Saving on prescriptions is complicated

TRENTON, N.J. Struggling to pay for your prescription medication?

Youre far from alone: Studies show about a quarter of patients dont take medicines they need because they cannot afford them.

There are plenty of ways to save big on medicines, but the complexity of finding the best deal can be a huge headache.

Along with patient assistance programs, there are countless coupons and discount cards are available.

Here are some guidelines and sources to try:

For starters, when a doctor is about to write a prescription, jump in with key questions: Are free samples available? Is the drug is generally covered by insurance plans? Is there a cheaper drug that will work as well? Is there a generic version?

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: A patient assistance program might be able to help. They generally have income limits and other eligibility rules, but some are fairly generous, particularly for newer drugs for cancer or rare diseases that can cost $20,000 a year or more.

Drugmakers almost always offer patients help. The uninsured can check the pharmaceutical industrys Partnership for Prescription Assistance, at http://www.pparx.org or 1-888-4PPA NOW. Patient advocacy groups focused on one disease often can help patients. The nonprofit Patient Advocate Foundation, at http://www.patientadvocate.org, also helps patients . Also, check government-subsidized health clinics.

RETAILERS AND ONLINE PHARMACIES: Several national discount stores offer hundreds of widely used generic drugs for just $4 to $10 a month. Some high-volume discounters, such as Costco, offer great deals for cash-paying customers. Prescription coupons from the makers of brand-name drugs typically offer a first prescription free, or $50 to $100 off for a limited time. Also, check out Internet pharmacies, particularly http://www.HealthWarehouse.com.

Avoid sites that dont require a prescription. Thats illegal and dangerous.

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Saving on prescriptions is complicated