Category Archive

Benefit Spotlight

Cutting Rx Costs

2023 October, Benefit Spotlight September 21, 2023

Sometimes the prescriptions we need are flat-out expensive. The good news is there are prescription discount programs and coupons available for some medications.

How do prescription discount programs work? These discounts can’t be combined with your benefit plan’s coverage, so make sure to check the price against the cost of using your insurance’s prescription drug benefit. Something else to consider: If you choose to use a discount card and are therefore not tapping into your insurance’s prescription drug benefit, the cash amount you pay for the prescription may not count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum under the benefit plan.

GoodRX is a web- and app-based platform that allows you to search for prescription drug coupons and compare pharmacy prices. The company claims a savings of up to 80% on generics. Optum Perks also provides coupons for medications and a searchable database for drug cost comparison at participating pharmacies near you. The Optum Perks member card, which can be used at more than 64,000 pharmacies, is free to use and requires no personal data.

Another discount option is the Amazon Prime RX Savings discount card, which is included with an Amazon Prime membership and is administered by InsideRX. It provides discounts of up to 80% for generics and up to 40% for brand-name medication at participating pharmacies.

Cost Plus Drug Company is a web-based pharmacy that claims to keep costs low by buying directly from the manufacturer. It currently only offers a certain selection of medications and accepts a handful of prescription insurance providers, but it may be worth checking the price difference between Cost Plus and your regular pharmacy.

Adult Preventive Care

doctor talking to patient

We go to the doctor when we’re feeling sick, but it’s just as important to go in for regular visits and tests to catch developing medical issues early.

Most health plans are required to cover a set of preventive services at no cost to you! Below are some common recommendations for adult preventive health. Review your plan documents or talk with your provider ahead of your visit to confirm the service will be covered under your medical plan.

  • Blood pressure reading: Annual blood pressure checks can help reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack.
  • Cholesterol test: Get your cholesterol checked at least every 4 to 6 years.
  • Gynecologist: Persons with a uterus should see their gynecologist annually, according to the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative. Starting at age 21, you should get a pap smear to test for cervical cancer at least every three years (assuming your results are negative) until you turn 65.
  • Mammograms: Mammogram frequency can depend on family history, but guidance from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative is that they should begin between age 40 and 50 and continue annually or every other year through at least age 74.
  • Prostate exam: Persons with a prostate should be screened for prostate cancer beginning at age 50, or sooner depending on family history.
  • Colonoscopy: This exam is recommended for adults beginning at age 45. Frequency depends on test results and family history.
  • Diabetes screening: Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes screening is recommended for adults 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese.
  • Bone density screening: This osteoporosis test is crucial for persons who have gone through menopause.