For people with medical conditions, prescription medication is an important health tool. However, due to living expenses, insurance coverage, and other factors, covering the cost of these prescriptions is sometimes a challenge. Fortunately, there are ways to lower the cost of your medication; here are some of them.

Talk to Your Doctor

Doctors aren't just there to provide medical care; they are also there to help their patients. Doctor offices and hospitals sometimes have partnerships with large pharmaceutical companies and other organizations that assist people who need help covering the cost of their medication. Sometimes these companies cover the cost of the drug or offer it at a reduced price, so speak up to find out what might be available for you.

Request Samples

When you're only going to be taking the prescribed medication for a short period, don't hesitate to request samples. The same pharmaceutical companies that partner with medical centers to offer assistance programs will sometimes provide these same offices with samples. For example, if you needed to take the antibiotic for seven days, your doctor might have a seven day supply of samples on hand. You never know what's available until you ask, so never be afraid to speak up. 

Use a Refill Service

You might also consider relying on a refill service. Refill services are often independent of the overhead of big-chain retail pharmacies, which may mean that they can offer the medications at a lower cost. Additionally, if you sign up for automatic refills, you may be able to receive a discount for this feature, as well. Many of these companies also deliver the medication to your home, which offers another way to save. 

Double Check Your Insurance Plan

The average person may not take the time to read over their insurance policy, but if you want to save money, this is a step you need to make. It's up to you to know what's in your policy, and you will only know this information if you take the time to read it. If you've failed to do so, you might have extra prescription coverage that you're not even aware of that can help lower the amount of money you're paying. Read over your policies so that you aren't missing any discounts. 

The cost to stay healthy doesn't have to be expensive. Make sure you're utilizing these tips to keep your health care affordable so that you can live a better life.

For more information, visit sites such as tidwellrx.com.