Mental health is vital to our well-being, yet it is often overlooked or left untreated. This is partly due to the high cost of mental health care, which can put treatment out of reach for many people. If you or someone you know is struggling to afford mental health care, there are a few things you can do to ease the financial burden. Explore these seven ways how to get your mental health medicine more affordably.
1. Compare Prices Between Pharmacies.
Regarding mental health medication, the price can vary significantly between pharmacies. It’s important to compare prices between different pharmacies to ensure you get the best medication deal. There are a few ways that you can compare prices between pharmacies for your mental health medication.
- Ask the pharmacies for their costs.
- Look online or call around to different pharmacies.
- Use a website that will allow you to search for discounts on your medications at different pharmacies.
- If you have insurance, check with your insurer to see their coverage for mental health medications. Some insurers will only cover certain drugs or may have higher co-pays for others.
2. Look For Coupons Or Discounts.
If you’re struggling to afford your mental health medicine, there are a few things you can do to lower the cost. One option is to look for coupons or discounts from the drug manufacturer. Many times, these coupons can be found online or in magazines. Another way to get your mental health medication more affordably is to see if your insurance company covers the cost of the drug. Some insurance companies will cover a portion of the cost, while others may cover the entire cost.
3. Use A Prescription Drug Discount Card.
If you have a mental health condition, chances are you’re taking at least one prescription medication to help manage it. And if you’re like most people, you also struggle to pay for that medication. One way to get help with the cost of your prescriptions is to use a prescription discount card. This card can offer significant savings on the cost of your mental health medicine, whether you’re paying out-of-pocket or utilizing insurance.
4. Ask Your Doctor For A Generic Option.
If you’re struggling to afford your mental health medication, one option is to ask your doctor for a generic version. Generic drugs are typically much cheaper than brand-name ones, which can significantly reduce costs. Not all drugs have a generic version available. But many do, so it’s worth asking your doctor about this option. Even if a generic version isn’t available for your particular drug, there may be other ways to make it more affordable.
5. Look Into Patient Assistance Programs.
Patient Assistance programs can offset the cost of your mental health medicine by providing financial assistance or free or discounted drugs. Contact the company’s customer service department that makes your prescription to determine if you qualify for any patient assistance programs. You can also search for programs on the website that provides information on patient assistance programs and other resources for people with limited incomes.
6. Consider Mail-order Pharmacy Options.
Mail-order pharmacies can offer significant savings on medications, as they often have lower overhead costs than traditional retail pharmacies. Additionally, many insurance plans now provide mail-order options for prescription medications, so check with your insurer to see if this is possible. If you decide to use a mail-order pharmacy, be sure to do your research to find one that is reputable and offers good customer service. You will also want to ensure that the pharmacy can fill all your prescriptions, as not all mail-order pharmacies carry every medication.
7. Find A Community Mental Health Center.
If you need help paying for your mental health medication, one option is to find a community mental health center. These centers provide low-cost or free mental health services to people who cannot afford them otherwise. To find a community mental health center near you, search online or ask your doctor for a referral.
Conclusion
There are several ways to get your mental health medicine more affordably. These include talking to your doctor about generic options, using patient assistance programs, and looking for coupons or discounts. By taking the time to research your options, you are getting the best possible price on your mental health medication.
Author: Elizabeth Howard
Lizzie Howard is a Colorado native who after graduating from the University of Colorado spends her time as a freelance writer. When Lizzie isn’t writing, she enjoys going on hikes, baking for her friends and family, and spending time with her beloved yellow lab, Sparky.
