Not all health plans provide adequate coverage for prescription medications. This issue can become worse (and more persistent) as a person ages. Here are a few ways to soften the impact on your personal financial situation:

Ask your doctor about free samples. Pharmaceutical companies often send doctors free samples, and your doctor may have some on hand that will treat your condition. But beware! Some brand-name medications might be expensive to continue once the free samples run out and you begin paying for them.

Look for generic equivalents. A generic drug is one that is sold under its chemical name instead of a brand name, and has the same effects as the brand-name drug. Generics are almost always cheaper, and many brand-name drugs have a generic equivalent.

Be up-front with your doctor about what you can afford. Ask about lower-cost possibilities, and research your options on the Web, and by asking your pharmacist.

Consider mail order. Drugs are sometimes cheaper by mail order than through a pharmacy but make sure you're working with a reputable company that will send you the genuine product you requested.

Don't be too influenced by TV ads. Drugs advertised on TV are often among the most expensive. Discuss options with your doctor and look for lower-priced alternatives.

Ask for dosage options. If your doctor thinks you need 100 mg of a particular drug each day, ask whether a prescription for 200-mg pills, taken half each day, would work.

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http://www.jdpower.com/Healthcare/ratings/pharmacy-ratings-(brick-and-mortar)/

http://www.jdpower.com/Healthcare/ratings/pharmacy-ratings-(mail-order)/