Saving money on prescription drug costs may require buying a three-month supply instead of one month at a time, according to a new study.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center report patients may trim medication costs by 18-to-30-percent by purchasing a three-month supply.
The study, published in Applied Health Economics & Health Policy, November 20, 2009, analyzed more than 26,000 prescriptions filled. According to a news release, "The drugs in this study were limited to those that were prescribed for common chronic conditions, including high cholesterol, hypertension, hypothyroidism and depression. Only patients who received both a one-month supply and a three-month supply during the same year in the same dose and quantity were included in the main analysis."
Researchers say prescription drugs are one of the fastest rising health care costs. They also recommend switching to generics to save money.
