(NAPSA)—A healthy improve- ment in how you pay for prescription drugs may be on the way. Steadily rising co-pays have prompted many to take a more active role in finding less expensive alternatives. Getting Expensive According to an annual survey of employer health benefits by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average co-payment amounts in health insurance plans have risen 85 percent for preferred drugs, from $13 to $24. For nonpreferred drugs, the average co-payment rose 124 per- cent, from $17 to $38. Frustrated over the cost of branded prescription co-pays, some people don’t fill their prescriptions—which can be dangerous. Saving Money Fortunately, there are ways to manageyourprescription dollars: 1) Inform your doctor about your prescription coverage, including yourco-paycosts. 2) If he or she writes you a new prescription, request available samples for use during thefirst monthof trial. 3) Ask if there are generic alter- natives that may be appropriate. 4) Ask for a 90 day prescription for chronic medications you take monthly and/or use mail order pharmacies. You may only have to pay for two monthsof co-paycosts. 5) If prescribed a branded drug, look for prescription coupon sav- ings, free trials and other patient support programs on Websites such as www.optimizerx.com. = oe ae = 2 — 2 Saving money on prescription medications may be easier than many peoplerealize. This prescription savings site was founded by a group of physicians and health care veterans dedicated to improving affordable access to health care products and services. Getting A Great Deal Through the site, the company has already helped tens of thousandsof patients better afford and maintain their branded prescription medicines through central access to available prescription coupons, rebates, free trials and other educational support. The site has a growinglist of deals for about 180 prescription drugs used to treat a range of medical problems, from allergies to sleep disorders. No matter what, make sure you stay on your medicines. Don’t be penny wise and poundfoolish. Learning More For more information, visit www.optimizerx.com.
