A few weeks ago here on the Modest Needs Blog, we talked about how twenty or so of the most prescribed medicines in the country are poised to go off patent, which means that there will be much cheaper generics available for pricey drugs like Lipitor, Plavix and Lexapro. This will be a enormous relief to a good number of Americans who rely on these drugs.
But there are other ways besides waiting for generics to save big on prescription medicine, and the terrific blog Get Rich Slowly has a fantastic post explaining easy ways to pay less for Rx:
You might not have to pay for meds at all. Once that strep throat is diagnosed, ask if the doc has any drug samples. Pharmaceutical reps drop off boxes of free meds along with those fabulous calendars, pens and tote bags. Your doctor might reserve these drugs for desperately broke patients — but maybe that’s you. It can’t hurt to ask.
If you’re living on a very low income, you might qualify for free medications through “patient assistance programs” offered by most pharmaceutical companies. 
Groups such as NeedyMeds, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, theChronic Disease Fund and the Bureau of Prescription Help can tell you more.
Several drug companies also joined forces to create the Together Rx Access Program, designed for people under the age of 65 who have no prescription drug coverage. This free, income-based program makes it possible to save 25% to 40% on more than 300 medicines and medical products, and is accepted in most major pharmacies in the United States and Puerto Rico.
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