Prescriptions & Optical

[MrsPinecone]

Both Sam's Club and Costco pharmacies may be used WITHOUT a membership card. Just let them know at the door that you are going to the pharmacy.

Also, Sam's Club optical is a no-card-needed department. My contacts were $13-14/box as opposed to the $22 my doctor charges.

[MrsPinecone]

I know that this is obvious to most, but don't forget to check for those "Free Gift Card with New and/or Transferred Prescription" coupons.

Prescriptions can be transferred around town to take advantage of the deals from the various stores. Most can be obtained even though you use an insurance co-pay to pay for them.

Remember to ASK if your store takes competitor's prescription coupons. My CVS didn't have a clue that they accepted them until I told them-- the asst. mgr. had been with that store for 13 years and never knew.

Just to give an example: DH has gotten or refilled 7 prescriptions in the last 2 weeks. We got 2 $20 GC from CVS, 1 $25 GC from SuperFresh, and 1 $25 GC from Eckerd.
7 x $5 copays= $35 ..... 20 + 20 + 25 + 25= $90 in GC .... we're ahead by $55!

[doubleOsavin]

AFAIK, All Target, Ralphs, Vons, Albertsons, Sav-on, and Rite-Aids take competitor's gift card coupons.

I like to use those coupons, transferring back and forth, and I pay the co-pay for my rx with my debit card for my flexible spending account. No out-of-pocket cost, and I get a free gift card too!

[doubleOsavin]

Is there a dedicated prescription gift card coupon thread?

[MrsPinecone]

There is now: http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1018#post1018

[doubleOsavin]

thanks!:)

[JANE4girls]

Both Sam's Club and Costco pharmacies may be used WITHOUT a membership card. Just let them know at the door that you are going to the pharmacy.

Also, Sam's Club optical is a no-card-needed department. My contacts were $13-14/box as opposed to the $22 my doctor charges.

do you know if Sam's offers a rebate with the contacts also? My Dr had a MFG $30 rebate because he wanted me to get the contacts for DD from him. But I probably would have still have a cheaper price at Sam's.

[flash]

Both Sam's Club and Costco pharmacies may be used WITHOUT a membership card. Just let them know at the door that you are going to the pharmacy.

Also, Sam's Club optical is a no-card-needed department. My contacts were $13-14/box as opposed to the $22 my doctor charges.
Costco is offering a few promotions, too...$10 g/c for signing up with membership, and the 2% back with executive membership DOES count for prescriptions, contacts, etc. Add in the 1% with the AM EX card, and I made a nice rebate last year.

Costco also has a sign-up a friend, EACH receives a $10 g/c, if you need a form, PM me.

And...Costco DOES take the manufacturer Rx coupons. If you aren't familiar with manufacturer Rx coupons ($10 off Zelnorm every Rx, etc.), PM me, or I can post the link to my site (did a recent article on this...) but I won't unless the MODs okay it.

:)

Or...I can post ALL the individual links, if someone wants to drop them into the database...

[MrsPinecone]

Interesting suggestion that I saw posted on a non-coupon board:

Everyone whose insurance doesn't cover meds: get AAA. They give drug discounts. A lot of people are surprised at how big of a discount AAA gets them. They will often take off more than 50% for generics and ~20% for brands.

[MrsPinecone]

I have never personally used them, but several of the girls on my baby board had rave reviews for 39dollarglasses.com.

COUPON CODE: fall10 saves you TEN BUCKS!

If you need new glasses, this might be a good way to go.

[Apennysaved]

Both Sam's Club and Costco pharmacies may be used WITHOUT a membership card. Just let them know at the door that you are going to the pharmacy.

Also, Sam's Club optical is a no-card-needed department. My contacts were $13-14/box as opposed to the $22 my doctor charges.

I was wondering if Walmart would be as cheap or cheaper than Sams Club anyone have any opinions?

[MrsPinecone]

I think I checked, and Sam's was cheaper.

Most people don't know that Sam's Optical doesn't require a card, and they capitalize on the fact that people will probably go to Walmart if they don't have a Sam's membership.

[katwoman]

Check at Target Optical for lots of coupons on presciption glasses. Their frames aren't bad, either!

[Apennysaved]

I think I checked, and Sam's was cheaper.

Most people don't know that Sam's Optical doesn't require a card, and they capitalize on the fact that people will probably go to Walmart if they don't have a Sam's membership.

Thank's....Sam's turned out to be the best price I've ever paid for an eye exam and glasses! I would recommend them to anyone and they had a nice selection of frames to choose from too!

[TheWoman]

I found I have saved a ton of money by NOT buying cheap eyeglasses. Every pair of glasses I have ever had broke within a year or two, and were constantly going out of adjustment. Then I got a pair of Flexon frames (back when my parents still paid for them) they were expensive, but they have lasted 10 years and are still going strong. That makes them far less per year than any other frames I have ever had. I had to have them adjusted twice in those 10 years, and even when I get a toddler skull slammed into my face they just bounce back by themselves.

When my daughter was almost 3 I got her what I thought were quality frames. They had an excellent warrenty. I was CONSTANTLY at the eye doc getting them adjusted or repaired--and then her glasses wouldn't stay on for a week while they got the part they needed. Even though I didn't have to pay for the new parts, it was still a huge hassle. We even bought her a cheap pair of glasses for a back up when her nicer glasses were waiting on parts (the cheap ones were even worse. She had worn them one day and the screw came out and the lens got lost. The warrenty only covered broken lenses, not if they got lost.) Yes, a lot of the problems were due to her being so young, but all kids are hard on their glasses.

When she needed new glasses I asked if flexon made kids frames. I paid more, but the only time they needed to be readjusted was when she tried to break them on purpose (and failed.) When you count time and expense driving to the eye doc, the better frames were a great deal. In fact, if you just count gas, I probably broke even.

I should note, however, that if you are prone to losing your glasses, the cheap ones may be your best bet.

[bradandingrid]

this thread is awesome!! my husband and i both needed updated exams, contacts, and glasses. went to walmart for the exams - $71 each. Sams club for the contacts - $13.85/box of 6 - so $55.40 for 4 boxes.
Eyemasters for glasses - running special 2/$99 - each got a pair. SO....
2 exams. 4 boxes of contacts, and 2 pr of glasses for.....$296.40!!! Pretty good i say! TY all for the tips!

[flash]

The warehouse clubs are often cheaper. Cost of several meds from Costco is $2!

You can check the prices for costco at costco.com; I think Sam's club has an online pricing too.

[Stacy]

I will have a new prescription next week. I don't have any GC's when you have a new prescription form. I am concerned that I will have to pay my $500 deductible before I pay my Co-pay. If I did, and I am hoping I don't, cause I don't have $500, could I still use the GC option? And where would I find the form for a GC?

[flash]

Which store do you need the Rx from? Several will honor competitors g/c coupons. Rite Aid usually has g/c offers available, they did this weekend.

If you have a deductible, I'd go to Costco. Once you are through the deductible for the year, you can transfer to another store and get the g/c offer.

An example...our local grocery store charges $490 for a one month prescription that Costco charges...$103 for. So, you could get the med filled almost 5 months at Costco for the price of one month at the grocery store.

But...once you have worked off the deductible, or if you have a trial Rx voucher or other offer, the g/c may make sense immediately.

[Stacy]

When will I know if I have to pay the deductible, when I fill the prescription?

I have a Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS, and Longs Drug. Where was the RA one? I didn't see it anywhere.

Can I call Costco and ask them how much they charge to fill my prescription? I already know what it is.. :)

[anyothername]

When will I know if I have to pay the deductible, when I fill the prescription?

I have a Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS, and Longs Drug. Where was the RA one? I didn't see it anywhere.

Can I call Costco and ask them how much they charge to fill my prescription? I already know what it is.. :)

The deductable will depend on your insurance plan. Not all plans have a deductables so I would advise you to refer to any literature you might have about your pharmacy plan or call your insurance company. Another thing to watch out for is to make sure that costco exepts or is contracted with your insurance company if they are not this might not apply to your deductable or you might have a larger deductable because your using a non prefered pharmacy.

HTH

[flash]

When will I know if I have to pay the deductible, when I fill the prescription?

I have a Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS, and Longs Drug. Where was the RA one? I didn't see it anywhere.

Can I call Costco and ask them how much they charge to fill my prescription? I already know what it is.. :)

Your insurance should specify. You generally can access the info on different insurance plans online...sometimes it's easier to find written answers than to go back on forth on the phone. Medical and pharmacy jargon :) And any pharmacy should be able to access your information and let you know, but it can take awhile.

Stacy, if you want, PM me your info (medication, dosage you need filled, insurance company) and I'll see what I can find out for you.

[srtasa]

does anyone know whether you can buy diabetic supplies at costco without being a member. tia

[mamastew]

this thread is awesome!! my husband and i both needed updated exams, contacts, and glasses. went to walmart for the exams - $71 each. Sams club for the contacts - $13.85/box of 6 - so $55.40 for 4 boxes.
Eyemasters for glasses - running special 2/$99 - each got a pair. SO....
2 exams. 4 boxes of contacts, and 2 pr of glasses for.....$296.40!!! Pretty good i say! TY all for the tips!


I'm thinking it is time for me to get my eyes examined (43 and have to really refocus when I go from reading to trying to watch tv).

Are the eye exams cheaper at Walmart or Sam's? Why did you go to Eyemasters to get your glasses instead of getting them at Sam's or Walmart. I don't have optical insurance so I'm looking for the cheapest way out.

[pinknite1]

Okay, any recommendations for eye exams? What place is the CHEAPEST for a student to get contacts?

1. The rebate form requires that I get an eye exam in order to qualify.
2. Is the eye exam the SAME as the eye exam FOR CONTACTS?
3. What is a good deal for an eye exam? What is a good deal for an eye exam FOR CONTACTS?
4. Where can I order cheap Acuvue 2 contacts and use the rebate ($30 back)?
5. I have Aetna for insurance and how do I check for eligible optometrists?

Thanks SO MUCH for helping me!

[littlereddeer1]

You should be able to go to their website to find particpating dr. Most of the time you can just pay your copay for a contact exam since they will bill it under a drs visit because they check for glucoma. As for the contacts the cheapest I have found is vision direct. It will be about 10.70 per box after the rebate and no shipping.

Don't forget to shop through either upromise or mypoints to get credit.

[starling]

not certain if this is for you or not (i dont have insurance and for me its a great deal), but if you have an americas best contacts and eye care center near you check out there 5 year plan. the last i signed up it was around $125 for 5 years. you have to pay for your contacts and the price really depends on you. they have a budget brand (softmeds, i think) for around $12 a box. i prefer not to purchase them because i can actually feel them in my eyes wereas the other brand that i typically wear i do not. for $125 it covers unlimited eye exams for the 5 years, no matter how many times you go. they even have the other tests that they reccomend you get at least 1 a year for an additional $14.

i personally think it is worth the $$ without insurance.

here's the site http://www.twopair.com/eyecareclub/

i have seen the rebate but dont recall it enough to remember the details.

[Houstonmommy]

Transferring vision prescriptions?

Am I reading this right? You can transfer your vision scrip to Target and get a g/c with the transfer coupon? Or am I confusing the issue?

Has anyone ever done 1800Contacts?

Both DH and I need eye exams and refills on our contacts and it has been YEARS since either of us has had a new pair of glasses so it sounds like Sam's is a good deal.

We have excellent vision coverage so I'll need to do price comparisons.

[hrborn]

We've used 1800Contacts for years and have had no problems. I like having them come right to my door!

Also, BOLO for a $20 GC to $125+ purchase at Target optical. I just got one in the mail but I don't need new glasses, so it is in the trade forum.

[kendon11]

I have never personally used them, but several of the girls on my baby board had rave reviews for 39dollarglasses.com.

COUPON CODE: fall10 saves you TEN BUCKS!

If you need new glasses, this might be a good way to go.

Thanks for this link! I desperately need new ones and didn't have any idea sites like this existed.

[wantabunch]

Don't think they do contacts, but for CHEAP glasses, check out Zenni Optical - Complete prescription eyeglasses from $8.00 (http://www.zennioptical.com).