Given all this information, what's the solution? It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by the system and think you're stuck, but that's not necessarily the case. By researching alternatives, you can empower yourself with knowledge and evaluate additional options.

There are several things you can do. Here are some suggestions:

1. Look Into Generic Drugs or Lower-Cost Affordable Alternatives

   While generics are one option, another is to simply find a different medication. While this is not an option for everyone, seldom is there only one drug to treat a specific ailment.

   If you talk to your doctor, they may be able to prescribe a medication that has a lower cost. Likewise, they might be able to tell you if a drug has a generic version you can request at a pharmacy of your choice.

   (As a note, if you buy a medication from us, you will always receive what you ask for — that is to say, if you order a generic, that is what you'll get. If you order a brand-name drug, that is what we will ship.)

   Once again — these aren't options in every case. For many conditions, you really will need the expensive brand-name drug.

2. Get a Supplemental Plan for the Medicare Coverage Gap

   If you've exceeded your annual prescription drug coverage amount and are now in the donut hole, you can buy an insurance plan to cover that. You may pay more monthly, but your costs will be more predictable, and you'll have more peace of mind. 

3. Explore Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

   You may be able to lower your prescription drug costs by enrolling in a Pharmaceutical Assistance Program, which drug companies offer to help people pay for their medications.

   These programs often offer assistance to folks that can't afford the price of their medication. With that said, not everyone will qualify for every program. Likewise, not every drug company offers programs to make their medication affordable. Ultimately, you will have to do research and see if this option is available to you. We caution that while some can benefit from this option, many won't.

4. See If Your State Has Affordable Medication Assistance Programs

   Some states have programs that can help you pay for medication, plan premiums, or other related costs. Not every state does, though, and these benefits vary greatly from state to state.

   We strongly suggest looking into these programs — in many cases, they are underutilized because people don't know about them.

5. Consider Enrolling in the Extra Help Program

   Depending on your income and resources, you may qualify for Medicare's Extra Help program. It's designed for low-income individuals and can significantly lower drug costs. Under this program, Generics would cost $3.60 (2020), and Brand-name drugs would cost $8.95 (2020).

6. Compare Prices Across Pharmacies

   Many folks fall into a routine with their medications: they get their prescription, head to their typical pharmacy, have it filled, and then pick it up and pay whatever they're told the price is.

   Here's the thing: not every pharmacy is going to charge the same thing.

   This is especially true if your expand your horizons past your local brick-and-mortar pharmacies and start looking online. Believe it not, even if you have insurance, some medications may be cheaper when purchased through an online pharmacy.

   Before handing over your script, ask about drug costs — and don't be afraid to shop around!

7. Consider Ordering From an Online Pharmacy

   For many Americans, the only way to obtain the affordable medications they need is to seek out an online pharmacy. Online pharmacies typically operate in foreign countries — like Canada — and can take advantage of their cheaper medication prices to pass the savings on to American consumers.

   NorthWestPharmacy.com, for example, helps many Americans access the medication they need to survive for a fraction of the price they'd pay at their local pharmacy.