haven’t picked up a pencil in years. A pack of 12 store-brand disposable pencils from Office Depot cost $1.49, while a Paper Mate Mega Lead mechanical pencil costs $3.24 and comes with 12 lead refills. Separately, the refills are only $2.29 for a pack of 36 leads. The numbers speak for themselves.

7. Soap Dispenser

Instead of buying a new, pre-filled soap dispenser from Target every time the ones in my bathroom or kitchen run out (which is often — I wash my hands A LOT), I buy a single dispenser and purchase a gallon jug of hand soap at BJ’s that I use to fill the dispensers when they’re empty. One jug lasts me for the better part of a year.

8. Prescriptions

I learned a new trick recently while researching information for another article — when you ask your doctor for a prescription, have him prescribe pills that contain double the dose of your medication. The prescription will cost the same as the single dose pills (or close to it), but when you get home you can split the pills in half so they last twice as long. Fewer trips to the pharmacy and more money in my pocket is music to my ears.

9. Travel Mugs

If you’re a Starbucks junky without a travel mug, your carbon footprint is through the roof. So. Many. Wasted. Cups. Tread a little lighter with a reusable, refillable travel mug. KeepCups are my favorite. Plus, to make each day even brighter, Starbucks will discount your morning Joe for doing your part to save the planet. Win-win.

10. Gift Cards

Nobody is refilling their own gift cards — when mine is empty, I simply recycle the plastic — but refillable gift cards are a great idea for parents. Parents can give their kids the cards — for iTunes, their favorite clothing store, or the local cinema — in lieu of cash or credit cards. Refillable gift cards can also be used as a rewards or incentive program at home; when the kid does something helpful, you can surprise him or her with a deposit on the card.

Do you have other refillable items to suggest that will help us save money? Let me know in the comments below.

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This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The $5 Gadget That Can Save You Thousands of Dollars

Paul Michael — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:00:03 +0000

Economically, times are still tough. And with healthcare being at the top of a long list of concerns about money, anyone taking medication should invest in a small gadget that can literally save you a small fortune every year. The gadget in question…a simple pill splitter.

Recently I changed jobs and with the change came a rise in my healthcare costs, particularly for medication that I have to take. But never one to just accept the change and pay the extra price, I looked at my options.

I wondered…could I just split a higher dose of the medication in half and get 60 days out of a 30-day supply? After all, when I was weaning myself off a medication a few years ago, my doctor instructed me to cut my pills in half. But instead of going down to a lower dosage, I could request a bigger dosage and simply chop it in half. Double the pills, half the price.

The overall cost would be the same as before my insurance costs went up (actually, a tiny bit cheaper) and I’d only have to pick up my meds once every two months.

It couldn’t be that easy, could it?

Well, it turns out it really was that easy for me. I take a medication that can be safely cut in half and therefore it was the perfect option for me (more on that in a second). A medication with a $50 monthly co-pay becomes a $25 co-pay. That adds up to a healthy $300 per year savings. If I’m on this for the rest of my life (I sure hope not) it would save me thousands and thousands of dollars.

But even if it’s just for another 3-4 years, that’s still a savings of at least $1200 on what is basically the same medication. All it takes is a $4.99 pill splitter from your local drug store, or Amazon if you prefer.

If you take more than one medication per year, you can see how the savings start to add up quickly, especially if you have no insurance whatsoever. Some of these drugs cost hundreds of dollars per month, and if you can chop that in half, you’re getting amazing savings.

So, are there any pills you can’t split?

YES. This is a major aspect of pill splitting that you need to be aware of. Some drugs can be split safely with no problems at all (often, the pill will have a small groove down the center to facilitate the splitting process). Others CANNOT be split, as this could cause serious side effects. There are four main types of pills that can’t be spilt safely, as noted by About.com:Health Insurance

Capsules

Capsules may contain a liquid, powder, or tiny pellets. If the capsule is split, the medication inside may spill and be impossible to divide evenly.

Extended-release medications

Extended-release, or long-acting medications, have coatings or ingredients that control how fast the drug is released from the pill. Splitting these tablets can destroy substances in the coating. This may result in too much of the drug being released at one time, which may cause dangerous side effects, or too little being released, which may cause your health condition to be poorly controlled.

Enteric-coated medications

Enteric-coated pills have a special coating to prevent the release of medication into your stomach. This is designed either to protect your stomach from the drug or to prevent the drug from being destroyed by the acids in your stomach.

Medications that require an exact dose

Some medications require that you get exactly the same dose each time you take it. Even very small deviations can cause problems. Cutting these pills could result in a dose that is too low to be helpful or a dose that is dangerously high. A good example of this is Coumadin (warfarin), a powerful blood thinner, which can cause excessive bleeding if you take too much, or allow blood clots to form if you take too little. Coumadin (warfarin) requires very accurate dosing and even a very slight difference in the cut halves can put you at risk for dangerous bleeding or clotting.

So as you can see, if you don't check with your doctor first about pill-splitting, you could put your health in danger. Please, make an appointment to discuss your options, your GP will almost always be happy to help you save money and stay healthy.

Even the insurance companies are getting in on this, with some now offering co-pay discounts for splitting your meds. That's a saving on top of a saving.

Bottom line, this is a safe and simple way to save yourself big bucks. If you're on a medication right now that can be doubled and split, you'll instantly cut the price of that medication in half. And all it takes a $5 gadget.

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Places to Check out Medical Care for the Uninsured

Tisha Tolar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:45:11 +0000

With job loss on the rise and many people who can not afford medical insurance on their own, yet don't qualify for state or federal assistance, there are many who will skip medical treatment to save money. Your health is certainly not something you can take likely.

Here are 5 places you can check out when you need medical help but don't have the insurance to cover it:

Your Family Doctor

Many individuals do not realize it but you can still see your family physician without insurance and be able to afford it. It may take some gumption but approach your doctor about a reduction in rates for services because you are willing to pay cash. Many doctors are happy to work with you because they will likely get more money and get it in a faster time period than when having to deal with insurance or Medicare.

Health Care Centers

These are not the “free clinics” you might have in your community but there are health care centers regulated and sponsored by the federal government. These centers provide primary, preventative and dental services to people of all ages, based on a sliding payment scale. This means you pay for services based on how much income you make. Check out findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov to find a center in your area.

Planned Parenthood

Because Planned Parenthood centers often receive state funding and public donations, the fees for services may be even lower than normal, but you will typically you'll be charged what you can afford, based on your income. Women can receive family planning services, plus other treatment and testing for STD's, pap tests, breast exams, and birth control for little or no cost. Be sure to call first to discuss your finances if you do not have insurance. You'll be able to get a ball park figure for how much it will cost prior to going to your appointment. ** UPDATE: An astute reader pointed out that PP is not only for women and men are welcome to be sure their reproductive and overall health is on track.**

Convenience Clinics

These are the walk-in health centers located in major retail shopping chains such as pharmacies and Walmart. Typically, these clinics are staffed by RN practitioners and physician's assistants who can treat and prescribe medications for general colds, flu, and infections. They can also help treat and do preventative check-ups for conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The costs will vary from clinic to clinic and depends on your illness or treatment plan. Some places will offer “a la carte” services and some will charge a “flat-rate fee” for services rendered.

Free Screenings

Many community groups, civic organizations, and local hospitals will offer regular free clinics for specific screenings of disease such as cancer, diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, and other conditions. Check in your local news paper or group newsletter to see what is coming up in you area and take advantage of the free (or at least discounted) health services. Early detection of many diseases can certainly save your life.

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This article is from Tisha Tolar of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: