Lifestyle
How to Cut Medication Costs Without Cutting Corners
Last Updated on October 1, 2025 by Daily News Staff
How to Cut Medication Costs Without Cutting Corners
A health care insider shares tips for staying well and financially grounded, even in a tough economy
(Family Features) As the cost of living continues to rise, many Americans are being forced to make difficult financial decisions – weighing whether to pay rent, get groceries or fill prescriptions. Skipping medications might seem like a quick way to save money, but this can lead to serious health risks and even higher costs down the road.
In fact, research shows 27% of Americans skip prescriptions each month due to cost. More than half of Americans who filled a prescription this year said the cost felt like a financial burden, with 1 in 3 people cutting back on essentials like food or clothing to afford their medications.
These trade-offs highlight just how important it is to find practical, affordable ways to stay on treatment. Fortunately, there are proven strategies to help individuals stay current with their medications without breaking the bank. Cindy George, MPH, a senior personal finance editor at GoodRx and nationally recognized health journalist, shared expert advice to help consumers and their families improve their health care cost literacy, reduce expenses and stay healthy without overspending.
Understand the True Cost of Medications
Many people assume the pharmacy counter price is non-negotiable, but in reality, the cost of the same medication can vary significantly depending on the pharmacy or use of available savings tools.
“Many people don’t realize there is no single price for a prescription,” George said. “Costs can vary by upwards of $100 from one pharmacy to the next, even in the same ZIP code. Understanding how to compare prices and find the most affordable option is incredibly valuable. Just like travel sites show you different options for airlines or hotels and their associated expenses, prescription price comparison sites show how much your medication costs at each pharmacy and provide you with available savings.”
By entering the medication name, along with dosage and ZIP code, individuals can quickly compare prices in their area using GoodRx. Using the website or app, you can explore alternative forms of a medication and get suggestions to help you talk with your doctor or pharmacist about more affordable options.
When Insurance Falls Short, You Still Have Options
Today, only about half of all prescriptions are fully covered by insurance without restrictions. Many have conditions, such as step therapy, quantity limits or prior authorizations, that can lead to delays or higher costs at the pharmacy counter.
“Even insured individuals are struggling to keep up with health care costs,” George said. “More and more are finding themselves underinsured, and that’s making basic health care harder to afford – and harder to access – for millions of families.”
That’s why comparison shopping is increasingly important for people in the U.S. Even those with Medicare or Medicaid may benefit from cost comparisons. For that reason, George said it’s smart to look at all your options, including price comparisons at different pharmacies.
“Cost comparison tools can help people find lower prices on both generic and brand-name medications, regardless of their coverage status,” she said.
While these resources are not a full replacement for health insurance, they can be a helpful way to reduce medication costs and avoid unexpected surprises at the pharmacy.
Build Confidence Through Cost Literacy
Cost literacy is about more than just looking up prices. It involves understanding how insurance works, what’s included in a plan’s formulary, how to interpret billing documents and how to challenge costs that seem too high. According to George, “health care cost literacy” is one of the best investments you can make in your overall financial well-being.
“Improving your health care cost literacy starts with being aware of your options and asking the right questions,” she said. “Learn the basics, like what a premium, deductible or copay means, and review your insurance plan’s benefits and covered medications.”
George recommends starting with trusted tools that break down health care costs and terminology.
“Tools like the GoodRx Guide to Drug Costs, Coverage and Savings, cost estimators from hospitals and insurance plans and State Health Insurance Assistance Programs – known as SHIPs – for Medicare can help you better understand and manage costs,” she said. “If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your provider, pharmacist or insurance representative to walk you through your bills or Explanation of Benefits.”
Simple Strategies Can Add Up
Small adjustments in how medications are filled can make a major difference over time. George recommends a few consistent strategies that can reduce out-of-pocket costs:
- Always compare prices, including your insurance copay. “People assume their insurance copay is the best deal for accessing a medication at the lowest cost, but that’s not always true,” George said. “It’s important to compare prices upfront to ensure you’re taking the most affordable option.”
- Uncover brand-name savings programs. Many pharmaceutical companies offer copay cards or patient assistance programs that can dramatically reduce your costs for brand-name or specialty medications.
- Explore generic medications, if available. Generic medications typically cost less than their brand-name counterparts. Check with a health care professional before opting for a generic, because there might be specific reasons the brand-name version was prescribed.
- Consider a 90-day supply. For chronic conditions, ask a health care professional whether you can switch from a 30-day supply of medication to a 90-day supply, since this is often cheaper per dose.
- Try delivery. Ordering through a mail-order pharmacy can add convenience and, in many cases, offer lower prices, particularly for ongoing prescriptions.
Stay Grounded in Your Health – and Your Finances
Rising health care costs can feel overwhelming, but knowledge and planning go a long way. By building confidence through cost literacy, comparing prices and using tools to explore savings opportunities, consumers can remain in control of both their care and their budgets.
Visit GoodRx.com to explore options, compare prices and take more control over your medication costs.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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Community
Viewpoint Hosted by Dennis Quaid Brings Attention to a Little-Understood Condition Affecting Families Nationwide
A new Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid segment with APFED raises awareness of eosinophilic esophagitis, its subtle symptoms, and its impact on families.
For more information, readers can visit viewpointproject.com and apfed.org.
For many families, health conditions do not always begin with a dramatic diagnosis. Sometimes they show up in small, everyday habits that seem easy to explain away. Cutting food into tiny bites. Drinking extra water with every meal. Quietly avoiding certain foods altogether. A new educational segment from Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid is shining a light on those subtle warning signs through a collaboration with the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders, helping more people recognize the realities of living with eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE.
Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid
The segment, distributed to Public Television stations across the country, focuses on making this chronic inflammatory condition easier for the public to understand. For viewers, that matters because EoE is often misunderstood or overlooked, even as it affects daily routines, family meals, and quality of life. By connecting medical information to real-life experiences, the program gives audiences a more human picture of what people with the condition may be facing.
When everyday habits tell a bigger story
Eosinophilic esophagitis occurs when eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, build up in the esophagus, causing inflammation that can lead to tissue damage and narrowing. But what stands out most in this story is not just the science. It is the way people often adapt without realizing it. Behaviors like chewing excessively, avoiding certain textures, or relying on liquids to help swallow can become so routine that they no longer feel unusual.
That is one reason the segment carries real community value. It encourages people to look more closely at symptoms that may have been normalized for years and to seek evaluation from specialists such as gastroenterologists or allergists. It also raises awareness among parents, caregivers, and primary care providers who may be the first to notice that something is not quite right.
More than awareness
The program also explores the emotional and social side of the condition, especially for people navigating dietary restrictions and the uncertainty of delayed diagnosis. In that sense, this is not only a story about medicine. It is also a story about advocacy, support, and the importance of helping people feel seen.
APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel noted that many people with EoE do not realize they have adapted their lives around a medical condition. That message gives the segment its strongest human element: awareness can change lives, not only by leading to diagnosis, but by helping families better understand experiences that may have felt isolating or confusing.
Originally distributed in January 2025, the documentary will continue to be made available to stations through March 2027, extending its reach to more households nationwide.
Related Coverage
Read more from STM Daily News on community issues, public television, health awareness, and stories that connect national topics to everyday life.
For More Information
- Visit the official Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid website
- Learn more about the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders
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Last Updated on April 3, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) Easter celebrations don’t need to be elaborate to feel special. A few thoughtful touches – from elegant decor to sweet seasonal treats – can instantly elevate baskets, brunch tables and spring gatherings.
Darling Decor
Few things capture the spirit of spring like a welcoming table. Creating an Easter-ready setting can be simple: pastel eggs nestled in woven baskets, floral runners, ribbons, paper napkins, egg-shaped votives and whimsical bunny accents instantly brighten the scene. Layering soft colors and natural textures helps create a table that feels festive yet effortless.
Brunching with Bunnies
Easter is the perfect excuse to refresh your brunch menu. A signature dish – whether it’s a savory quiche, fluffy pancakes or a fresh fruit board – paired with playful mocktails can instantly set a celebratory tone.
For a sweet finishing touch, add a bowl of Ferrero Rocher premium gold-wrapped chocolates to the table. They double as both a treat and eye-catching accent. Guests can also enjoy the brand’s first-ever hollow bunny candy, “Bunny and Egg,” a festive seasonal chocolate designed especially for Easter celebrations. These elegant treats work just as well tucked into Easter baskets as they do placed around the table for guests to enjoy.
Festive Florals
No spring table is complete without flowers. Seasonal favorites like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and white lilies can brighten any gathering. Arrange them in rabbit-shaped planters or simple bud vases for a playful touch. For a creative twist, fill clear vases with colorful stones, craft gems or even jellybeans before adding blooms for a centerpiece that feels both festive and fresh.
Beyond Basic Baskets
Easter baskets have evolved beyond simple candy assortments. Today’s baskets often feature curated treats and small gifts for everyone at the table. For a premium addition, Ferrero Rocher Golden Eggs – individually wrapped white, milk and dark chocolates with a smooth, indulgent center – bring a touch of elegance to baskets, egg hunts or springtime place settings.
Sweet Moments to Share
Sometimes the most memorable Easter traditions are the simplest ones – sharing dessert after brunch, passing around chocolates at the table or sending guests home with a small sweet treat. Setting out a bowl of chocolates encourages everyone to pause, indulge and celebrate the moment together.
Find more elegant treat and decor ideas to elevate your Easter celebration at ferrerorocher.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (man and woman painting Easter eggs)
SOURCE:Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
health and wellness
Progress, Not Perfection: How Healthy Habits Can Stack Up One Step at a Time
The article emphasizes that achieving better health relies on progress, not perfection. It advocates for realistic goals and highlights tools like My Life Check for personalized health assessments. Small, manageable changes in diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management can significantly impact overall well-being, making healthy habits more attainable and sustainable.
Last Updated on April 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Progress, Not Perfection: How Healthy Habits Can Stack Up One Step at a Time
(Feature Impact) Despite the best of intentions, it’s common for plans to build healthier habits to fall flat. Often, the culprit isn’t a lack of motivation or discipline; rather, it’s unrealistic expectations.
Overhauling your lifestyle requires a level of commitment that isn’t always practical. Understanding your personal health needs and the challenges you need to overcome can help give you a more realistic roadmap toward better health.
Tools to Guide You
Every plan needs a starting point and there are many reputable sources that can help guide you toward a plan that addresses your personal health needs.
For example, the American Heart Association introduced My Life Check, a simple, free tool to help individuals understand their heart health and what’s driving it. Users answer simple questions about their daily habits and health factors to get a personalized Heart Health Score in minutes.
The results are private and downloadable, giving you full control of your information. The tool turns big goals into small, specific actions you can start right away. Knowing your numbers relative to your heart health (and where you are in comparison to target ranges for optimal health) can help you decide how to build a better map to get you where you want to be.
While the report is customized to each individual, no personal data is stored and answers are only used to calculate health scores and provide personalized recommendations and practical steps to improve your health, so you can use your results to focus on what matters most to you. Every small step you take, such as moving more, eating smarter, sleeping better or managing stress, can add up over time.
Finding Your Path
Once you’re armed with data and know where you stand on your heart health numbers, small steps become clearer and more manageable. That knowledge makes it easier to choose one area to focus on, such as getting more sleep, taking daily walks or adding more color to your meals.
Healthy changes don’t need to be expensive or complicated. The best habits are ones that fit real life when every action you take moves you closer to your goals.
Staying motivated and on track is also easier when you can check back in, see your progress and realize the steps you’re taking are making an impact. Checking in every few months to see how you can grow gives you the chance to celebrate your progress, learn from challenges and keep building lasting habits that feel good.
To get started with personalized tips to set your own health goals, visit heart.org/mylifecheck.
Healthy Habits for Everyday Life
Eat Smart
Choose foods that help you feel your best, one meal at a time. Add more color to your plate and focus on balance, not restriction. Simple, affordable swaps can make a real difference.
Smart Tip: Aim for an overall healthy eating pattern that includes whole foods, fruits and vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds and cooking in non-tropical oils such as olive and canola.
Move More
Find movement that fits your life, such as a walk, a stretch or dancing while you cook. Every bit of activity counts and it all supports your heart and mind. Move for joy, not just for results.
Smart Tip:Adults should get 150 minutes of moderate physical activity (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity) per week. Kids should aim for 60 minutes every day, including play and structured activities.
Sleep Well
Rest is a foundation of good health, not a reward. Protect your bedtime routine and give your body the recovery it deserves. Notice how good sleep makes everything else easier.
Smart Tip: Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Children require more. Adequate sleep promotes healing, improves brain function and reduces the risk for chronic diseases.
Manage Stress
Check in with yourself regularly, both mentally and emotionally. Create simple moments to pause, breathe, laugh or step outside. Connection, kindness and calm all support a healthy heart.
Smart Tip:The first step to stress management is awareness. Step “away from yourself” for a moment. Objectively ask yourself, “Is my stress level too high?” If so, look at what might be causing that stress.
Ideas for Incremental Changes
- Dedicate 15 minutes at the beginning or end of the day to focus on self-care, whether it’s unwinding with some music, writing down your goals or reflecting on the highlights of the day.
- Aim to add an extra serving of fruits or veggies each day, such as creating a savory veggie omelet or exploring new smoothie blends that let you pack in the produce on the go.
- Give your cabinets a quick update and put the smaller plates front and center. When you use a smaller plate, you can fill it while still sticking to recommended serving sizes.
- If you’re not a fan of the gym, think about how your hobbies can play a role in your physical activity. Even gardening counts as physical activity, so get creative to get moving with an activity you truly enjoy.
- Establish a bedtime routine that allows you to ease into sleep more easily. Once you feel the impact of better-quality rest, you may find yourself more motivated to make a regular bedtime a priority.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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