The average senior citizen takes 4 to 6 different kinds of prescriptions a day and refills their meds 12 to 17 times a year. Can you imagine how much you could save if you made sure every prescription was actually needed! All Medicare Part D drug benefit plans charge you for every prescription you get filled, even if you find out you cannot take the medication. Also, as you should know every prescription you purchase goes toward your falling into the ?donut hole?. If you have part d coverage that includes Medicare Part D Deductible for 2008, you may be using your deductible to pay for medications that you can't even use. You may experience side effects from a particular medication or it just may not work for you. That is the reason to ask your doctor for samples at first.

Many people take several kinds of medications that treat the same ailment. Sometimes this is necessary, but many times it is not. Be sure you discuss all your medications with every doctor you see!! If you are not taking the generic form, ask the doctor if you can switch. Ask your doctor if there is a less expensive medication for your problem. Many times doctors will prescribe the newest most expensive medications instead of the old tried and true less expensive meds. Don't be shy to explain to your doctor you must save as much as possible on your Medicare Part D Coverage.

Anytime your doctor gives you a new medication, ask him to give you samples to take at first. Many times the new medication will not work for you. If you have filled a complete prescription for this medication it will count towards your falling into the ?donut hole?. You wouldn't believe how often this happens, so please do yourself a favor and don't be afraid to ask for samples from your doctor till you are sure this new medication works for you!!