You can’t always control whether you develop an illness for which you need medication, but you can control how much you spend. Generic medications can help with that, because they don’t cost nearly as much as the name brands. Some medications don’t have generic equivalents, though, so you’ll have to pay full price for them. If that’s the case with you, ask your doctor about free samples. He might be able to provide you with your medication that way, so you don’t have to keep paying high prices for what you need to keep you healthy. If you can’t get free samples, there are still more choices to help make sure you get your medicine.

One of the things you can do is get a prepaid card and load it with the right amount to pay for your medications, so the money will be there when you need it. You can also talk to the companies that make your medications. Some of them offer discount cards that are good for a year or more. You’ll be able to save money that way, and you can use the money you buy something else you need. Money can be very tight when the economy is bad, but you still need your medication.

Don’t be shy about asking for help from your doctor, the pharmacy, the company that makes your medication, and any charitable organizations in your area that help people with medical expenses. There’s no harm in asking, and you may just find some people willing to help you. Much of that will depend on your income level and the cost of your medications, but you won’t know whether you qualify for any help until you ask around. Some people don’t like to do that because they feel embarrassed, but there’s nothing embarrassing about saving money.