Cut your med costs in half (really)

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Here's a quick tip that can potentially cut the cost of your prescription medications in half! I don't use exclamation points often, so this is cool. I learned this trick from a pharmacist, actually, even though it's not necessarily to their advantage. This saved me when I was on a $100/mo. medication without insurance. 

The next time you visit your health care provider, ask if any of your medications are available in pill (not capsule) form. Then see if there's a pill that's double the dose you need. If there is, ask to have that one prescribed instead and then take half a pill instead. This isn't possible with every med; if you have a time-release prescription, it won't work. Your doctor could say no, but it's definitely worth trying – especially if you don't have adequate insurance. I know that you can do this with a fair amount of medications.  

Outside of that, check if your preferred pharmacy does price matching. In general, at least in my area, Costco has the lowest prices (and you don't have to buy in bulk). You can, of course, switch pharmacies. But there are sometimes reasons to stay with the one you use. Making a few calls around town, though, could be a big saver.

Do you have any other money-saving tips when it comes to meds? Share your tricks in the comments.