Why You Should Be Getting a 3-Month Prescription Supply
Wondering how long of a prescription supply you should get?
Many prescriptions for chronic conditions come with a set number of refills. A common refill frequency is every 30 days. When it runs you, you go back for another 30-day supply.
But your doctor and insurance company may give you the option of a 90-day prescription refill. That larger supply comes with some perks that pay off financially and in convenience.
Keep reading to learn the reasons you should consider getting a 3-month supply of your regular prescription medications.
Save Yourself Money
On many insurance plans, choosing a 90-day prescription refill period is cheaper when you break it down per month.
Your cost per refill is higher since you’re getting a larger amount of your medication, but when you divide it out per dose, the cost is often lower.
To figure out the cost difference, contact your insurance company or pharmacy to find out your cost for your medication. Ask for the 30-day and 90-day pricing. The specific type of medication you take also affects the price.
The cost can also vary from one pharmacy to another. Save money by checking with different pharmacies. Check out pharmacy reviews to make sure you’re working with a reputable business.
Once you have the information, divide the cost of a 90-day supply by 3. Compare that number to the 30-day prescription to see which is most cost-effective.
Say your medication costs $15 for a 30-day supply or $30 for a 90-day supply. Divide 30 by 3 to get $10 for the per-month pricing when you get a 90-day supply. You save $5 per month when you go with the 3-month option.
Cut Down on Errands
Filling your prescription every month makes more work for you. If you don’t have your prescription set to refill automatically, you have to remember to call or stop in each month to have it filled. Then, you have to pick it up at your pharmacy.
Even if you have it delivered, it’s just one more monthly thing you have to manage.
When you switch to 3-month refills, you only have to deal with it a few times per year. It’s one less thing you have to worry about, and it makes your life much easier.
Don’t Run Out of Your Prescription Supply
Think about how quickly the average month passes. Your busy schedule means time flies.
It’s easy to forget things like picking up prescription refills. Even if you have them set up to refill automatically every 30 days, you still have to make time to grab them.
With a 90-day prescription, you have more room to breathe before you have to pick up your next supply. You won’t feel like you’re constantly running low since you can go almost 3 months before refilling.
Use Your Medication Regularly
Along the same lines, if you have plenty of your medication on hand, it’s easier to take it consistently. When you refill every 30 days, you might forget to pick up your prescription, which may cause you to skip a day or two until you pick it up.
It may not seem like a big deal, but failing to take your medication consistently and as prescribed can have serious health consequences.
People fail to take medication as prescribed 50% of the time. Not following the directions for prescription drugs causes chronic disease treatment to fail 30 to 50% of the time. It causes 125,000 deaths every year.
All of those are excellent reasons to keep an ample supply of your medication on hand, so you never have to skip a dose.
Track Medical Expenses Easily
Do you track your medical spending for tax purposes or personal records? It’s important for tax deductions and personal budgeting to track what you’re spending.
Filling your prescription every month creates more paperwork and tracking for those records. You’ll have 12 payments to make and record every year.
When you switch to a 90-day supply, you only have four payments to make and track each year. You’ll have a much smaller pile of paperwork and receipts to present to your tax preparer if you deduct your medical expenses. This saves you time and helps you stay more organized throughout the year.
It’s Easy to Get Approved
In most cases, all you have to do is talk to your doctor to get your prescription approved for a 90-day supply. If you already have a prescription, check with your pharmacist about switching to a 90-day refill cycle. If your doctor needs to okay it, the pharmacy can contact the doctor’s office to get the approval.
There may be some restrictions on certain types of drugs, especially drugs with risky side effects. Check with your insurance company, pharmacy, and physician if one of your prescriptions doesn’t get approved. They can tell you why it doesn’t qualify for a longer prescription supply.
You Can Order From Online Pharmacies
Another benefit of going with a 90-day prescription is the ability to order from online pharmacists. Many of them use the 90-day refill cycle.
Online pharmacies are a good idea for many reasons. You may find they’re cheaper than using local pharmacies. Check on the 90-day pricing through online pharmacies, and compare it to the price quotes you got from local pharmacies to check on the pricing difference.
It’s also more convenient because you don’t have to drive to the pharmacy. You can order all of your prescriptions online from the convenience of your home.
The pharmacy sends the medication directly to your house. You get the medication you need quickly without driving anywhere to get it.
This is especially helpful if you’re busy or have small children and don’t want to bring them out. It’s also beneficial for people who have limited mobility or are homebound.
Increase Your Prescription Supply
With a longer prescription supply for your routine drugs, you can enjoy time freedom and cost savings. It’s also easier to stay on top of your medication routine when you’re not worried about running out constantly. Explore our health section for additional information on keeping up with your wellness.
