I recently heard on 20/20 that 1 out of 3 Americans can't pay for their monthly supply of medicines.?

Your doctor isn't being helpful, that's for sure. Here are some ideas for saving money anyway:

- Ask him (or your pharmacist) if you can get the same drugs as cheaper generic versions (if you aren't already), or if not, if he could switch you to a different drug that's cheaper (it's often the case that older and cheaper drugs - generic or not - are just as safe and effective as newer, more heavily advertised, more costly drugs).

- Show a list of all your current prescriptions to the pharmacist and ask if anything seems redundant. or if there are any similar drugs your doctor may be able to switch you to, to save $$$. You could also do the same with a different doctor from the one you have now, or you could even try it by posting all your meds in a question on Yahoo! Answers (though that latter method won't necessarily give you accurate results).

- See if you're eligible for the prescription savings plans available at some large chains like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, etc. You can find out by going to the pharmacy in the store and asking.

Good luck!

The doctor's job is to keep you alive, not to solve your financial problems. If you are going to die without the pills, then he is correct to tell you what he is telling you.

The manufacturers of some pills will get them to you at a discount, or even free, if you contact them, ask for assistance, and fill out a lot of paperwork. You may have seen the television commercial that ends "Can't afford ... astrozenica may be able to help".

In some cases, you may be able to save money by getting certain prescriptions filled at WalMart or Costco and not using the insurance for those prescriptions. Some pills cost as little as $4 for a 30-day supply, which is less than the copay with your insurance.

In most cases, the copay is more with a "brand name" and less with a "generic". See if your doctor can prescribe more "generics" and fewer "brand name" medicines.

~~The great American Health Care system! It's so wrong. Talk with your pharmacist and ask him what programs are available with the makers of each drug you are taking. Most drug companies will give large discounts when a medication is very necessary and the patient has no means to cover them. The pharmacy can get you the info to apply for the help.

From what your doc is saying, these meds are very important for you, so you need help in making sure you get them. Also for anything you can't get a substantial discount on, speak with your doctor. Drug reps give medications to offices for this very reason~~

I doubt the number is that high, but you can get switched to generics (hopefully) or import the drugs.

I have been breaking my blood pressure pills in half