Most Americans maintain their health by using some form of medication, according to the data.61 percent of adultsNearly one in five people in the U.S. are taking at least one prescription medication. However, approximately 29 million Americans face difficulties in accessing necessary medications.afford their needed medication. Why? Prescription drug costs in the U.S.increase by up to 15 percent on averageevery year, largely because of the intricate network of insurance companies, drug manufacturers, and pharmacy benefit managers that significantly influence medication costs. And it's about to become even more challenging, thanks toPresident Trump’s trade tariffs.
This is because about 10 percentPharmaceutical ingredients are manufactured in the U.S. The remaining supplies are sourced from India, China, other Asian regions, the European Union, and European non-EU nations—many of which are now subject to new tariff rates, with only a few receiving exceptions for pharmaceutical products. At the end of September, President Trump also declared further measures.tariffs applied to the majority of imported branded medicationsunless companies agree to construct facilities in the United States (such asJohnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Lillyhave already pledged to new or expanded U.S. operations.) However, those increasesseem to be pausedas the White House urges drug manufacturers to reduce their costs.
Up until this point, pharmaceuticals have been exempt from tariffs, which means that companies haven't had to pay additional taxes on imported medications intended for sale in the U.S. market. "When a tariff is introduced, which is basically an extra charge added to the cost of the ingredients or drugs, that charge will ultimately be passed on to the patient," explains Merith Basey, the executive director of the advocacy group.Patients for Affordable Drugs.
Due to the bewildering and rapidly changing implementation, it's premature to determine precisely how much tariffs will influence the price of medications (or)Which particular medications will be impacted), but projections range in thebillions. Prescription medications would be the most affected since they depend on specific components, often sourced from different countries, and face limited competition. At this time, generic alternatives appear to be unaffected.
But we do have a bit of positive news. Whether there are tariffs or not, there are methods to reduce costs on prescription medications that the pharmaceutical industry doesn't want you to be aware of. We've discovered them for you:
Be the squeaky wheel.
When talking about a new medication with your doctor, inquire whether the prescribed treatment is generic or if there's a generic alternative available. If it isn't (or if you think your insurance won't cover the brand name), use these phrases, suggests Ruth Rowe, the president ofNeedyMeds.org, a nonprofit organization that assists individuals in locating affordable healthcare: “This is beyond my budget. Are there other options available that can assist me?”
This question can lead to a discussion with your physician about different treatment choices. Inquire whether there is an "off-label" option available (which refers to a medication that is used for a different purpose than what it was originally approved by the FDA). For instance, Veozah, a nonhormonal medication for hot flashes and night sweats, does not have a generic version, but certain SSRIs may be prescribed for this condition.tame vasomotor symptomsalso. (Although insurance companies usually do not cover medications used for purposes other than those approved, paying cash for them might still be more cost-effective than choosing a brand-name option.)
If a costly brand-name medication is your only choice, Rowe suggests asking your doctor or pharmacist if taking a larger dose and splitting it can help extend the amount you purchase. (This method is only suitable for certain medications, so discuss it with your healthcare provider.)beforepurchasing a pill splitter.) Alternatively, check if they can provide you with some trial packs, which physicians frequently receive from pharmaceutical representatives. This isn't a permanent solution, but it might give you some time to locate a more affordable option.
Skip your insurance (really!).
One of the best-kept secrets is that pharmacies possesscash prices. And sometimes, they're significantly lower than what you'd pay with insurance (for reasons that require an economics PhD and a)lotuseless technical terms to explain). Before you instantly use your insurance, consult your pharmacist: "What is the out-of-pocket cost for this medication?" You could be pleasantly surprised by the response.
"Some pharmacies offer better prices and may be willing to reduce the cash price to retain your business," adds Rowe. How? Inquire if they will accept a discount card (such as thefree one you can obtain from RxAssist) or manufacturer's coupon (more about locating them next).
Shop around.
You have the option to pay in cash, and you can also compare prices to find the most favorable cash rate for your medications. "Consumers aren't aware that out-of-pocket costs can differ significantly between pharmacies, sometimes by hundreds of dollars," Rowe explains. Typically, large pharmacy chains (such as CVS and Walgreens) tend to be pricier, so Rowe suggests looking into smaller, independent pharmacies. (On the other hand, big retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Sam’s Club often offer better pricing.) Utilize websites likeGoodRx and SingleCareto examine the costs of particular medications in your location.
Additionally, pharmacies might be open to matching prices with other pharmacies if you're paying cash. Simply request to speak with the pharmacist to explore your choices. Certain pharmacies also provide their own discount cards, or accept coupons, rebate cards, and assistance cards based on income from the drug manufacturer's site. Check for coupons atNeedyMeds.org and RxAssist.
Buy online.
Physical pharmacies aren't the only choices available. "There are many online pharmacies where you can obtain your medications at a discount and view the price before purchasing," says Rowe. These alternatives, such as Mark Cuban’sCost Plus Drug Company, Amazon Pharmacy, and Honeybee Healthavoid insurance coverage to provide clearly priced medications (although some only distribute generic versions, not original brand-name alternatives). Other companies, such asBlueberry Pharmacy in Pennsylvania, offer a membershipmodel for increased savings. Additionally, online pharmacies might be capable of delivering more than a month's worth of medication at once, lowering expenses and sparing you the inconvenience of frequent refills.
Search for patient aid programs.
Before departing a hospital or leaving your physician's office, inquire if they can assist you in accessing any patient support programs that offer free or affordable medications for those who cannot afford them.
There are several different options that could suit your needs. You can look online for organizations focused on specific diseases such as theAmerican Kidney Fund and CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation. Others, like the PAN Foundation, offer co-pay assistance for medications. Some pharmaceutical companies such asAstraZenecarun applications to offer free medication to eligible individuals. (Patients for Affordable Drugs has an excellentlist of resources for inexpensive meds too.)
Our complicated and costly healthcare system is unlikely to change soon, and the risk of tariffs adds even more uncertainty. However, experts suggest that being aware of and utilizing these alternatives can be beneficial, provided you are willing and able to put in the effort. As Basey states, "No one should have to create a GoFundMe to pay for their medications."