You are indeed a certified senior approaching the age when medications comes first than food, IF, you spend more time in drug stores than you would in a grocery store. Also, if you have become chummy enough with the pharmacist to the extent that you both are already calling each other by first names. However, shopping in a drug store is no fun, not to mention expensive. After all, you only go to a drug store if: one, your doctor told you so and two, you ran out of medications which is bad for your health.
Saving on medications can be tricky but very much doable. I have heard friends and relatives sharing their own tips and tricks on how to cut drug store costs, some of them even driving to the next city and beyond just to take advantage of discount stores and shops which can guarantee a 2-month supply in a month’s cost, if you are to buy locally. Some just keep a vigilant watch over sales and promos printed on local newspapers. I, for one, scour the internet for such sales and print out coupons if necessary. I say, times like these call for drastic measures!
Here are some of my favorite money saving tips on drug stores for all seniors out there:
•    Join your local drug store’s money-saving program. They usually offer one to their most loyal customers. It may be in forms of discount cards, loyalty programs, reward points, rebates or gift certificates. Whatever it is, grab the opportunity while it is there.
•    Use coupons found elsewhere. Coupons are real lifesavers and they are virtually everywhere! They can be found in newspapers, the internet, and even with your latest batch of meds. You just have to find them.
•    Most drug stores usually offer rebates on cash purchases. If you have money on-hand, and you think it’s good enough of a deal for you, then pay cash!
•    Go for generic brands. Usually, branded meds are more expensive than generic ones. It is not because of the quality but sometimes, it all boils down to the name. For your own safety, take some time to examine and compare their active ingredients. If they are of the same composition, then choose the generic one.
•    Go for bulk, just consider the expiry date. Bulk purchases, of course, will save you a lot as they are usually offered at such low price however, some drug stores will do this just to get these meds off their hands before its expiry date.
•    Try purchasing online. Drug stores selling online usually offer their meds at discounted prices, some may even deliver the meds for free, saving you both time and money.