The very first thing to consider is what you need the drug for. Many people see different doctors and come home with a boatload of different prescriptions that may not all be needed all at once, or can be weaned off after a time. So making sure that every doctor is aware of every drug that you are on is the first step.

Then you should look to see if you need the name brand drug, or perhaps get by with the generic. Many doctors prescribe a name brand, but there could be a less expensive alternative that works just as well, either name brand or generic. Find out all the different brands in that drug class and check prices. For example, nexium and protonix both work the same way for GERD, yet can be priced very differently. You might be able to take the cheaper one.

Finally, look for help from the drug manufacturer to lower costs. Many of them have coupons, so before you fill that prescription for the first time check the website and see if if there is a coupon available. While you are there, you can also see if the manufacturer is sponsoring any programs to help people that can't pay for medications.

My mom was taking a chemo drug that cost over $5,000 a bottle - yes, over $5,000 (and people say there's no need for health care reform). We couldn't afford that, but Medicare and the local Area Agency on Aging put us in touch with an organization that provides assistance for this. NORD (the National Organization for Rare Diseases) gave us a grant that got us through the doughnut whole. My mom received 5 months of the drug cost free. I'm forever thankful.

When my son ( with no ins.) was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes I paid $150 for his first month of drugs. He needs these drugs to stay alive and they are $150 EVERY mo. After trying this firm that wanted $100 to get us free drugs, we decided to ask the Dr. We have been able to get all the drugs he needs by simply asking the Dr. for samples. Another things I found out. I take Meloxicam for arthritis. I have ins. and was paying $8 a mo. for it at Walgreens. I found out that I could pay $4 a mo. at Walmart WITHOUT my ins. What's up with that?

A couple of thoughts on saving on prescription drug costs - for seniors who are in a Medicare Part D plan there is a great new Web site launched in partnership between the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and AARP called Destination RX (www.destinationrx.com). It helps seniors identify when they're going to hit the "doughnut hole" when you have a gap in drug coverage and how to avoid that gap. It also has helpful tips on when to use or ask for a generic instead of brand name drug and other useful information that is easy to navigate. For those who are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid coverage, again generics can be a cost savings - just make sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist on the differences in the generics - some of these drugs do not include all the key ingredients which make it effective for you.

Try www.needymeds.com

Great website